The long-awaited Hakuba Virtual Off Center in Nagano, Japan has finally opened its doors, becoming the new home for Virtual On fans. Covered by Game Watch, the grand opening was streamed live for 4 hours, showcasing the new location in Hakuba, Nagano. The center features all three main Virtual On arcade games – Virtual On, Virtual On Oratorio Tangram, and Virtual On Force, with the latter even including the original terminal support system. While Virtual On Marz is not available at the site, the focus remains on arcade games, excluding the PlayStation 2 game from the lineup.
Originally housed in the basement of the Mokuzin ryokan in Hakuba, the new center was crowdfunded to create a dedicated space for these classic arcade games. Fans of Virtual On have shown great dedication and passion over the years, with the new center serving as a gathering place for the community. The opening of the Hakuba Virtual Off Center marks a significant milestone for Virtual On enthusiasts, providing a central location to come together and enjoy their favorite games.
As someone who has been playing Virtual On games since 1995 and even owned an arcade cabinet of the original game, the opening of the Hakuba Virtual Off Center is a welcome development. Virtual On fans in Japan, known as “Chaloners,” now have a dedicated space to connect and share their love for the franchise. The center offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the classic arcade games, bringing back memories of the early days of Virtual On and its impact on gaming culture.
The center is now open to the public, with an entrance fee of 3,000 yen and operating hours from 10 am to 5 pm. For guests staying at the Mokuzin ryokan, opening hours are extended from 8 am to 10 pm, allowing for additional time to enjoy the Virtual On arcade games. Players can also experience all three Virtual On games as part of the Masterpiece Collection released on PlayStation 4, with support for the Tanita TwinSticks and compatibility with the PlayStation 5. For more updates, follow the author on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, and check out their blog on Forbes for more gaming content.
In conclusion, the opening of the Hakuba Virtual Off Center represents a significant milestone for Virtual On fans, providing a dedicated space to celebrate the beloved arcade games. The center houses all three main Virtual On games, offering a nostalgic experience for players who have been fans of the franchise for years. The crowdfunded initiative to create the center demonstrates the strong community support for Virtual On, showcasing the passion and dedication of its fanbase. With opening hours extended for guests staying at the Mokuzin ryokan, fans have ample time to enjoy the arcade games and connect with fellow Chaloners. The Hakuba Virtual Off Center is now open to the public, inviting players to experience the excitement of Virtual On in a dedicated and welcoming environment.
