I tend to get excited about virtual reality and have wanted to see it succeed for over a decade. While VR has undoubtedly grown, it’s not mainstream due to the barrier to entry. Most notably, requiring beefy PC setups or locked down (like the original PSVR headset). Adding to my growing collection of VR headsets, I preordered the PSVR 2 headset for the PlayStation 5.
There has been work done on untethered VR headsets, failed beginnings with Samsung creating phone VR headsets before Meta struck gold with the Meta Quest. Not only does it support using it by itself, but it can also be connected to a computer. Then you have the heavy, expensive hitters like the HTC Vive Pro 2 for powerful computer VR experiences.
This is why everyone was shocked when Sony announced PSVR 2 and its incredible specs:
- 2000 x 2040 per eye panel resolution
- OLED panels
- Supporting 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates
- Four embedded cameras for headset and controller tracking
- Embedded IR trackers for each eye
- A vast array of sensors, including proximity sensors
- Built-in microphone
- All are driven by a single USB Type-C cable
Now, for a virtual reality headset, these are high-end specs. It puts the PSVR 2 headset right at the top of the list of headsets (spec-wise). All of the reviews so far seem to be highly favourable of the headset, especially with Sony, including haptic feedback and other additions to make the VR experience more immersive.
However, the cost the PSVR 2 headset is expensive. It costs more than the console itself to buy. A luxury that not a lot of people have right now with increasing interest rate increases, spiralling cost of living and uncertainty as the world edges closer to recession.
This is why the PSVR 2 will need the help of PC modders to survive. While I have no doubt those that can afford this headset will love it (myself included when it arrives), the PSVR 2 headset has the advantage of being close to the specs of the coveted HTC Vive Pro 2 headset (which is over double the cost of the PSVR 2 headset).
Support will inevitably come if Sony inevitably caves in and provides an official way to use the PlayStation VR 2 headset on a PC or modders find a way. The fact a single USB-C cable is all you need provides hope that the path to PC support won’t be as difficult as you might think. Better still, imagine if Sony had the foresight to monetise support and provided a paid add-on you could use to use the PSVR 2 headset on PC. It would mean they profit from PC support, which doesn’t diminish its exclusivity on the PS5.
