Sony has significantly stepped up its game with its latest PlayStation VR 2, offering thrilling new worlds that come to life in uniquely immersive and emotional ways. It tremendously improves upon every aspect of the original 2016 PSVR that started it all.
Released on February 22, 2023, the PSVR 2 is a virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 5 home video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
This reworked PSVR 2 virtual reality headset brings in a load of high-end specs that immerse players in worlds that go beyond reality. With stunning 4K HDR visuals, genre-defining games, and unique sensations from the ground-breaking PlayStation VR 2 headset and Sense Controller, gamers will experience the next generation of virtual reality like never before!
In this article, we will take a deep dive into its technical specifications among many other things. So, get ready to explore new dimensions of gaming and let your imagination run wild with the PlayStation VR 2!
Introductory Price
Sony launched its latest PSVR 2 at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show with an introductory price tag of $550. It may seem hefty when compared to other virtual reality headsets on the market. However, Sony justifies this price point by offering cutting-edge features and access to exclusive games, providing a new level of virtual reality gaming experience.
If you’re looking to take your gaming experience to the next level, you can easily get your hands on the PSVR 2 through the official PlayStation Store online.
Technical Specifications
There is a lot under the hood of PSVR 2. It is jam-packed with top-notch features promising a virtual reality gameplay experience like never before. Below is a detailed overview of all the technical specifications.
Display and Refresh Rate
Starting with the display and refresh rate, this virtual reality headset features dual OLED panels with a staggering 4K display resolution and 90Hz/120Hz frame rate. Each display panel boasts a resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 pixels for each eye. This, in turn, delivers an unparalleled level of visual detail and clarity.
Moreover, the HDR support brings vivid and lifelike colors to the virtual reality experience. And with the use of advanced fresnel lenses, the PSVR 2 takes things to the next level by significantly reducing ghosting and maximizing brightness that allows for incredibly beautiful and seamless image quality.
4 Mounted Cameras
Unlike its predecessor, which relied on an external PlayStation Camera to track player movements, the PSVR 2 has four cameras mounted on the headset that track your every move. These advanced cameras are not only used to track the movements of the headset but also to track the position and movements of the controllers. They can also be used to provide a video feed for the “see-through view” feature, allowing you to view your surroundings without ever having to take off the headset.
Weight and Field of View (FOV)
Weighing in at just 560 grams, which is 40 grams less than its predecessor, PlayStation VR 2 is lighter and more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. In addition to its lightweight design, the PSVR 2’s headband has undergone many improvements to ensure maximum comfort. The PSVR 2 also boasts an increased field of view of approximately 110 degrees that makes your gaming experience feel even more immersive than ever before!
Lens Adjustment Dial
The virtual reality headset now comes equipped with a lens adjustment dial that allows for the accommodation of different IPD measurements. This means that the distance between the user’s pupils can be adjusted for an even more personalized VR experience. Moreover, the light shield is now even more adjustable and can accommodate different head shapes and nose sizes. In addition, the light shield can also be easily removed for easy cleaning.
Eye Tracking
The PlayStation VR 2 also boasts two inward-facing IR cameras that have taken eye-tracking capability. The eye-tracking feature basically allows games to utilize a technique called foveated rendering. It is a performance optimization technique that reduces the render resolution of the game in areas where the player is not looking.
Moreover, eye-tracking can also be used for other purposes, such as providing an additional input method for the game with a simple look in a specific direction. Eye-tracking can also be used to choose dialogue options, browse menus, as well as select things in-world.
It is fascinating to see how future developers use eye-tracking in games, as we have only begun to scratch the surface of its potential. Games like Horizon Call of the Mountain are just the beginning of what we can expect from the technology.
Microphone and Headphone Jack
In addition to all the features and capabilities mentioned above, PSVR 2 also features a built-in microphone and stereo headphone jack as well. And with the PS5’s advanced “Tempest 3D AudioTech,” the headset supports 3D audio through headphones that allow the in-game audio to dynamically adapt to the user position and head movements. To further enhance a user’s audio experience, the PSVR 2 also incorporates noise-canceling earbuds.
Headset Feedback and Cooling System
The built-in motor in the PlayStation VR 2 creates subtle feedback effects that allow for added immersion. Also, there is a cooling system present which incorporates a duct and a small fan to cool the onboard IC chip. Besides cooling the chip, it also prevents the lenses from fogging up while a player is wearing the virtual reality headset.
Social Screen
Last but not least, PlayStation VR 2 also features a Social Screen that broadcasts the player’s virtual reality experience in a 2D format on a TV screen, allowing others to join in on the fun. Additionally, the PS VR 2 also supports Cinematic Mode which takes non-VR games and media content and presents them in a virtual cinema screen.
Design, Setup, and Comfort
Setting up the PSVR 2 is a breeze, with no complicated setup of cameras or breakout boxes. All that’s needed is to plug in the USB-C cable to the front of the PS5 console.
The PlayStation VR 2 headset connects to the PS5 console with a single USB-C cable, making it easy to set up and use with its plug-and-play design. The cable length of 4.5m (14.7 ft) provides plenty of flexibility for movement during gameplay.
Also, the headset comes with headphones that can be tethered to the headband, and the headband is well-padded and adjustable to fit different head shapes. The lens separation is also adjustable to accommodate different facial features.
Moreover, the play area can be customized using the cameras and the Sense controller. The virtual reality headset has three different VR Play Styles, depending on the game content and compatibility, allowing for a sitting, standing, or room-scale experience.
Game Library
PSVR 2 made a promising debut with around 30 games available at launch and an additional 100 currently in development, including exclusive titles. However, it’s important to note that the headset does not support first-gen PSVR games. While you can still download these games on your PS5, they can only be played with the original PS VR headset.
Check out the confirmed list of games here!
Final Thoughts
The PSVR 2 has received favorable reviews since its release, with many reviewers focusing on whether it offers good value for its price when compared to other virtual reality headsets on the market.
However, it’s not just the cost that’s impressive, the PSVR 2 also takes full advantage of the PS5’s powerful hardware and boasts a significantly higher resolution display for each eye, faster refresh rates, a wider field of view, and improved tracking and input.
What do you think? Is PlayStation VR 2 worth it? Share your thoughts with us and let us know in the comments below!
