Find HS Code and trade information for arcade shaker

Arcade Shaker

An arcade shaker is a haptic feedback device primarily used to enhance the gaming experience, specifically for arcade cabinets and increasingly, home setups simulating arcade play. It provides physical vibrations and impacts synchronized with in-game events, creating a more immersive and visceral sensation.

Material

Arcade shakers are typically constructed with a robust frame, often utilizing:

• Steel: Provides a strong and durable base for the vibration motor and mounting.
• Aluminum: Used for lighter components and mounting plates, balancing strength and weight.
• Wood (Plywood, MDF): Commonly used for the enclosure and mounting within an arcade cabinet.
• Rubber/Foam: Used for dampening vibrations, reducing noise, and isolating the shaker from the cabinet structure.
• Plastic: For smaller components, connectors, and protective elements.

The vibration source is usually a powerful linear actuator or solenoid.

Purpose

The primary purpose of an arcade shaker is to increase immersion in games. It translates in-game actions – explosions, crashes, impacts, engine rumble, etc. – into physical sensations. This provides a more engaging and realistic experience, particularly in racing, shooting, and action games.

Function

Arcade shakers function by receiving signals from the game via a connection to the game's control system (typically USB or dedicated I/O connections). These signals trigger the linear actuator to move rapidly, creating vibrations.

• Intensity Control: Shakers allow for adjustable intensity levels, allowing users to customize the feedback based on preference and game type.
• Frequency Control: The speed of the actuator's movement determines the frequency of the vibrations, simulating different types of impacts.
• Synchronization: Crucially, the shaker must be precisely synchronized with in-game events to provide accurate and meaningful feedback. This is achieved through software and drivers.
• Directional Feedback: Some advanced shakers utilize multiple actuators to create directional vibrations, simulating impacts from different sides or directions.

Usage Scenarios

• Arcade Cabinets: The most common application, integrated into the base or sides of racing, shooting, and fighting game cabinets.
• Home Arcade Setups: Increasingly popular for enthusiasts building their own arcade machines or enhancing existing setups.
• Simulators: Used in racing simulators, flight simulators, and other immersive simulation environments.
• VR/AR Experiences: Emerging use case to add tactile feedback to virtual and augmented reality games and applications.

Common Types

• Bass Shakers: These are relatively simple devices that vibrate at low frequencies, primarily used to simulate bass and rumble. They are often mounted to the seat or floor.
• Linear Actuator Shakers: More powerful and versatile shakers that can produce a wider range of vibrations and impacts. They are typically mounted to the base or sides of the cabinet.
• ButtKicker Shakers: A popular brand of linear actuator shaker known for its high power and performance. Often used in racing and flight simulators.
• D-Box Shakers: A more sophisticated system that uses multiple actuators to create a full-body haptic experience. Commonly used in home theaters and arcades.
• DIY Shakers: Enthusiasts often build their own shakers using linear actuators, power supplies, and custom controllers.

Based on the provided information, “arcade shaker” can be interpreted as an amusement machine or a component thereof. Here's a breakdown of potentially relevant HS codes:

• 9504300060: This code covers video game consoles and machines, table or parlor games (including pinball machines), and amusement machines operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens, or other means of payment. “Other games, operated by coins, banknotes, bank cards, tokens or by any other means of payment, other than automatic bowling alley equipment.” This could apply if the arcade shaker is coin-operated. The total tax rate is 37.5%.
• 9504904000: This code covers game machines, other than those operated by coins, banknotes, or similar articles, and parts/accessories. If the arcade shaker is not coin-operated, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 30.0%.
• 8543708800: This code covers electrical machines and apparatus with individual functions not specified elsewhere, specifically “Electrical machines with translation or dictionary functions; video game console controllers which use infrared transmissions to operate or access the various functions and capabilities of the console”. If the arcade shaker utilizes infrared transmission for control, this code could be relevant. The total tax rate is 30.0%.
• 8543906500: This code covers parts of electrical machines and apparatus, specifically “Printed circuit assemblies: Of flat panel displays other than for articles of heading 8528, except for subheadings 8528.52 or 8528.62”. If the arcade shaker is being imported as a component (e.g., a printed circuit assembly), this code may apply. The total tax rate is 55.0%.

Important Considerations:

• Operation Method: The tax rate differs significantly based on whether the arcade shaker is coin-operated (9504300060, 37.5% tax rate) or not (9504904000, 30.0% tax rate).
• Component vs. Complete Machine: If importing only parts of the arcade shaker, HS code 8543906500 may be more appropriate, with a 55.0% tax rate.
• Infrared Transmission: If the arcade shaker uses infrared transmission for control, HS code 8543708800 may be applicable.