Tech Time: Force Dynamics 401CR
We just love tech, the future will bring new tech everyday and for most of us it will be impossible to hear about all of it as there is simply too much.
Arcades, bowling alleys, and burger joints all had them, and every time I spotted one, I just had to check it out. Even though I was flat broke 99% of the time, I couldn’t resist hunting down new arcade machines around town—sometimes just to watch the demo screens.
So, what am I talking about? Arcade coin-op machines, of course! Some were your typical cabinets, while others were massive setups shaped like cars, aeroplanes, ships, skateboards, bicycles—basically anything the developers and manufacturers could imagine.
Force feedback, gigantic screens, booming sound systems, pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, and an array of flashing LED lamps and switches were just a few reasons these machines were so special and beloved.
Do you miss those days? The video below showcases Force Dynamics’ latest creation, the “401CR,” paired with one of the greatest driving games ever made, “OutRun.”
Yes, it’s definitely over the top—and then some. The setup is incredibly polished, and most importantly, this isn’t just a glorified arcade machine. It’s a true driving simulator that uses location-based technology. Pairing this rig with a next-gen game gets you about as close to the real thing as you can possibly get.
From what I’ve heard, it already supports a variety of driving games—both arcade-style and realistic sims—and it even works with flight simulators and aircraft games.
Console support is included too, covering platforms like PS3, PS4, and Xbox 360. However, I haven’t yet come across any solid info on testing it with VR gear such as the Morpheus headset.
Could this be the new standard for next-generation gaming? Who knows. Either way, it’s an exciting time for gamers.
Below is a video showcasing Assetto Corsa. While I’ll always love OutRun, I have to admit this one has definitely caught my interest.
Amazing, isn’t it? This incredible setup can be yours—if you’re willing to pay $55,000. That was the price of the last unit sold on eBay, which, for perspective, is roughly the same price range as a used Ferrari Testarossa.
That price tag is definitely steep, and it makes you wonder—is it really worth it? Does that cost include a service agreement? What kind of warranty covers the machine and its parts?
There are plenty of questions to consider: What happens if something breaks down while it’s moving? Why does the screen seem to have relatively low picture quality? Can TVs or monitors handle being jostled around like this? How many G-forces can this unit actually deliver at maximum? And so on…
I’d love to own one, but there’s no way I’d ever spend that kind of money on it. For now, it’ll just join the growing “What if?” shelf in my mind.
That said, imagine one of these machines showing up at an event or theme park—people might be willing to wait an hour or more just for a 1-3 minute ride. In that context, it could definitely be worth it.
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