The PlayStation VR 2 boasts the advanced specifications necessary for delivering highly immersive experiences, but its success as a viable alternative to the more affordable Meta Quest series will hinge on future first-party PlayStation games. This is PlayStation’s second venture into VR headsets, now equipped with state-of-the-art technology like a 4K OLED display, haptic feedback and eye-tracking capabilities.
However, the competition has intensified. The Meta Quest 3 not only excels in gaming performance but also supports mixed reality for a more versatile experience.
With fewer lifestyle apps available, Sony must emphasize its game catalog to ensure the PlayStation VR 2’s success. The question remains: are there enough games to fully utilize this hardware? After months of testing, here’s my detailed assessment.
Design
Customizable Fit and Streamlined Setup
The PlayStation VR 2 features an attractive design with a predominantly white color scheme that complements the PS5. Unfortunately, this makes scuff marks more noticeable; I already have one on the front visor. Despite this, it stands out as one of the best-looking VR headsets.
The headset employs a halo design with a padded plastic band that wraps snugly around the head. Although the padding isn’t thick enough to completely prevent the band from pressing into the forehead during extended play, it’s still an improvement over the Meta Quest 2 straps, which tend to slip out of place easily.
Adjustability is key here: the headband’s tightness can be altered by rotating a dial at the back and the front visor can be moved forward or backward, which is particularly helpful for glasses wearers. Additionally, the lens separation can be adjusted using a convenient scroll wheel. Sony’s focus on providing various customization options ensures a perfect fit for each user.
A single USB-C cable connects the PSVR 2 to the PS5, allowing for immediate gameplay once the eye-tracking setup and play area are established. However, this cable can be cumbersome, causing trips during play and making the wireless freedom of the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 more appealing. The 4.5m cable length still requires careful consideration of the play space.
A headphone port is located on the underside of the headband, enabling the use of wired earbuds provided by Sony, which, despite not offering top-tier audio quality, fit snugly and don’t dangle around the neck. Alternatively, any pair of headphones compatible with a wireless dongle for the PS5, such as the official Pulse 3D wireless headset, can be used.
Haptic feedback technology in the headset adds an extra layer of immersion, giving subtle vibrations when in-game events occur, such as a dinosaur crashing or discovering a collectible in Moss. This feature is subtle enough to avoid discomfort and can be turned off if desired.
Controllers
Enhanced Immersion and Natural Movements
The Sense controllers are a significant upgrade, offering a more natural and immersive experience compared to the original headset. Inspired by Meta’s Quest controllers, they feature a hooped design for precise tracking.
The inclusion of triggers and grip buttons allows for realistic actions, such as pulling a bowstring or using a pickaxe, making the interactions feel more genuine. The adaptive triggers, borrowed from the PS5’s DualSense controller, add to this by creating resistance and vibrations, enhancing the sense of realism, like feeling the tension of a bowstring.
PlayStation’s iconic buttons are present on the controllers, capable of detecting when fingers are resting on them, enabling users to make various hand shapes in the virtual environment.
The Sense controllers use USB-C for charging and offer around 4.5 hours of gameplay on a single charge. While this isn’t a long duration, it’s sufficient for most VR sessions. Investing in a charging dock is recommended to avoid the inconvenience of charging both controllers simultaneously, which takes about 30 minutes.
Performance
Superior Visuals Leveraging PS5 Power
The PlayStation VR 2 requires a PS5 to function, as it lacks an integrated chip. This tethered connection, while sometimes inconvenient, allows the headset to utilize the PS5’s power, rendering visually stunning worlds. The detailed jungle in Horizon Call of the Mountain is a testament to this, showcasing far superior visuals compared to the Meta Quest 2.
However, many games at launch were ports from the Quest 2 library, meaning they didn’t fully exploit the PS5’s capabilities. Games like Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge and Moss: Book II didn’t show significant visual improvements over more affordable headsets.
