Sony recently released their next generation virtual reality headset called PS VR2. There has been a lot of buzz around what it can do and the leap in technology from the original PS VR.
With any jump in technology though it always comes at a price and the PS VR2 sells for €599.
How does Sony's new headset stack up to its competitors? And does the new tech warrant that price?
How does PSVR2's price compare to other headsets?
In general buying any virtual reality headset is a sizeable investment and there are a number of different price points. For example, Meta has two different headsets with the Meta Quest 2 going for €469 and the more robust Meta Quest Pro VR selling for a whopping €1,799.
The HTC Vive is another competitor, offering the Vive Cosmos for €599 and the HTC Vive Pro going for about €1,000. There is also the Valve Index VR for €1,079.
Based on these prices it is clear that the PSVR 2 is aiming for a halfway house in terms of price at €599. They are trying to bridge the gap between the more affordable options like the Meta Quest 2 and the more premium headsets like the HTC Vive Pro.
New arrival can’t wait to get started! #PSVR2 #Playstation #Sony pic.twitter.com/HpDjNlXaZq
— Kenneth Fox (@kennyboyfox92) February 21, 2023
What do you get in the box?
You get the PS VR2 headset which comes with a tethered USB type C cable which plugs directly into the PS5. The cable length is 14.7 ft, so you do not have to worry about it being too small.
You also get two PS VR2 Sense controllers one for your left and right hand, along with stereo headphones and additional earpieces. Finally, there is a USB cable which is use for charging the controllers.
What new features does the PS VR2 have?
It is a big step up from the original PS VR in terms of the headset. One of the biggest improvements is the fact you need just a single cable to get set up. The original PSVR required a separate processor unit with three cables plugged into it that was then connected to the PS4.
In terms of the headset, one of the biggest features is the eye tracking technology which was not present in the original PS VR. It means instead of using the controller you can look in the direction of something to focus on it and look around the world more freely. There are also four embedded cameras which track movement within the headset itself.
Another new feature is "foveated rendering", which enhances what you are looking at and focuses the process powering of the PS5 on it.
It comes with a 4K HDR OLED in-headset display, with a resolution of 2000×2040. This is a huge upgrade from the original PS VR, which came with an LCD panel and a 960×1080 resolution.
There is also very handy see-through mode which means you can switch between gameplay and your surroundings if you need to see where you are in the room.
The sense controllers, meanwhile, have a unique rounded shape which fit neatly in your hands. Similar to the PS5's Dualsense controller it has four buttons, but it is split between the two controllers.
It also has back triggers (L2 and R2), L1 and R1 buttons at the side and PS home buttons on each controller to bring up the PS5's menus and switch to the home screen.
The triggers also have haptic feedback which give them a palpable tension when you press them.
How easy is it to set up?
Once you plug in the headset for the first time you will be greeted by a set on instructions on screen of how to set up the headset and pair the controllers. You also map out your particular play area, which has three different configurations.
Roomscale (which allows more movement) and has a minimum play area of 6 ft 7 in × 6 ft 7 in, sitting which requires a minimum play area of 3 ft 4 in × 3 ft 4 in and standing which requires a minimum play area of 3 ft 4 in × 3 ft 4 in.
I am playing in a bedroom so it is a little tight, but the seating option means I have more than enough space to play. I also had an issue with setting up eye tracking, but I got it to work eventually after a number of attempts.
What games can you play at launch?
The most important element for any piece of gaming hardware is the games themselves and thankfully there is plenty to try out on PS VR2. Sony has officially touted 30 games coming to PS VR2 during the launch window (which means up until March).
In terms of the big hitters, there is Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village's VR mode, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge and The Dark Pictures: Switchback.
I tried out Gran Turismo 7 first and straight away you can appreciate the immersion. It does an incredible job of replicating driving a souped-up sports car and feels intuitive as you check your rearview mirror to see where your competitors are, or turn your head to get a better view of the upcoming corner.
It feels like an essential part of the game as opposed to a half-baked VR mode. One of the more impressive elements is the VR showroom where you can check out your car collection and observe the stunning rendering of each car. It is much more impressive in VR when you can see every painstaking detail of the interior and exterior.
I also played Horizon Call of the Mountain which is a VR spin-off of the widely successful Sony game Horizon from Guerilla Games. Instead of taking up the role of Aloy you play as Ryas who starts the game off as a prisoner being transported on a boat.
From the moment a bag is taken off your head it is hard not to be blown away by just how beautiful the world is. The soaring mountains and lush forests are a sight to behold as Horizon truly comes alive from all angles.
Seeing as the game takes place around mountains you will be doing a lot of climbing in the game and once you get the hang of it, you will be flying up the rock face. Similar to the other games in the series your main weapons is a bow. It is incredibly satisfying to grab an arrow from behind your head, pull back the bow and pick apart the machines in front of you.
There are plenty of other smaller experiences such as: Synth Riders: Remastered Edition a fun rhythm game, Tentacular where the player takes on the role of a gigantic tentacled beast and Kayak VR: Mirage which lets you paddle through stunning landscapes at your own leisure.
While there may not be a litany of PS VR2 only games at this stage, there is enough variety to keep every type of gamer happy.
So, is it worth it?
After trying out all the PS VR2 has to offer when it comes to new features and games it is hard not to recommend it. As someone who has never owned a VR headset it is a great entry point into the VR space, and you can catch up on a lot of VR games you may have missed out on. It is high price to pay for VR, but you do seem to get value for money.
Alternatively, if you already own a VR headset this isn't such a big upgrade that you need to buy it right now. The new features do add a lot in terms of immersion, but it might be better to wait until the library of games expands and there are more "must-play" titles on PS VR2 down the line.
