How to Choose VR Equipment for a VR Arcade: 6 Key Factors That Affect ROI

Choosing the right VR arcade equipment is one of the most important decisions when opening a VR experience center. A machine may look impressive, but appearance alone does not tell you whether it will suit your customers, fit your space or generate steady revenue.

We once worked with a customer named Mike from the United States. His VR arcade covered approximately 100 square meters. When selecting equipment, he mainly chose machines that looked attractive to him. After the machines were installed, however, he found that several of them offered similar content. The overall equipment mix was not varied enough.

A 100-square-meter VR venue may accommodate around ten machines, depending on the size and operating space required by each one. With limited space, every machine needs to serve a clear purpose.

We normally recommend combining different types of experiences. A venue might include a viewing attraction such as a four-player VR cinema, a motion-based attraction such as the Skyfun 360° Rotating Chair, and an interactive shooting game such as Assault Team.

When the machines offer different content and levels of intensity, customers have more reasons to try another game and return in the future. This is why learning how to choose VR equipment is not simply about comparing product prices. It is about building the right combination for the venue.

1. Define Your Target Customers

Before comparing different VR machines for sale, first decide who your main customers will be.

In many VR arcades, the largest customer groups are children and teenagers between 6 and 18 years old. However, younger children and teenage players often have very different preferences.

Children are usually attracted by colorful, cartoon-style machines. The appearance of the equipment is often the first thing that gets their attention. One example is Skyfun's VR Panda Trooper, a kids' VR machine designed specifically for younger players.

It includes more than seven cartoon-style games with clear visual content and easy-to-understand gameplay. This makes it suitable for children who may be trying VR for the first time.

Teenagers usually prefer more interactive or competitive games. Popular choices include zombie-shooting experiences such as VR Battle, multiplayer games such as VR Arena, and puzzle-solving experiences such as VR Room Escape.

If a venue mainly serves families, it should include both child-friendly machines and multiplayer attractions. If the target customers are teenagers and young adults, shooting, competition and high-motion experiences may be more suitable.

The equipment mix should follow the local customer profile, rather than the personal preferences of the venue owner.

2. Calculate the Available Floor Space

Different venue sizes require different equipment combinations.

As an initial estimate, a standard VR machine may require approximately 10 square meters, including the machine itself and part of its operating space. A venue owner can use this figure to make a rough calculation of how many machines may fit.

However, this is only a starting point. The actual space required will depend on:

✅ The dimensions of each machine

A compact seated VR cinema requires a different layout from a large rotating simulator or a free-roaming multiplayer system.

Trying to fit too many machines into a small venue can make the space uncomfortable and may create safety or operational problems. On the other hand, using too few machines may reduce the revenue potential of the available floor space.

For a more accurate VR arcade setup, customers can provide Skyfun with the venue dimensions or CAD drawings. Our team can then recommend a machine list based on the actual space.

3. Balance Single-Player, Two-Player and Multiplayer Machines

For a venue larger than 50 square meters, we normally recommend including single-player, two-player and multiplayer equipment.

Single-player machines can be useful for individual customers and usually require less space. Two-player machines are suitable for couples, friends and siblings. Multiplayer attractions are especially useful for families, birthday parties, corporate groups and customers who want a more social experience.

If the venue is larger, we generally recommend adding more multiplayer machines when possible. A multiplayer machine can serve several customers during one session, which can improve revenue efficiency per square meter.

This does not mean that every machine needs to be a multiplayer attraction. The objective is to create a balanced mix.

For example, a venue might use:

The right player-capacity mix can help the venue serve different customer groups without leaving too much equipment idle.

4. Check Session Length and Customer Turnover

A typical VR game session lasts approximately five minutes, although the actual duration depends on the machine and the selected game.

For a single-player VR machine, a venue may be able to serve approximately ten players per hour after allowing time for customers to enter, leave and prepare for the next session.

This is why session length and turnover rate matter when evaluating commercial VR equipment. A popular machine may attract a queue, but if loading and resetting the equipment takes too long, it may serve fewer paying customers during busy hours.

Before purchasing a machine, consider:

A machine with a slightly higher purchase price may produce better results if it can serve more players with less reset time.

