Samsung Brings Immersive Virtual Reality to Roller Coasters

Ever wish you could mix a roller coaster ride and virtual reality? Well, thanks to a new partnership between Samsung and Six Flags, now you can.

Six Flags Entertainment is bringing a variety of new “fully immersive, virtual riding experiences” that use Samsung VR technology in its parks, according to a Samsung press release.

“This remarkable technology is a definite game-changer for theme parks,” Six Flags President and CEO John Duffey said.

One of the first uses of the technology is in The New Revolution virtual reality coaster. This ride equips users with wireless headsets that puts riders in a virtual world with 360-degree, high-resolution imagery that synchronizes to the coaster’s movements, according to Six Flags’ website.

Riders are transported to a futuristic battle zone, where they are pitted against alien invaders. The ride simulates air-to-air combat with the aliens’ spacecraft, and incorporates an interactive element where riders can actually “fire” virtual weapons at enemy ships, according to Samsung.

This VR experience will be brought to six locations during the summer, including Arlington, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; and Six Flags Magic Mountain near L.A., the company said.

The VR tech is also being used in the “Superman: Ride of Steel” virtual coaster, which will debut at Six Flags locations in Texas, Massachusetts and Maryland. The ride immerses the rider in Metropolis — as a passenger on a sky rail — as Superman battles evildoers, a Washington Times correspondent wrote.

“What makes this partnership so compelling … is that both companies are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible,” Samsung Marketing Officer Marc Mathieu said in a press release.

Six Flags and Samsung are planning on launching a total of nine virtual reality roller coasters across the U.S. during the summer.