VR Headsets have improved massively over the years, and as virtual reality starts to become even more popular we’re likely to see many more improvements. In fact, with the latest Sony announcement that their PSVR2 is out soon, gaming fans are even more excited about the technology, what exactly is in store and what this could mean for gaming.
Sony and PlayStation are no strangers to VR headset technology and their original PSVR headset was released back in 2016. Well-loved by fans many have been waiting for official news on when the PSVR2 will be on the shelves and now it’s looking likely that the PS5 addition will be released for sale in early 2023. That said, just because it isn’t released until next year that doesn’t mean there haven’t been some spoilers on what to expect – so let’s take a look at what we know so far.
What We Know About The PSVR 2
We know that aesthetics wise the PSVR 2 is going to follow in the footsteps of the original design, although there have been some ergonomic tweaks to ensure that it is easier to wear for longer gaming sessions. What many fans will be glad to know is that the specifications of the headset itself has been massive improved; so they won’t feel left behind compared to other headsets on the market – which has been a thought process for many considering how long it has been since the last PSVR release. We do know that this is designed to be a technology-packed high-end offering with Sony boasting that it has “a heightened range of sensations unlike any other”. Gamers are understandably excited about the upcoming PSVR2, and there’s already a list of games as long as this list of the best casino offers that fans of PSVR can’t wait to play.
The Specifications
With the PS5 being packed full of the newest technology, it will be no surprise that the PSVR headset that goes along with this will take advantage of that too. With a large number of years since a PlayStation headset release, fans will be expecting plenty from this new headset and Sony will be keen to ensure that they don’t disappoint. Features that can we expect from this headset include faster refresh rates, a wider field of view and a high-resolution display. There are plenty of rumours surrounding what we might see from the headset and Sony are slowly starting to release information to let fans know exactly what they’ll get. What we do know is:
- Total resolution of 4000 x 2040 pixels ( 2000 X 2040 pixels per eye)
- 4K Resolution
- HDR
- 110-degree field of view
- 90 to 120 Hz frame rates
- Controller tracking cameras are embedded into the headset; no need for an external camera.
A Sensory Experience
We know that Sony has said that the PSVR 2 will offer a “heightened range of sensations unlike any other”, but what can we actually expect from the headset and how will that affect gaming?
Eye tracking within the headset is something that fans have been waiting for & it looks as though the PSVR 2 will deliver. This lets the headset track the motion of your eyes and will allow for a more natural experience as your character navigates through the game you are playing. It seems as though this has come about after a deal with eye-tracking camera company Tobii AB, although some are saying that this deal hasn’t been finalised and could still be in negotiations. We also know that the headset will feature with feedback and 3D audio; so those that are using the headset to play a game will be more immersed in the game than previously. This will be combined with a PSVR 2 Sense Controller; will allow more tactile movements to be made as well as the controller reacting during tense moments to allow for a more realistic experience.
Getting Your Hands on a PSVR 2 Console
As yet there is no official release date we do know that it is expected to be next year when the release finally happens. Fans are certainly keen for this to happen sooner rather than later, so many will be hoping that it takes place towards the start of 2023.
As with the release date, Sony have been reasonably tight-lipped on how much this will set you back if you are someone that wants to buy one. We do know that the current VR starter bundle is generally priced at around $200. This is cheaper than its competitive Oculus Quest 2 – although when you consider how many years old the PSVR is that might not be a surprise. As you may imagine, when it was first released back in 2016 it had a higher price tag and has gone through several reductions since then. We also know that the technology in the new PSVR2 is considered premium and this is bound to be reflected in the price that Sony offers. Other premium headsets on the market such as the HTC Vive Pro retail at around $800 and so it wouldn’t be surprising for the headset to be priced somewhere in between all of the offerings on the market. There have been recent price hikes for some VR headsets so it will be interesting to see what price point Sony settles on when it is released.
Whilst we do know plenty of details on the upcoming release of the PSVR 2, there are still plenty of unknowns that we have to look forward to. Fans will be excited to know exactly what the gaming experience will be like when they finally get to try out one of these for size. No doubt we’ll start to find out more about this over the next few weeks and months with some reviews and live-action gameplay videos for fans to be able to see what exactly to expect when they hook up this new VR headset to their PlayStation 5.