Exploring Pinball FX VR Using Arcade2TV-XR Controls

Experience the thrill of pinball in virtual reality or mixed reality with an arcade cabinet designed to replicate the feel of an authentic pinball machine.

At GDC 2025, I had the opportunity to try out Pinball FX VR alongside the Arcade2TV-XR cabinet, utilizing mounted Quest controllers for precise tracking. While Pinball FX VR is also compatible with Touch controllers, I tested those controllers as well. My colleague, Don Hopper, successfully used those controllers on a physical Arcade2TV-XR unit, leveraging a Bluetooth dongle for seamless integration between the arcade cabinet’s controls and his headset.

The Arcade2TV-XR provides a solid platform for immersing yourself in the game. During my experience with the Touch controllers, I found that Pinball FX VR marks a significant evolution from the original title in anticipation of its launch on April 3.

Pinball has remained an iconic arcade favorite, reinvented through the years. Companies like Zen Studios have consistently contributed to its revival. The new game retains similarities to 2023’s Pinball FX, but it feels more like a fresh take rather than a straightforward port.

This game environment encourages a satisfactory amount of interactivity. Players can manipulate objects, play music by swapping cassette tapes, and even enjoy a game of darts.

Personalizing your surroundings is another fun aspect, with various customization options for statues, posters, wallpapers, and carpets. While I need more time to thoroughly explore the extent of these options, it appears that additional unlockable content could offer even more variety.

I started by exploring the mixed reality feature, which showcased several pre-arranged tables. This reminded me of the MR mode found in Arcade Paradise VR.

Playing the Knight Rider table was particularly fun, as I watched the iconic car navigate a road that curves around me. Meanwhile, gameplay on the Indiana Jones table brought the character to life within my space, though there was a curious moment where Indy’s model duplicated in one spot—a bug that will hopefully be resolved by the time of the full release. A Cylon from the original Battlestar Galactica table was another memorable—yet slightly unsettling—presence.

These pinball tables have been meticulously designed to reflect their real-life models, with intricate visuals enhancing the overall experience. Players have the option to disable visual effects for a more traditional feel, but the graphics look amazing in VR.

The ability to look around the table and control it physically brings a more natural experience compared to playing on a flat screen. Pulling the plunger—sometimes depicted as firing a gun in the Indy table—adds to the immersion. Although I did encounter a registration issue with the plunger on the Star Trek: The Next Generation table, I am hopeful that such glitches will be addressed. Gripping the sides while engaging the triggers for flippers contributes significantly to the immersive experience.

While I’ve enjoyed my time with this preview, I can’t help but feel a longing for a multiplayer mode in Pinball FX VR. The current gameplay experience is solitary, and it would be fantastic to invite friends into my virtual arcade to hang out and watch each other engage in the tables.

As it stands, my preview of Pinball FX VR leaves me eager for the full version. We’re currently testing the Arcade2TV-XR cabinets at home and looking forward to showcasing the game on Steam in the coming weeks as we delve into the completed release of Pinball FX VR.

Pinball FX VR will launch on the Meta Quest platform on April 3. The base game is priced at $9.99 and includes three tables, with additional options available as downloadable content.