A new version of Sony’s PSVR virtual reality headset is on its way. And this time it’s for the PS5.
The Playstation VR2 was first made official in early 2021 and we’ve been dripfed official details and a few rumours ever since.
Here’s everything we’ve found out so far.
What is PlayStation VR2?
The first PSVR headset was released for PlayStation 4 in 2016. It was upgraded once (to add HDR passthrough to the separate processor box) and PS4 Pro introduced higher resolutions/frame rate, but it largely retained the same design and capabilities. It works using light sensors read by an external PlayStation Camera, both from the headset itself and separate Move controllers.
PlayStation VR2 is a different kettle of fish – mainly thanks to a complete rethink in the control method. It’s design too is more reminiscent of the PlayStation 5, although some elements remain, such as the head rest and rear strap.
At CES 2022, Sony announced some of its features and specifications, meaning we have an increasingly comprehensive sense of how the headset will work.
It will effectively plug into a PS5 console via USB-C and doesn’t need an external processing box this time around.
PlayStation VR2 release date
Maybe in time for the 2022 holiday season, but more likely 2023
As yet, there is no confirmed date for the launch of the PlayStation VR2 headset.
Bloomberg wrote in June 2021 that “people with knowledge of the matter” claimed it will be available “in the holiday period next year”, ie. 2022. However, according to eye-tracking technology company Tobii, Sony was still negotiating with suppliers and partners over different elements of the new headset in February 2022. That suggests it might not even appear until 2023.
A version of the PSVR2 was available to developers to try during GDC in San Francisco in March 2022. However, we don’t know how close that one was to the final consumer model.
Notorious leaker Ming-Chi Kuo thinks the PSVR2 will be entering mass production in the second half of 2022, and so is likely to be available in the first quarter of 2023.
PSVR2 specifications
OLED display method2000 x 2040 panel resolution per eye90Hz, 120Hz panel refresh rateAdjustable lensesApproximately 110-degrees field of view4 cameras for headset and controller trackingInternal IR camera for eye tracking per eyeVibration on headsetUSB-C connectivityBuilt-in microphone, 3.5mm jack for stereo headset
Sony confirmed the official specifications during CES 2022 in January. It also revealed that there will be a number of interesting features.
The headset’s cameras will track the controllers this time, rather than using an additional camera or sensor. There will also be “sensory features” built into the headset itself, including eye tracking, headset feedback and 3D Audio.
PSVR2 features
Some of the headset’s software features were detailed in a PlayStation blog post in July 2022. They included details of the user experience.
collection:PSVR2 user experience screens
See-through view
The ability to see your surroundings without taking off the headset will be selectable through a button on the headset or in the pop-up settings. This uses the cameras positioned on the outside of the PSVR2 and helps you find controllers and the like.
Broadcast yourself
If you also have an external PS5 HD Camera you can overlay video of yourself onto in-game footage for streaming purposes.
Customise the play area
It will be easy to customise the play area. The headset will initially scan your surroundings, to warn you when you are too close to an object or wall, but you can fine tune the mapped area using the Sense controllers.
VR mode and cinematic mode
There are two different video modes to choose from – VR mode, which delivers games in up to 4000 x 2040 pixels (2000 x 2040 per eye), HDR and 120Hz, or cinematic mode for media viewing in your own private, virtual theatre experience. This is presented in 1080p HDR.
PSVR2 Sense controller
Low latencySix-axis motion sensing systemCapacitive touch detectionAdaptive triggersHaptic feedbackUSB-C for chargingBluetooth 5.1
A new Sense controller will ship with the latest headset – dispensing with the Move controllers used with the original.
First revealed in mid-March 2021, the new VR controllers look similar to equivalents from Oculus and Valve. There will be adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, just like on the PS5 DualSense.
Each controller will have one adaptive trigger, with developers able to adjust the sensitivity depending on in-game actions. Haptic feedback will give the user a better sense of the feel of the terrain or audio effects.
One big bonus is that these controllers will be tracked by the new headset, rather than a conventional camera. This should give them much better control, less latency and can be used without the fear of ambient light affecting signals.
PlayStation VR2 games
Horizon Call of the Mountain
Guerilla has partnered with Firesprite Games to make a dedicated virtual reality game set in its Horizon RPG universe for PSVR2. It is described as a “brand-new adventure” and is created especially for the new headset.
As with the PSVR2 itself, we don’t yet have a release date, although there is a teaser trailer (as above).
Pavlov Shack
In spring 2021, developer Vankrupt Games confirmed on Twitter that its Oculus Quest title, Pavlov Shack, will be released for the next-gen PlayStation headset.
PSVR2, psvr1 doesn’t have the fidelity for Pavlov
— davevillz (@davevillz) March 29, 2021
The CEO responded to a question about PSVR support by saying that the original headset doesn’t have the resolution to run the game adequately.
Blade & Sorcery
The much-hyped Oculus Quest 2 title, Blade & Sorcery, could also be getting a PSVR2 port. Originally spotted by UploadVR, the developer Warp Frog claimed that although the current PSVR platform is more powerful than a Quest 2, the move controllers are too limiting for Blade & Sorcery.
The news comes from an FAQ posted on Warp Frog’s website, it went on to say “We are really excited about PSVR2. PS5 performance is also on par with PC, which means in theory we could port the PC version of B&S without much difficulty, and possibly even without compromising graphics at all. It’s still too soon to make any announcements, but we are interested in porting B&S on PSVR2, as soon as it’s possible for Sony.”