Mattel Unveils New Virtual Reality Version Of Nostalgic View-Master Toy

Toy company Mattel has announced an update to its virtual reality headset which now features focus controls for a clearer image.

Unveiled at the New York Toy Show, the new View-Master Viewer DLX enables users to slip a smartphone into the headset to view both virtual reality and augmented reality scenes.

A new focusing wheel means that the user can make adjustments for a better picture, while a new headphone connector enables them to plug in for a more effective experience.

First introduced in 1939, the original View-Master used cardboard reels of stereoscopic 3D images, usually of world views or still from films and TV programmes.

The retro toy first got a VR reboot in 2015 (Mattel)

The toy first got a techie reboot back in 2015, bringing VR and AR technology to the product, with a design based on Google’s Cardboard headset.

Users are able to view incredible scenes, such as the solar system and the Amazon using specially designed smartphone apps.

To maintain the nostalgic appeal of the toy, Mattel also produced physical reels that can be placed on a surface and viewed in 3D using augmented reality

The View-Master Viewer DLX is set to go on sale later in the year.

Image credit: Mattel