Scentbar demonstrated a desktop device at Gamescom that analyzes on-screen game activity and releases corresponding odors. In PC Gamer's hands-on account, the system recognized several environments and selected relevant scents, presenting an unusual case where a technically functional gaming accessory may still have limited practical appeal.
How Scentbar Works
The compact unit sits on a desk and holds up to 10 cartridges, each containing pellets for a distinct odor. Companion software detects visual content on the player's screen and determines when to activate a cartridge. Users can adjust the recognition threshold, changing how much visual evidence the system requires before releasing a scent.
Scenes Became Scents
During the demonstration, a bakery scene prompted a bakery-like smell, while explosives and a car-mechanic simulation triggered gunpowder and garage odors. PC Gamer also reported that the device recognized forest imagery in Minecraft and emitted grass and fir-tree scents. These observations reflect one reporter's convention demo rather than independent laboratory testing.
The demonstration unit carried Forest, Grass, Pineapple, Flowers, Bakery, Sea, Farm, Garage, Smoke and Gunpowder cartridges. Other mentioned options, including fish and faeces, were not available for the reporter to assess at Gamescom.
Customization Has Limits
Scentbar boss Salomo Bertram said users cannot currently add their own smells because of safety concerns. The configurable software changes when existing scents activate, but the report did not describe tools for creating custom cartridges or mapping entirely new odors.
A Working but Unnecessary Accessory
PC Gamer's assessment was deliberately skeptical: the scents appeared recognizable and the scene detection worked well enough to impress the reporter, but the device remained an inessential addition to PC gaming. The source did not provide pricing, release timing or confirmed retail availability, leaving the product's cost and accessibility unclear.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: I saw the future and it literally stinks
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