The PSVR 2 is Sony’s much-anticipated follow-up to its original PlayStation VR headset. This next-generation VR device promises to deliver a more immersive and seamless experience, thanks to advanced features such as foveated rendering, haptic feedback, and eye-tracking technology.
However, with a higher price point and a limited library of launch titles, the PSVR 2 has generated some skepticism among consumers.
In this review, we’ll dive into the device’s design, display, controllers, and overall performance to see if it lives up to the hype and if it’s worth the investment for VR enthusiasts and gamers alike.
PlayStation VR2 Release Date & Price
The PSVR 2 was made available for purchase on February 22 through Sony’s PlayStation Direct store. While it’s not an inexpensive purchase at $549.99 / £529.99/ €‎599.99 / AU$879, it requires a PS5 to operate, which means you’ll be paying more than the price of a standard PS5. If you are considering using it on PC then you are looking at a $1000 plus extra cost.
PSVR 2 Design
The PlayStation VR2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering a vastly improved experience. However, its physical design bears a striking resemblance to the previous model. It maintains the classic black-and-white look that complements the PS5 and features an adjustable head strap that is separate from the VR display, allowing for a comfortable fit for various head shapes. This design also ensures that the weight of the screen is evenly distributed, resting on the top of your head rather than your face. The back of the head strap has a convenient one-stop adjustment mechanism that makes it easy to achieve a perfect fit.
The PS VR2 features a slider on the top-left side of the lens casing, which provides an easy and convenient way to adjust the IPD of the headset. During setup, the internal camera measures the distance between your eyes, making the process even more streamlined. Sony has opted for a minimalist design with only two buttons located at the bottom of the display. The center button powers the headset on and off, while the other button instantly activates passthrough mode, allowing you to see your surroundings in black and white without removing the headset
The Best VR I Have Ever Experienced
PlayStation VR2: Controllers & Setup
The Sense controllers of the PSVR 2 can be described as a combination of the DualSense controller and the Quest 2 controllers. They have a similar shape to the DualSense, but are larger in size, with a pistol-like grip that extends into a ring for motion tracking. However, the ring is positioned differently than the Quest 2 controllers, sitting further back and almost looping around the wrist instead of protruding out at the ends of the controller
Each Sense controller features a:
- clickable thumbstick
- A PlayStation button
- A small button to re-orient the headset’s forward view
- And a pair of buttons on the top (circle and X for the right controller, and square and triangle for the left).
The controllers’ grips house buttons for L1 and R1, which sit comfortably under one’s middle finger. L2 and R2 functions are controlled by triggers that incorporate the same adaptive technology as the DualSense controller.
Setting up the PS VR2 is very easy as compared to the previous one because all you need to do is:
- connect the single 4.5m USB-C cable to your PS5
- After plugging it in, you’ll need to install a firmware update and quickly calibrate your controllers, eye tracking, and lens spacing
- The four tracking cameras will then scan your room accurately mapping out its geometry including furniture, pets, and any other objects
- Once you’ve designated a play area, the PS VR2’s guardian walls will appear, clearly indicating which parts of the room are safe to move around in
PSVR 2 OLED Display
The PSVR 2 features an OLED display, similar to the PSVR, but with a notable improvement. While the original PSVR had a 1080p overall resolution, the PSVR 2 boasts a 4K display of up to 120Hz with a resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye. This upgrade greatly enhances the visual experience, providing a much crisper and sharper image. With this upgrade, it’s also likely that the risk of eye fatigue and headaches is significantly decreased
With a field of view (FOV) of 110 degrees, the PSVR 2 provides an improvement over the PSVR’s 100-degree FOV. Although a FOV of over 100 degrees is considered satisfactory, the PSVR 2’s display manages to fill my entire vision, giving me a more immersive virtual world experience rather than just looking at a screen through goggles.
In comparison to other VR headsets I’ve tried, I noticed that the PSVR 2’s OLED display does a better job of handling colors and enhancing its clarity. The OLED display outperforms the LCD panels of those other headsets, making the PSVR 2’s visuals stand out.
PSVR 2 Gaming Experience: An Epic One
Games such as Horizon Call of the Mountain and Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge give you the satisfying sensation of pulling a virtual bowstring or firing a virtual blaster with the help of adaptive triggers. The addition of haptic feedback further enhances this experience by creating realistic vibrations that simulate various forces, textures, and sounds.
Furthermore, the PS VR2 has an impressive new feature called foveated rendering. This cutting-edge technology utilizes the built-in IR camera to track the movement of your eyes, allowing for improved efficiency. By determining the precise area that you’re looking at, the VR headset can direct all of its processing power toward rendering that particular region with exceptional detail, while allocating fewer resources to peripheral areas.
The battery life remains a significant consideration with the PS VR2. Given the device’s intensive use of haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, a full charge typically lasts for approximately four to five hours. While this is ample time for an extended VR gaming session
Verdict
While I’ve always had an interest in VR, I can honestly say that previous VR headsets have never left me feeling as enthusiastic as this one.
The PS VR 2 seamlessly incorporates the most impressive features of VR technology with the top-notch haptic feedback and audio capabilities of the PS5. Notably, the system is remarkably user-friendly and impressively sturdy. This potent combination makes VR an even more compelling and enjoyable experience, especially when integrated with my current PS5 gaming setup.
The device’s lack of backward compatibility with original PSVR games compounds this problem, making it a significant drawback for early adopters who already own a library of VR titles so if you have to buy a $549.99 PSVR 2 and the games too released only for the device.
Lastly, if you are less interested in exploring virtual worlds, the PSVR 2 may appear to be a costly peripheral device for you.
