French cinema operator MK2 has launched a public VR center in Paris that will allow people to try out various virtual reality headsets.

Named the MK2 VR, the facility covers an area of 3,000 square feet within the operator's flagship cinema in southeastern Paris and offers experiences on the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR.

The MK2 VR Experience

"MK2 VR is the first facility in France dedicated to the best VR experiences in films, documentaries, video games and even flying motion sims," said MK2's Elisha Karmitz.

There are 12 so-called pods in the facility, with each pod catering to a customer who is looking to play games on either of the three featured VR headsets. The pods are located around a circular station, with the headsets hung by cables to make them easy to wear.

Some VR games are better played while standing, while others are more suitable when seated. However, there is also the Birdly flying motion simulator — described as the best flight simulator in virtual reality and is exclusive to MK2 — that is best experienced while lying belly down.

There will be several staff members that will always be available to help out customers at their pods to launch the VR headsets, with tech staff also available in case any technical difficulties arise.

The price for the experience is €12, or about $13, for 20 minutes and €20, or about $25, for 40 minutes.

Trying Out The Oculus Rift, HTC Vive And PlayStation VR

For the Oculus Rift, customers will be able to try out Homebound Joyride, which is an exclusive and faster version of Homebound, and The Climb, which is a rock-climbing experience that utilizes the recently released Oculus Touch controllers.

Customers interested in the HTC Vive will be able to try out the aforementioned Birdly, along with the Holofit rowing simulator, the shooter Space Pirate Trainer and the vertigo-inducing The Walk.

PlayStation VR titles, meanwhile, are Ocean Descent VR, which is a diving simulator with shark attacks; Star Wars Battlefront Rogue One: Mission X-Wing VR; and flying simulator Eagle Flight. Until Dec. 31, MK2 VR is also offering an exclusive VR experience for the upcoming Assassin's Creed movie.

Is The MK2 VR A Great Deal?

While $25 for 40 minutes is steep compared to watching a movie, the MK2 VR offers customers experiences that could not be seen anywhere else. Customers are allowed to switch between the three VR headsets and try out as many games as they could within their time.

The MK2 VR is also a great way to try out the different VR headsets for those who are thinking of purchasing one of them, as they represent investments of hundreds of dollars.

When will a similar facility open up in the United States? For fans of virtual reality, hopefully soon.

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