Zornitsa Vuteva Ever since Sony released its first Play Station VR headset, the public has been anticipating an improved version, which would enable a more highly immersive experience with less thick cables getting in the way. With the launching of the PSVR2 tethered headset, the Japanese conglomerate has tried to redeem its popularity among VR and PS gamers. And although this new product is a definite step up from its predecessor, there are still some drawbacks which must be considered before investing in it.
Key Takeaways
- Sony Play Station VR2 offers an adjustable headband design for comfortable wear.
- The headset features a high-resolution display for a visually immersive gaming experience.
- Integrated 3D audio technology enhances the audio quality and immerses the player in the game.
- The VR2 is compatible with the latest PS4 games and offers easy setup for convenience.
Our opinion in short
Although The Play Station VR 2 headset has great tech specs like amazing graphics quality and controllers with improved features, this product is suitable only for PS5 owners who want to step up their game in the VR world. The price of $549.99 is lower compared to the cost of other VR rivals like the Valve Index ($999), however, it is a hefty investment, especially since it requires the use PS 5 , which on its own is worth quite a bit too.
I had the chance to play around with PSVR2 only for a week. I loved the easy setup and the 4k resolutions. Also, the controllers and the realistic vibrations were nice. I am a bit concerned about the lack of exclusive titles. A big drawback for me was the lack of built-in speakers and mic and I don`t see a single valid reason for that.
| Pros | Cons |
| 4K resolution 110-degree field view 90 to 120 Hz frame rates Allows excellent performance of high-end games Perfect addition to the PS 5 | Only works with a Play Station 5 Tethered Cannot play PSVR or PC games No built-in headphones Controllers must be frequently charged Cable cords could get in the way while playing |
What’s in the box?
Inside the PS VR2 box you’ll find:
- The VR headset
- Two PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers (one left and one right) with attached straps
- A USB cable for pairing and charging
- A pair of stereo headphones
- Three pairs of earpieces
Also included are printed materials to help you set up the system and get familiar with the controllers.
System requirements
The VR2 is only compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles, but if you have a PS4, you can still use the original PlayStation VR using the PlayStation Camera adaptor, which Sony is offering for free. The adaptor allows you to connect the PS VR to your PS5 and get the most out of your gaming experience.
The VR2 also comes with its own set of controllers, which are designed to work with the VR2 and the PS5 console.
Headset – display, audio, and design
The PS VR2 is lightweight and comfortable to wear, even during long gaming sessions. The adjustable headband ensures a secure fit, and the streamlined design adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Display
You’ll experience incredible visuals with the Sony Play Station VR2’s OLED displays, boasting 2,000×2,040-pixel resolution per eye and frame rates of 90Hz and 120Hz.
The OLED display ensures that you get a wide range of color and contrast, and the sharpness of the image is truly remarkable.
Audio
Sony’s page for PSVR2 does list built-in 3D audio as a major feature, but you’ll need to purchase a compatible set of headphones to make the most of it.
There are several options available to you to enjoy immersive sound with the device, including using your TV sound system, a pair of wired headphones with a 3.5mm audio jack, or Sony’s Pulse 3D Wireless Headset.
Design
The headset itself features a matching orb shape and design inspired by the PS5 console, and its improved ergonomics provide a comfortable fit. Moreover, its weight has been reduced, and an integrated vent design prevents lens fogging.
The PS VR2 also comes with adjustable lens settings and a new Sense Technology feature, which offers a more immersive experience. Additionally, the adjustable headband allows for better weight distribution, which provides a more comfortable and secure fit.
Cameras
With four embedded cameras, the PSVR 2 offers unparalleled accuracy in tracking movements in virtual reality. Utilizing a technique called ‘inside-out tracking’, the cameras can track head movements without the need for an external camera. This is a huge advantage over the original PSVR, which requires a separate camera for tracking.
Additionally, the cameras can detect the depth of objects, enhancing the accuracy of the tracking process and making it easier to interact with virtual objects. The improved field of view (110 degrees) provided by the cameras allows users to see more of the environment around them, further enhancing immersion in the virtual world.
Controllers
The PS VR2 controllers feature USB-C ports, Bluetooth 5.1, rechargeable batteries and 6DoF tracking. Additionally, they come with finger tracking using capacitive touch buttons and infrared, as well as haptics and specialized haptic triggers like the DualSense controller.
Furthermore, the PS VR2 is compatible with the DualSense controller or DualSense Edge controller for PS5, but not with the PS Move controllers or the PS VR Aim controller.
What to keep in mind when setting up PS VR2
When setting up the PSVR 2 for the first time, Sony guides you through an intuitive setup process. To get the best experience, it’s important to follow the instructions exactly.
The home screen of the PSVR 2 is the same as that of the PS5, so those familiar with Sony’s next-gen console should feel right at home. To access the PSVR 2 settings, you’ll need to have the headset connected to the PS5 and powered on. Then, open the ‘Settings menu on the home screen (gear icon on the top right), select ‘Accessories’, scroll down to ‘PlayStation VR 2’, and make your adjustments. Here, you can set the lens distance and positioning, screen brightness, and haptic feedback. You can also calibrate the tracking camera and eye tracking.
It’s important to check the lens distance and eye-tracking calibration regularly. If these settings don’t match your individual needs, your gaming experience may suffer, and you could experience motion sickness.
It’s important to note that you won’t be able to play any games on the PlayStation VR2 unless the controllers are sufficiently charged. After you’ve finished setting up the device, you’ll need to take the time to charge the controllers. This should be your first priority when you get the headset
Drawbacks
Firstly, the cost of the VR2 ($549.99) is very close to the price of the PS5 itself ($499.99).
