VR1: Idaho's first virtual reality arcade opens in Eagle

May 2024 · 2 minute read

News anchors Brent Hunsaker and Natalie Hurst couldn't resist the the offer - putt putt golf and skiing - without all the hassle of driving to two different resorts at distant locations.

Instead, the two news anchors went to downtown Eagle and visited VR1.

VR1 is the first virtual reality arcade of its kind in the Treasure Valley and all of Idaho, offering a brand new VR gaming environment.

The state of the art technology allows the user to experience first-hand the sights, sensations and sounds of a VR setting of their choice.

Every movement the player makes in real time is transformed into a virtual 3D world.

Founder Brendan Smythe says the immersive experience has endless adventures to explore in genres such as sports, art, battle and building - to name a few.

The games are interactive and allow users the option to playing with, or against, real people and friends.

Anchor Natalie Hurst tried the skiing segment, and lasted approximately four minutes before "crashing" into a tree.

Anchor Brent Hunsaker explored the world of putt-putt golf extensively, by taking at least 20 strokes (if not more?!) on the first hole of the VR game.

Smythe said folks are invited to play with friends and family, while seeing their movements play out on the five station monitors.

"We just opened up the doors and everybody is excited about it," Smythe said. "They question a little bit and say, 'now what is it?' And then when they find out what this is they just want to come try it."

VR1 is located at 1225 W. Winding Creek Drive in Eagle, Suite 110.

It's open every day of the week, except Mondays.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 3 to 10 pm; Friday-Saturday noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday noon to 7 p.m.

Pricing: Sunday-Thursday is $15 for 25 minutes or $25 for 55 minutes.

Friday and Saturday is $20 for 25 minutes and $30 for 55 minutes.

For more information, call (208) 941-5958 or send an email to: vr1arcade@gmail.com.

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