Despite this, games look sharper on the PSVR 2 due to its 4K resolution (2000 x 2040 per eye). The OLED display enhances color vibrancy, making environments and effects more visually striking. Although the screen door effect is still present, it’s minimal and only noticeable if focused on.
The headset supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate, but some juddery visual effects from fast-moving objects at a distance were observed, though not frequently enough to detract from the overall immersion.
Features
Innovative Eye Tracking and Enhanced Visuals
The PlayStation VR 2 is packed with features, with eye-tracking technology being particularly noteworthy. As one of the most affordable VR headsets to include eye tracking, it has mostly been used in enterprise settings until now. Games like Rez Infinite and The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR utilize this technology for aiming and creating chilling effects, respectively.
However, its use in Horizon Call of the Mountain was limited to menu navigation, indicating that eye tracking’s potential will only be fully realized if developers experiment with it more.
The headset supports various modes, including sitting, standing and room-scale, with easy boundary setup and virtual walls appearing when approaching the edges of the play area. It remembers the last boundary set, simplifying the process for future sessions.
The PSVR 2 can also serve as an alternative display for standard PS5 games. Playing Witcher on the headset felt like watching on a massive cinema screen, with impressive 4K quality. Streaming videos like Rick & Morty on Netflix is possible, though the headset can become uncomfortable after extended use.
Games
A Mixed Launch Lineup with Potential
The launch lineup for the PSVR 2 was decent, featuring games like Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, Moss & Moss: Book II and Demeo. While these are enjoyable, they are ports from other headsets and don’t fully utilize the PS5’s graphical power.
Some VR classics like Thumper, Pistol Whip and Beat Saber are also available, but their presence alone isn’t enough to justify the high cost of the PlayStation VR 2. To make this headset truly worthwhile, Sony will need to continue expanding its game library and ensure future titles leverage the full potential of the hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the PlayStation VR 2?
The PlayStation VR 2 features a 4K OLED display, haptic feedback, eye-tracking technology, a comfortable halo design and advanced Sense controllers with adaptive triggers.
How does the PlayStation VR 2 compare to the Meta Quest 3?
While the PlayStation VR 2 boasts superior visuals and advanced technology, the Meta Quest 3 offers a more versatile experience with mixed reality capabilities and greater wireless freedom.
What is the setup process for the PlayStation VR 2?
The PlayStation VR 2 requires a single USB-C connection to the PS5, along with an initial eye-tracking setup and creation of a designated play area. The headset remembers the last boundary set for convenience.
Can I use my existing headphones with the PlayStation VR 2?
Yes, the PlayStation VR 2 includes a headphone port for wired earbuds and is compatible with wireless headphones that use a dongle for the PS5, such as the Pulse 3D wireless headset.
What is the battery life of the Sense controllers and how are they charged?
The Sense controllers last around 4.5 hours on a single charge and use USB-C for charging. A charging dock is recommended for simultaneous charging, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
Does the PlayStation VR 2 support non-VR PS5 games?
Yes, the PlayStation VR 2 can be used as an alternative display for standard PS5 games, providing a large virtual cinema screen experience.
What games are available for the PlayStation VR 2 at launch?
The launch lineup includes Horizon Call of the Mountain, Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, Moss & Moss: Book II, Demeo and classics like Thumper, Pistol Whip and Beat Saber, among others.
How does eye-tracking technology enhance the gaming experience on the PlayStation VR 2?
Eye-tracking technology allows for more intuitive interactions in games, such as aiming weapons or triggering in-game effects. However, its full potential depends on game developers integrating it creatively.
What are the visual capabilities of the PlayStation VR 2?
The PlayStation VR 2 features a 4K OLED display with a resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye, supporting up to a 120Hz refresh rate. This provides sharp, vibrant visuals with minimal screen door effect.
What challenges does the PlayStation VR 2 face in the current VR market?
The PlayStation VR 2 faces stiff competition from more affordable and versatile headsets like the Meta Quest 3. Its success will largely depend on the expansion of its game library and the ability of new games to leverage its advanced features.