A new version of Sony’s PSVR virtual reality headset is in the works. And this time it’s for laPS5.
The Playstation VR2 was first made official in early 2021 in a blog post written by Sony Interactive Entertainment’s senior vice president of platform planning and management, Hideaki Nishino. The name and some specifications were then confirmed at CES 2022 in January.
There’s no official date for this yet, but here’s everything we know so far.
What is PlayStation VR 2?
The first PSVR headset was released for PlayStation 4 in 2016. It was updated once (to add HDR passthrough to the separate processor body, mainly) and PS4 Pro introduced higher resolutions/frame rate, but it largely retained the same design and capabilities. This worked using light sensors read by a PlayStation camera, both from the headset itself and separate Move controllers.
PlayStation VR2 is a different fish pot – mainly thanks to a complete overhaul of the control method. We haven’t had official images of the headset, but Sony has released images of the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers.
At CES 2022, it also announced some of the features and specs of both (see below).
It will effectively plug into a PS5 console via USB-C and doesn’t seem to need an external processing case this time around.
PlayStation VR2 release date
- May be due during the 2022 holiday season
There is no confirmed date for the launch of the PlayStation VR2 headset.
Bloomberg wrote in June 2021 that “people familiar with the subject” claimed that it would be available “during the holiday period next year,” that is. 2022. However, according to eye-tracking technology company Tobii, Sony is still negotiating with suppliers and partners on different elements of the new headset. This suggests that it might not even appear until 2023.
PSVR2 Features and Specifications
- OLED display method
- Panel resolution 2000 x 2040 per eye
- 90 Hz, 120 Hz panel refresh rate
- Adjustable lenses
- Field of view of about 110 degrees
- 4 cameras for headset and controller tracking
- Internal IR camera for eye tracking by eye
- Vibration on the headset
- USB-C connectivity
- Built-in microphone, 3.5mm jack for stereo headphones
Sony confirmed the above specifications at CES 2022 in January. It also revealed that there will be a number of interesting features.
The headset’s cameras will follow 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, headphone feedback, and 3D audio.
PSVR 2 Sense Controller
- Low latency
- Six-axis motion detection system
- Capacitive touch detection
- Adaptive triggers
- Haptic feedback
- USB-C for charging
- Bluetooth 5.1
A new VR Sense controller will come with the latest headset – without the Move controllers used with the original.
First revealed in mid-March 2021, the new VR controllers look like the equivalents of Oculus and Valve. There will be adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, just like on the PS5 DualSense.
Each controller will have an adaptive trigger, with developers able to adjust the sensitivity based on actions in the game. Haptic feedback will give the user a better idea of the feel of the terrain or audio effects.
A big bonus is that these controllers will be followed by the new headset, rather than a conventional camera. This should give them much better control, less latency and can be used without fear that ambient light will affect the signals.
PlayStation VR2 Games
Guerilla has partnered with Firesprite Games to create a dedicated virtual reality game in its Horizon RPG universe for PSVR2. It is described as a “brand new adventure” and is created especially for the new helmet.
As with the PSVR2 itself, we don’t have a release date yet, although there is a trailer (as above).
Pavlov’s Hut
In the spring of 2021, developer Vankrupt Games confirmed on Twitter that its Oculus Quest title, Pavlov Shack, will be released for the next-gen PlayStation headset.
The CEO responded to a question about PSVR support by saying that the original headset didn’t have the resolution to run the game adequately.
Blade and witchcraft
Oculus Quest 2’s high-profile title, Blade & Sorcery, could also get a PSVR 2 port. Originally spotted by UploadVR, developer Warp Frog claimed that while the current PSVR platform is more powerful than a Quest 2, the motion controllers are too limiting for Blade & Sorcery.
The news comes from an FAQ posted on Warp Frog’s website, which went on to say “We’re really excited about the PSVR2. The PS5’s performance is also comparable to that of the PC, which means that in theory we could port the PC version of B&S without much difficulty, and perhaps even without compromising the graphics at all. It’s still too early to make any announcements, but we’re interested in porting B&S to PSVR2, as soon as it’s possible for Sony.
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