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PlayStation has long been one of the leaders in gaming when it comes to virtual reality. Compared to more expensive high-tech headsets like the Valve Index, the PlayStation VR headset is relatively affordable. It’s also an interesting product as PlayStation has an extensive lineup of exclusive games such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Firewall: Zero Hour.
Now the PlayStation VR2, designed exclusively for the PS5, will be out in just a few months. Wondering if this is right for you? Here’s everything you need to know.
The PlayStation VR2 Headset will be available for pre-order exclusively from PlayStation Direct in the US starting today (November 15). You will need to sign into your PlayStation account and register to be able to pre-order; if you are selected, you will receive an email with instructions on how to purchase the headset. It will be released on February 22, 2023 and these pre-orders will ship within a week.
The base model is $550 and includes the PSVR2 headset, PSVR2 Sense controller, and stereo headset. Sony says the console will be available at “participating retailers” in select markets, but there’s no word yet on when it will hit other US stores.
There is also a PSVR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle that includes everything for the base model plus a download code voucher for the Horizon Call of the Mountain add-on game. This bag costs $600.
PlayStation offers a separate charging station for the Sense controller for $50. Players simply touch their Sense controllers to use the charging station. The station itself doesn’t need to be plugged into the PlayStation 5 console, ensuring it doesn’t take up valuable USB ports on the console.
The biggest upgrade from the original PSVR headset to PSVR2 is the resolution. The PSVR2 has a resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye in OLED HDR, compared to its RGB OLED predecessor which was 960 x 1080 per eye. The increased resolution should provide players with a deeper level of immersion.
Another big change is the camera system. The first PSVR headset did not have security cameras, for this players had to install a separate light-based security camera on top of their TVs. The PSVR2 features four cameras built into the headset to track the controller, which should greatly improve feedback and accuracy.
There are also new additions such as vibration feedback on the headset itself, as well as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback from the PSVR2 Sense controller, similar to what you experience on the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller. Of course, all these features contribute to the overall immersion in the game.
Sense controllers have finger touch detection, which means they detect where your finger is without pressing any buttons. Other than grips for manipulation and analog sticks for precise movement, they look like a massive improvement over the original PlayStation Move controllers.
The PSVR2′s field of view has only been slightly improved to 110 degrees from the original model’s 100 degrees. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s still an improvement. However, the refresh rate, which defines the smoothness of the game, remains at around 90 to 120 Hz, which is a little disappointing. While 120Hz is the standard on most mainstream VR headsets, the higher-end Valve Index can run at a smoother 144Hz.
What good is a shiny new headset without gaming? PSVR2 had games coming out, but none of them can be considered a “killer app” that makes you want to get a headset right away. The main problem is that many of the games released at the launch of PSVR2 could be played anywhere.
Most notable is Horizon Mountain’s Call, which fits the bill. The excellent Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West from Guerrilla Games are a lot of fun to play on PS4 and PS5, so Call of Horizon Mountain will definitely appeal to fans of these games.
Another really interesting game is The Dark Pictures Anthology: Switchback VR by Supermassive Games. This is a railroad horror shooter that looks like a lot of fun. It contains some of the most formidable opponents from the Dark Pictures series, and you can fight them and escape.
Crossfire: Sierra Squad by Smilegate is an addictive first-person shooter with 60 campaign missions and 39 different weapons to shoot. It also features a four-player co-op mode where you and your friends can challenge yourself.
There are more games coming to PSVR2 in 2023 such as The Light Brigade, Cities: VR, Cosmonious High, and Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue. But they can also be played on PC via HTC Vive and Oculus.
Another big issue is the lack of backwards compatibility with games from the first PS VR headset. According to Sony, this decision was made because the PSVR2 headset should offer a true next-gen experience. While it’s great, backwards compatibility with older games really helps expand the PSVR2 library and gives gamers an extra reason to get a headset.
The PSVR2′s specs are a huge step forward that could justify its $550 price tag. However, given that the peripheral headset costs more than the $500 PlayStation 5 console itself, the pill is hard to swallow. There’s also the fact that even two years after release, the PS5 itself is still hard to come by.
The lack of enticing exclusive games further complicates matters. Horizon Call of the Mountain, Switchback VR and Sierra Squad don’t seem to change much. Much of the upcoming PSVR2 catalog can be played anywhere. Also very frustrating is the lack of backward compatibility with original PS VR games. Some developers are making PSVR2 versions of their original games, but that doesn’t do much.
As for alternatives, the Oculus Quest 2 (now called the Meta Quest 2) remains the most affordable headset — and our pick for the best VR headset — despite a recent price increase from $300 to $400. The Valve Index is a great option because it’s compatible with Steam VR and Vive, but costs $1,000 and requires a powerful gaming PC. In addition, it features controllers similar to the Sense PSVR2 controllers that wrap comfortably around your knuckles. Unlike PS VR, Valve Index and Meta Quest (when connected to a PC) can also play a real killer app: the critically acclaimed Half-Life: Alyx. If you’re a PlayStation gamer who wants to experience virtual reality without spending over $500, the original PlayStation VR is available on PS4 and PS5 and is currently on sale for just $268.
Some VR enthusiasts will be able to purchase the PSVR2 headset at full price when it launches next February. But ordinary consumers are better off waiting for a sharp drop in prices.
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Post time: Nov-16-2022