We are a week away from Sony releasing its second-generation VR headset, the PlayStation VR2, which promises a dramatic leap in performance and interactivity, as well as features we haven’t even seen in other consumer VR headsets such as eye tracking, higher resolution, haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers.
While PSVR 2 has a lot of advantages over rival headsets on paper, there is a distinct disadvantage of being a tethered headset in a market that has tilted more in the direction of headsets with their own processor and OS, which don't require additional hardware to function (e.g., Meta Quest 2). But despite this, the PSVR 2 is setting itself up for success... just not in the way you think.
PSVR 2’s Path to Victory
The true measurement of success for PSVR 2 comes down to three things: how developers will take advantage of the new tech the headset offers, a strong showing of exclusive content, and, most importantly, meaningful long-term support for the PSVR 2. PlayStation VR 2 needs to have a solid stack of exclusive first- and third-party exclusives that will entice people to choose Sony's new offering over its competitors.
The PSVR 2’s technology is impressive and a major upgrade compared to its predecessor. With an 110-degree field of view, 4K HDR, and support for up to 120Hz, the gaming experience is a nice upgrade over both its predecessor and the Meta Quest 2. Built-in eye-tracking will also be useful for increasing the resolution of whatever you are viewing when playing on PSVR 2. For example, First Contact’s upcoming project, Firewall Ultra, showed a teaser of gameplay that showcased how the headset’s eye tracking allows you to aim with your eyes to ensure the most realistic precision while playing. PSVR 2's improved 4K resolution will definitely help with immersion too, making the interactive experiences that play out right in front of you more realistic.
Here's a look at our latest Firewall Ultra gameplay clip from the #PSVR2 trailer that went live today!
— First Contact Entertainment | Firewall Ultra PSVR2 (@firstcontactent) February 8, 2023
We've been having a BLAST using the eye tracking features!
Of all the immersive new features announced, what are you looking forward to most? #VR #Immersive #PS5 pic.twitter.com/YtDRGA1Uib
Elsewhere, PSVR 2’s Sense Controllers bring the signature features of the PlayStation 5 DualSense – such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers – into VR games. The controllers can detect finger touches too, and this technology can potentially add more immersion and help enhance the experiences to make them stand out from anything currently on the market.
While the technology is certainly impressive, it's the software – the games, the interactive experiences and so on – that will be the primary measure of Sony’s success with VR. What good is the best VR headset if it doesn't have the games line-up to support it?
While the original PlayStation VR had a strong showing in the first three years of its lifespan, with games such as Firewall: Zero Hour, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, and Blood & Truth, by the time thePS5 was gearing up for launch, support for the headset fell off a cliff. Sure, games like Moss: Book II and NFL Pro Era were still released for the headset, but these eventually made their way onto other VR gaming headsets, some with more updated technology over what the original PSVR had to offer.
The PSVR 2’s launch lineup continues to grow ahead of release – at the time of publishing there are 42 games available on launch day, which is a big number. But when you take a closer look at the game’s coming, only three are true PlayStation exclusives: Horizon: Call of the Mountain, as well as free VR modes coming to Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village.
Avid VR gamers likely already own at least a Meta Quest 2 or PC VR and have no doubt already played many of the games confirmed for PSVR 2's line-up. So while it's a decent selection for those who've never played VR, or are upgrading from the original PSVR, it's disappointing for those already into it.
Nevertheless, the arrival of PSVR 2 is a golden opportunity for Sony to improve and enhance console VR gaming and to place PSVR 2 in a position where it can share the spotlight with PlayStation 5. To do that Sony needs to ensure a solid and steady flow of games for PSVR beyond the first few years of its lifespan, similar to the first-party lineup for PS5, especially considering the headset retails for $549.99 – more than either the digital edition or disc-drive PS5 console itself.
Sony is already putting resources into this achieving this goal. First Contact is working on Firewall Ultra, due sometime this year, and Supermassive Games is readying The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR for a March 16 release. Those will help bring momentum in the first year of PSVR 2, and additionally there's the VR mode for Resident Evil 4 Remake, which is an exclusive feature aiming to compete with Resident Evil 4 VR, which is exclusively available on the Meta Quest 2.
Lastly, another example of Sony’s renewed approach to VR is in the hardware. The first-gen headset required PS Move controllers, which were released during the PS3-era and were six years old when PSVR released. In contrast, the PSVR 2 supports brand-new, dedicated Sense Controllers not only designed for VR, but take advantage of its sister hardware to help better immerse you in games and help push VR gaming to new levels.
PSVR 2’s Stiff Competition
PSVR 2 is entering a very different marketplace than it did in 2016, thanks to its hefty price tag and the fact you also need a separate console that is still relatively hard to find, .
The Quest 2 is PSVR 2's main rival and its most attractive feature is that it does not need any additional hardware: you just put on the headset, power it up, and start playing. And despite a rare price increase roughly two years after launch, the Quest 2 remains relatively affordable because it does not require additional hardware like a PC to get it working. Meta has appealed to the mass audience and its contributions to VR have helped it break into the mainstream, even if the games are still pretty niche compared to the broader gaming market. That’s not factoring in how many Quest 2 exclusives have come to the headset or are on the way either, most notably 2021’s Resident Evil 4 VR.
It's inevitable the PSVR 2 will be compared to the Meta Quest 2, which is currently the most popular VR headset on the market. However, PSVR 2 has the backing of its manufacturer, a stable of first-party studios — some of which are dedicated to VR game development like Firesprite – and, over the last nearly 30 years, Sony has built a portfolio of in-house IPs that could make the transition to VR. Hopefully Horizon: Call of the Mountain is the first of many.
Truthfully, it’s unlikely that PSVR 2 not beat the Meta Quest 2, but frankly it doesn't need to. While we could sit here and compare the two and how the Meta Quest 2 is arguably one of the most successful VR headsets ever created, comparing these two headsets is like comparing apples to oranges.
As February 22 approaches, I’m eager to see how the PSVR 2 performs with its launch lineup. But I am more invested in seeing if Sony will recognize the initial impact and potential PSVR 2 has to ensure it invests in its success in the long-term.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
