Augmented Reality (AR) has the potential to revolutionize an unknowable number of things, and at SXSW (South by Southwest), Sony demonstrated an arcade classic totally reborn. Officially called A(i)R Hockey, it combines light projection tech with haptic sensor-equipped paddles and a single real puck to take the game up a notch.
Up to four players start the game, with a single real puck clacking around the playfield. Soon, virtual pucks and targets begin to appear, ramping up the game. The paddle’s haptic sensors give feedback with little to no latency, making it feel like you’ve actually struck a puck. For now, just a concept in the works in Sony’s labs, but it could lead to some interesting innovations in an arcade classic.