Cons
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Not wireless
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Not backwards compatible
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Expensive
The PSVR 2 is undeniably a step forward for VR gaming, but will cost you more than a PS5.
About the PlayStation VR2:
Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
The PlayStation VR2 comes with wired earbuds and two Sense motion controllers.
Here are the specs of the VR headset we reviewed:
- Price: $550
- Display: Two HDR-capable OLED lens screens with 2000 x 2040 pixel per eye panel resolution, 120Hz refresh rate.
- Connectivity: Non-detachable USB Type-C
- Lens separation: Adjustable
- Field of View: Approx. 110 degrees
- Sensors: Motion sensor: six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), Attachment sensor: IR proximity sensor
- Cameras: 4 embedded cameras for headset and Sense controller tracking. IR camera for eye tracking per eye.
- Haptic feedback: Vibration on headset
- Audio: Input: Built-in microphone. Output: Stereo 3.5mm headphone jack (included wired stereo earbuds).
- Special features: Foveated eye tracking
It should be noted that the headset is only compatible with the PlayStation 5 and not with the 4. As a console-exclusive VR headset, it is also not compatible with PCs.
The pixel count on the PSVR2’s lenses is much higher than that of the original Playstation VR, with HDR screens that each have a resolution of 2000 x 2040 pixels, compared to its predecessor’s 960 x 1080. A pass-through view is available this time around thanks to the four pre-installed, inside-out cameras. New to this headset is an eye-tracking feature called foveated rendering that reads exactly where your eyes are focusing in order to render specific areas in high detail instead of the entire scene. More game-specific features involving eye tracking will be featured in upcoming games.
A PlayStation camera is no longer required. Instead, the headset’s pre-installed tracking cameras will read your surroundings and gather real-time data in order to record your gaming space as part of the initial setup (which you can also update at any time). You can customize said space manually in order to add more or less play area at your convenience.
The initial setup takes about 5 or 10 minutes and it’s as easy as just plugging it into your PS5, turning the headset’s power button on, and following a few simple steps.
What we like
It’s comfortable and easy to adjust
I found the PSVR 2 headset itself easy to put on and adjust. It has a wheel with a button in the middle on the back of the headset; pressing the button retracts the headband and spinning the wheel tightens it. The band has enough padding that you won’t feel discomfort at any given time, even after playing for a while.
The padding around the lens area and the nose cover doubles as a curtain to keep out unwanted light to heighten immersion. The headset itself is also relatively light (40g lighter than the PSVR1) so it’s easy to play for hours and forget that you’re actually wearing it.
For the audio, Sony opted to include a pair of 3.5mm stereo earbuds that jack into the back of the headset rather than use built-in speakers. They’re comfortable to wear, but it might make sharing the VR2 an awkward situation due to ear hygiene. The sound quality is pretty good and it greatly increases immersion thanks to their wide soundstage.
If they aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy sound coming off from your TV or home theater, as the PSVR 2 simultaneously outputs both audio and video.
Tracking and motion sensors are highly accurate
Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
The PSVR 2 also outputs to a display and external speakers.
After laying out my living room’s play space, the headset did a phenomenal job at registering my location and tracking movement. Whenever I got too close to a boundary, a red marker would indicate I was about to step off. This would also happen whenever the Sense controllers reached too far.
It was especially noticeable when I tried very stealthy sneaking past raptors in Jurassic World: Aftermath. I would get creative and try to hide inside cupboards and underneath any kind of rubble, but because I kept moving so much without using the analog stick, I would constantly hit the edge of my gaming space. This only serves as a testament to the quality of the tracking and movement of the headset.
As for the motion controllers themselves, I rarely ever needed to recalibrate or reset. The response time was fast and satisfying and the headset would accurately track all movement done with the controllers. If for some reason they leave the headset camera’s field of vision, they would immediately return to their proper location.
Everything I did within the games felt realistic, such as flailing my sword around in Altair Breaker accurately reflecting my slashes, or aiming my bow and arrow in Horizon: Call of the Mountain with both hands (which would accurately track the positioning quite well) and actually hitting my targets the way I intended.
