ZOTAC launches wearable backpack VR system

Graphics and performance PCs manufacturer ZOTAC has announced the launch of its VR GO backpack PC designed for virtual reality enthusiasts. The system runs on NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1070 graphics, a quad-core CPU from Intel, rich I/O capabilities and a hot-swappable battery.

Despite its positioning, the VR GO can be used like a normal desktop computer, which differentiates it from early prototypes of wearable VR PCs from other makers. ZOTAC is mostly known for its graphics cards and high-performance small form-factor PCs, but not wearable systems. To develop its VR GO computer, the company had to use experience it obtained from building SFF systems from gamers as well as to find ways to minimize weight and guarantee that the design will be able to handle harsh treatment during gaming sessions. Basically, ZOTAC had to fix everything tightly inside the box while ensuring appropriate cooling and proper position of the I/O ports.

In order to make it easy to connect a VR headset to the VR GO, one side of the device has the appropriate ports. The single side has one HDMI output, two USB 3.0 ports and one power connector on top. Such positioning simplifies cable management and makes VR gaming with a PC on your back comfortable. The system also comes with a removable battery pack which enables autonomous operation.

However, to develop a PC only for VR would seem extravagant and hence which is why ZOTAC has also provided not only the VR but the full specific of a powerful desktop computer. It has three additional USB 3.0/3.1 Type-A connectors, an SD card reader, four additional display outputs (two HDMI, two DP), two GbE ports as well as two 3.5mm audio jacks.

The motherboard is a custom one, a proprietary form-factor carrying an Intel Core i7 CPU, two DDR4 SO-DIMMs, an M.2 SSD (PCle 3.0 x4), an 802.11ac Wi-Fi module and NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1070 MXM module. The cooling system is a proprietary low-profile air cooling system but has not disclosed details. At this point, we do not know whether the manufacturer reinforced the design of its cooler’s backplate somehow. ZOTAC has also added one bay for a SATA-based 2.5” storage device.

ZOTAC has not yet specified the pricing details or the timeframe of its commercial release other than Q4 2016. However, one can expect to see it at the CES early January for sure.