Secondly, users are locked out of the library of original PSVR titles, limiting the available gaming options.
Thirdly, the setup process for the VR2 can be convoluted for starters and requires experience with the PS ecosystem to get it up and running.
Price
The headset retails for $549.99, £529.99, or AU $879.95, depending on where you purchase it. The PS VR2 is available for purchase with certain game bundles like:
- Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle is available on Amazon for $599.99
- No Man’s Sky bundle available on Argus.co.uk for £569
- Townsmen bundle available on Game.co.uk for £529.99
Where to buy PS VR2?
You can buy the Sony Play Station VR2 from multiple retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and GameStop.
Most popular games for PS VR2
Are you looking for the best games for the Sony Play Station VR2? Look no further – Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village, and No Man’s Sky are some of the most popular games for this VR system.
Let’s take a closer look at each game and see what makes it so special.
Horizon Call of the Mountain
This action-adventure game was released on February 22nd, 2023, as a launch title for the PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset.
Players take control of Ryas from a first-person perspective. He is equipped with a hunter bow, which can be used to take down robotic creatures throughout the game. With the new PlayStation VR2 headset, players can experience the game in a whole new way.
Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 is a racing video game published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, which features the return of traditional racing tracks and vehicles, Special Events, Championships, Driving School, Tuning Parts Shop, Used Cars dealership, GT Auto, Brand Central, and Discover (now labeled Showcase). It also has dynamic time and weather effects, virtual reality support, and advanced haptic technology feedback, adaptive triggers, real-time ray tracing effects, 3D spatial audio, and reduced loading times.
Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village is a 2021 survival horror game, which is the sequel to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) and follows the story of protagonist Ethan Winters, who is on a quest to rescue his kidnapped daughter from a village overrun with mutant creatures. Resident Evil Village won several year-end awards, including Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards. By June 2023, the game had sold 8.3 million units worldwide.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is an action-adventure survival game developed and published by Hello Games. It features five pillars: exploration, survival, combat, trading, and base building. Players explore a procedurally generated open-world universe with over 18 quintillion planets featuring unique ecosystems, flora, fauna, and alien species. Players can engage in trading and interacting with aliens to gain favor and progress towards the center of the galaxy. The game has seen significant updates and expansions since its launch, with Hello Games continuing to add new features and content.
What else can you do with PS VR2?
With PS VR2, you can also access a range of third-party media apps such as:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Disney+
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
Consumer reception
It has been long speculated that the reception of the PS VR2 has not been as fantastic as Sony’s predictions. Although the sales of this product are higher than those of the PS VR, it still has a hard time climbing up the sales charts like its competitor, the Meta Quest 2.
Sales
After its launch in February, the virtual reality headset sold a total of 600,000 units within the first six weeks, with its preorders numbering around 400,000. This is quite remarkable considering the estimated 40 million PS5 installed base.
Customer reviews
Amazon’s customer reviews page shows that the PS VR2 has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. And 72% of the 334 global ratings are indeed 5 stars. However, there is a bit of skepticism over the headset’s value, which is probably why 10% have given it a 1 star rating.
PS VR 2 Alternatives
These are some of PS VR2’s greatest competitors, and thus suitable alternatives:
HTC Vive Pro 2
The Vive Pro 2 boasts an impressive 2880 x 1700 resolution, dual OLED displays, and improved audio quality. It also has a 110-degree field of view and a capable gaming library.
On the other hand, PS VR2 has a lower resolution of 1920 x 1080, a single LCD display, and a slightly narrower field of view at 100 degrees. It is also significantly cheaper than the HTC Vive Pro 2.
Read more about HTC Vive Pro 2 here:
https://vrtodaymagazine.com/htc-vive-pro-2-review/
Meta Quest 2
This Meta VR headset is cheaper than the PS VR2 at just $299 and is a standalone headset, which makes it perfect for beginners. It can also be tethered to a PC and, therefore, has access to more games, whereas the PS VR2 has limited access due to its compatibility only with PS 5 and PS 4 games.
Valve Index
The top advantages of the Valve Index are the high refresh rate of 120 Hz, the comfortable and adjustable fit, and the two front-facing cameras for six degrees of freedom tracking. Its direct link to Steam makes it a preferred headset among Steam users. However, its price of $999 makes it unaffordable for most gamers.
Conclusion
The Sony PlayStation VR2 is a great choice for gamers. The advanced sensory controllers, the cameras, and the first-party-developed games make the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, it’s an impressive piece of technology that will provide hours of entertainment and an unforgettable experience. But you must keep in mind that you must already own a PS5 in order to make use of this VR headset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PS VR2 Support Online Multiplayer?
The PS VR2 doesn’t support local multiplayer features, but the PS5 games can be multiplayer.
Does PS VR2 Require a Separate Power Source?
Yes, the PlayStation VR2 is powered by a 4.5-meter cable, which is plugged into the PS5 console through the USB-C port.
Is the PS VR2 Headset Adjustable to Fit Different Head Sizes?
Yes, the PS VR2 headset is adjustable to fit different head sizes, just like a baseball cap. The headset is designed with adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using the PS Vr2?
No, there are no age restrictions for using the PS VR2. Whether you’re young or old, you can enjoy the immersive and exciting virtual reality experience
Does the PS VR2 Have Compatibility With Other Gaming Consoles?
No, the PS VR2 isn’t compatible with other gaming consoles. It can only work with the PS5.