The much-vaunted foveated rendering worked as advertised, and I never noticed it in action.
A wide slate of games on the way
Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
You can adjust the focal distance of the lenses, and a built-in skirt helps keep light out.
The PSVR 2 launched with 40 titles, and over 100 more are on the way as confirmed by Sony.
Games range from indie titles such as Song in the Smoke: Rekindled to bigger AAA titles like The Dark Pictures: Switchback. That’s not even including the already available games with VR updates such as Gran Turismo 7, No Man’s Sky, and Resident Evil: Village.
Although the device launched with a limited number of titles and can’t play PSVR games, there’s a growing library of diverse games on the horizon.
What we don’t like
It’s not wireless
Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
We had no trouble with the foveated rendering, which increases detail where the players are looking.
Unlike the original PlayStation VR, the VR2 is tethered to a USB-C cable that must be plugged into the PS5 at all times.
This is a double-edged sword, since staying plugged in allows for optimal performance and unlimited play without having to recharge the headset. However, the cable itself can be a major headache and is easily damaged, such as by tripping on it or accidentally stressing it (the headset end is permanently attached). One small tear or pierce and the headset is done until you get the cable replaced, or buy a brand-new unit.
It goes without saying that you should be extra careful and take the necessary precautions if you have any pets in your home that could chew or pull on the cable. Anecdotally, a few Reddit users have already written about accidentally destroying the cable.
It’s still long enough that you can move around at reasonably long distances around your room, but having to worry about not tripping or stepping on it can easily kill the immersion.
No backwards compatibility
One major downside of the PSVR 2 is the inability to play older PSVR titles. This is due to the new technology being incompatible with previous games, so if you have spent plenty of money on PSVR titles, you may want to keep the original headset.
The good news is that many of these games are being upgraded to be compatible with the PSVR 2, though these upgrades may cost you an additional fee even if you already own the game.
It may be a small sacrifice for the sake of advancing the tech to be more streamlined and accessible (and we’re very impressed with it), but a costly one.
Price is too steep
At $550, the PSVR 2 by itself is $50 more expensive than the PS5. The original PSVR launched at $399. With such advanced and expensive tech and parts present, you could justify that price, but it is simply not an option for gamers on a budget or those who are only curious about getting into VR.
For the same price, you could get years of a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and play hundreds of new and classic games, or you could even buy another brand-new console for your significant other and not have to worry about sharing yours. And if you only want to dip your toes into VR gaming, the still-excellent Meta Quest 2 can be had for only $400.
On another note, the battery life for both Sense controllers runs out after only three or four hours. I recommend buying the charging station, as charging both individual controllers through the PS5 can take a while, but it’s an extra $50 for Sony’s first-party station.
It’s an additional $50 on top of the already pricey VR2 package, but it’s such an essential accessory that you should consider paying closer to $600 when thinking about buying the unit.
Should you buy the Playstation VR2?
Maybe, if you’re a VR enthusiast
Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
Sony ditched the original PSVR wands for Sense controllers with gyroscopic tracking.
The PSVR 2 is undeniably a step forward not just in gaming, but VR as a whole. Unfortunately, it is hard to recommend at that price. VR enthusiasts will immediately recognize how impressive and more accessible the machine really is when you compare it to the cost of other VR headsets like the $1,000 Meta Quest Pro or and the $999 Valve Index .
Unlike those options, the PSVR 2 is strictly a console-exclusive experience and not compatible with PCs. The lack of backwards compatibility is also another turnoff given how we’ve gotten years of other great VR games that can’t be played anymore unless they get updated.
At the end of the day, whether the PSVR 2 is worth it to you depends on your priorities and hobbies. If you’re a casual gamer or on a budget, this may not be an investment worth making. If you’re big into VR gaming and already own a PS5, it’s a no-brainer. Either way, we recommend at least trying it out if you get the chance, even if you have to wait for a sale or for more games to come out.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
Meet the tester
Edgar Ortiz
Digital Producer / Tech Writer
Las Vegas-based digital producer and tech writer.
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