As we are entering the second year of the ninth generation of video game consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X/S) things are slowly starting to ramp up when it comes to next-gen experiences.
In 2022 we will see some of the biggest PS5 and Xbox Series X games released, such as Horizon Forbidden West, Starfield, God of War Ragnarök, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl.
But more importantly, studios around the world are making a full transition to next-gen consoles and Unreal Engine 5, which means that we will finally start to see all the benefits of the next-gen hardware, without being hampered by the limits of PS4 and Xbox One.
As a part of the next generation of gaming, Sony has now officially revealed the first details about PlayStation VR2 (PSVR 2), the second generation of virtual reality hardware that will utilize the full potential of the PS5 to bring never-before-seen VR immersion and "a heightened range of sensations unlike any other."
So, without further ado, here's what we currently know about PSVR 2.
PlayStation VR2 Sense controller
The original PSVR uses PlayStation Move motion controllers in order to play VR games. The Move stick controllers are 6 years older than PSVR(being released in 2010) but were sufficient enough to work with PlayStation VR.
This time around, Sony is not making compromises and is developing a brand new virtual reality controller, called PlayStation VR2 Sense, designed from the ground to work with PSVR 2.
The PlayStation VR2 Sense controller has an orb-like shape, which is specifically designed to fit into the user's hands more naturally and allow for maximum freedom of movement.
The PSVR 2 Sense controller's ergonomic design fits well into a wide range of hand sizes and shapes, and it borrows many innovative technologies from the DualSense controller, such are adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
It also introduces the "finger touch detection" technology, which can precisely detect the movement and position of your fingers in order to convey your hand gestures more naturally in games.
The original PSVR is using the PlayStation Camera for PS4 to detect movement of your head and hands, but the new PSVR 2 Sense controllers will be tracked directly by the PSVR 2 headset, there will be no need for the external camera.
Each PSVR 2 Sense controller (left and right) has the following buttons: PS button, Options button, Action buttons (Circle / Cross), R1 button, R2 button, Right stick / R3 button.
The PSVR 2 Sense controller uses Bluetooth 5.1 connection, and it comes with a USB Type-C port for charging its Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
PlayStation VR2 specifications and features
As expected, the PSVR 2 headset comes with a myriad of improvements and innovations compared to PSVR 1.
PSVR 2 will offer unparallel visual fidelity when it comes to virtual reality gaming, with 4K HDR resolution, 110° Field of View, and much more.
Below you will find a full breakdown of PSVR 2 specifications.
Display method | OLED |
Panel resolution | 4K HDR (2000 x 2040 per eye) |
Panel refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz |
Lens separation | Adjustable |
Field of View | ~110 degrees |
Sensors | Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor |
Cameras | 4 cameras for headset and controller tracking, IR camera for eye tracking per eye |
Feedback | Vibration on headset |
Communication with PS5 | USB Type-C |
Audio | Built-in microphone, Stereo headphone jack, Tempest 3D AudioTech |
Asides from high-fidelity visuals, PSVR 2 will offer much bigger comfort, as you will only need to connect a single cord to the console, unlike PSVR which had several cords.
And with inside-out tracking, you will not need to constantly think about your position relative to the PlayStation camera, as all movement will be tracked directly from a headset.
PSVR 2 Price: How much will PlayStation VR2 cost?
The second generation of PlayStation VR hardware currently has no price tag on it, but we can speculate based on the price of PSVR when it was launched 5 years ago.
The original PSVR initially launched at $499 for the full set, which included two Move controllers, a PS camera, and the headset. Those who already owned controllers and the camera were able to buy only the headset for $399.
Currently, PSVR is priced at $349 and it usually comes bundled with some VR games.
Based on this, our assumption is that PSVR 2 - the headset + two Sense controllers - will not break the $499 price tag.
PlayStation VR2 release date: When is PSVR 2 coming out?
This is currently only our speculation, but it is safe to assume that Sony is targeting the holidays season of 2022 for launch.
The original PSVR was released in October 2016, and thus our guess is October-December 2022 launch window.
While we are not exactly sure about the date, we are fairly confident that PSVR 2 will be released in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Will PlayStation VR2 be compatible with PSVR games?
Sony has confirmed that all PSVR games released for the original headset will be playable with the PSVR 2. At the moment, it is not sure if those games will also utilize all the new features that are coming with PSVR 2.
When it comes to the new games, specifically designed for PSVR 2, for now, Horizon Call of the Mountain was revealed for PSVR 2, and it will most likely be a launch title alongside PSVR 2.
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