Interactor: The ’90s VR backpack gamers hated

Experience the immersive sensations of classic video games like Mortal Kombat, Contra 3, and NBA Jam. But, despite the initial excitement, the reality of the Interactor haptic vest was far from cool.

In 1994, Aura Systems unveiled the Interactor, a vest that synchronized vibrations with the action of Super NES and Sega Genesis games. Featured in the February 1994 issue of Popular Science, the vest was described as:

The Interactor vest vibrates in sync with direct hits and music bass lines when connected to the audio-out jack of a video game system, TV, or stereo system. You can customize the intensity of the vibrations or filter out background music. Price: $89.

Despite the initial buzz, the Interactor failed to capture the interest of kids, leading to its downfall in the tech gaming market. Parents were reluctant to invest in a gadget that didn’t resonate with their children. As one 12-year-old put it in 1994, “It feels weird.”

Popular Science‘s Kevin Lieber delved into the story of the Interactor, exploring the reasons behind its failure. From a massive marketing campaign to the innovative technology of the time, the Interactor’s demise was a lesson in the gaming industry.

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