Button-free walking using wearable VR controller GO-OZ
The wearable sandal-like controller named GO-OZ allows users to walk and move around VR games without any buttons or control sticks. Instead of using a handheld controller, the device relies on people’s legs and feet, as the system digitally tracks natural steps and translates them into movement inside the virtual world and game.
Most of the VR games today need handheld controllers before the users can fully play them since the movement is simulated using the buttons and thumbsticks. GO-OZ tries to bridge this gap by allowing the players to directly use their feet and legs and give them the sensation that they’re walking and moving around what they’re playing. The wearable VR controller GO-OZ heads to Tokyo, Japan, for the Tokyo Game Show 2025, where visitors can try on the prototype on-site between September 25th and 28th.
all images courtesy of GO-OZ
Foot-worn device with adjustable straps
The wearable VR controller GO-OZ can adapt to any feet size, even while the players are wearing their shoes, because of the adjustable straps. The foam-like and soft bottom part is chunky and curvy to allow the users to tilt forward and backward. This area also houses the sensors of the device, which measure foot pressure, step length, and rhythm. They also detect when the wearer lifts a foot, shifts weight, or pushes forward. The device is linked to VR software through a wireless connection or cable, depending on the setup. Once connected, every natural step is translated into forward, backward, or sideways movement inside the VR world.
During the prototype debut at the Tokyo Game Show 2025, attendees are seen to put on the wearable VR controller GO-OZ and tilt themselves forward to walk and backward to reverse. So far, the system uses the sensors more around the feet to detect the movement, so players don’t need to actually walk around. They can stay in place and just lean depending on where the player is heading in the VR game. At the present time, there’s only a prototype available for the wearable VR controller GO-OZ, and the design team has yet to announce its commercial and potential availability. When this happens, it may be possible that they upgrade the design, which can allow the players to physically walk around a designated space instead of just tilting.
wearable sandal-like controller GO-OZ allows users to walk and move around VR games
the straps can adapt to any feet size, even while the players are wearing their shoes
the chunky bottom houses the sensors and mechanics of the device
the device relies on people’s legs and feet, as the system digitally tracks natural steps
view of the user playing the game while wearing the foot-worn device
project info:
name: GO-OZ
partner: Altair4 Multimedia | @altair4_multimedia