5. Combine Different Types of Content and Intensity

The local market should influence the level of VR equipment you choose.

If there are few VR attractions in your area, you can begin with entry-level and interactive machines. These products are generally easier for first-time players to understand and can be suitable for venues with a limited starting budget.

Examples include the two-player 9D VR Egg Chair and a two-player HTC VR setup. These machines can provide accessible VR experiences without requiring every customer to be an experienced gamer.

If your local area already has several VR venues, it becomes more important to offer newer or more distinctive attractions.

One option is Assault Team, a four-player interactive VR shooting machine. It includes five game experiences and a ranking system, giving groups a reason to compete and play again.

For customers looking for a more intense attraction, the venue can consider Fun Reversal Star. This two-player machine offers 720-degree movement with a large motion range, creating a much stronger and more exciting experience.

A practical equipment mix might include:

This kind of combination provides a wider choice without filling the venue with machines that offer almost the same experience.

6. Match the Equipment Plan to Your Budget and Payback Target

Your budget will influence both the number and type of machines you can purchase. However, price should not be the only factor.

Venue owners should also consider:

For a lower starting budget, entry-level machines can make up a larger part of the equipment mix. With a higher budget, the venue can consider newer machines with stronger visual quality, more advanced motion systems or more interactive content.

Based on some of Skyfun's previous projects, certain VR machines have achieved a payback period of approximately three months. This should not be treated as a fixed guarantee. Actual results depend on local customer traffic, ticket pricing, operating hours, machine selection, rent and the original investment.

A simple way to estimate the payback period is to calculate:

Estimated monthly machine revenue = price per session × players per day × operating days

Venue owners should then compare the estimated revenue with equipment costs and other operating expenses.

Do Not Overlook After-Sales Support and Spare Parts

The purchase price is only one part of the long-term cost of VR arcade equipment.

Before placing an order, buyers should confirm which components are covered by the warranty. Common wear parts are usually not included in standard warranty coverage because they need regular replacement during daily operation.

Skyfun provides customers with some commonly used wear parts free of charge when equipment is shipped. For important components, we may also recommend purchasing extra spare parts to keep at the venue.

Having basic replacement parts available can reduce downtime. If a small component fails during a busy period, waiting several days for international delivery may result in lost revenue.

When comparing suppliers, ask about:

Reliable after-sales support can be just as important as the machine itself.

Example Equipment Mix for a Small VR Arcade

A small VR arcade of approximately 50 square meters can normally accommodate four to five machines.

A possible combination could include:

This setup combines motion, shooting, cinema and interactive content without filling the venue with several machines of the same type.

The final quantity will still depend on the exact machine dimensions, safety areas and layout.

Example Equipment Mix for a Medium-Sized VR Arcade

A medium-sized venue can offer a much broader selection of VR arcade equipment.

Depending on the available floor space and budget, the equipment list could include:

The purpose of this combination is to provide different content rather than simply increasing the number of machines.

A more varied selection gives customers more reasons to stay longer and return to try other experiences.

Example Equipment Mix for a Large VR Arcade

A large VR experience center needs to serve more customers at the same time. For this reason, multiplayer equipment should make up a larger part of the overall plan.

Possible attractions include:

A large venue should also include a rest area where customers can sit between games. A self-service snack and beverage area can encourage visitors to remain in the venue longer.

Possible supporting machines include:

These machines do not require dedicated staff and may provide an additional source of revenue.

Skyfun can supply both VR attractions and supporting amusement equipment, allowing buyers to plan the venue through a more complete one-stop service.

Final Advice Before Buying VR Arcade Equipment

The best VR machines are not necessarily the biggest, newest or most expensive ones. They are the machines that fit your customers, venue size, operating model and investment budget.

Before asking a manufacturer to prepare a VR arcade equipment plan, provide the following information:

With these details, Skyfun can recommend a suitable equipment combination and help plan machine placement, safety areas and customer flow.

If you are opening a new VR arcade or upgrading an existing venue, contact Skyfun with your floor plan and budget. Our team can prepare a customized equipment proposal based on your local market and available space.

Contact Skyfun for a Customized VR Arcade Equipment Plan