The PSVR 2 is the sequel to PlayStation’s original virtual reality headset, boasting improved specs, a new game library and revamped design.
Sony has confirmed the new VR headset will launch in February 2023, and will have a steeper launch price than its predecessor.
Some of the new features include a 4K HDR OLED screen, foveated rendering and an expanded field of view. The headset will even feature ‘subtle responsive vibrations’ in a similar fashion to the DualSense controller, adding another level of immersion to the games you play.
Keep reading on for everything you need to know about the PSVR 2.
Release date
Sony has confirmed that the PSVR 2 will be available to buy from 22 February 2023.
You’ll be able to pre-order the headset as soon as 15 November 2022, which should guarantee you a unit for launch day.
Price
The PSVR 2 will have a starting price of $549.99 / £529.99 / €599.99. That will not only get you the main headset, but also the required Sense controllers and stereo headphones.
If you want the Horizon Call of the Mountain game bundled in with the headset, it will cost $599.99 / £569.99 / €649.99 instead.
Specs
Sony has confirmed that the PSVR 2 virtual reality headset will feature a 4K HDR OLED in-headset display. It will also feature an expanded field of view so you can see more of the display at once.
The PSVR 2 will keep the same 120Hz refresh rate as the original model, which is no surprise given the Meta Quest 2‘s screen isn’t any faster.
| PSVR 2 | Oculus Quest 2 | PSVR | |
| Resolution (per eye) | 2000 x 2040 | 1832 x 1920 | 960 x 1080 |
| Panel | OLED | LCD | LCD |
| Field of view | 110 degrees | 89 degrees | 100 degrees |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz |
Sony has confirmed the PSVR 2 will make use of technology such as foveated rendering, which uses eye-tracking technology to improve the image quality of what you’re currently looking at, saving resources on rendered objects in your peripheral vision.
The one key differentiator between the PSVR 2 and Oculus Quest 2 will be that the former will not have an internal CPU or GPU and will therefore require a connection to the PS5 to function. Sony has confirmed that its next VR headset will use a single cord for setup, making it a more streamlined approach to the existing PSVR headset.
Controllers
We know that the latest PSVR 2 headset will launch alongside new controllers that will have a “focus on great ergonomics”. The headset controllers, or Sense controllers, will feature a rounder look that will allow for constant human contact for haptic feedback, in a very similar fashion to the DualSense controllers.
Each controller will have a PlayStation button, action buttons up top, an analogue stick, trigger and one more button where your thumb naturally rests. The adaptive triggers will simulate various sensations, such as creating resistance when pushing down to pull a bow, or running through thick mud when driving a car.
The controller will also be packed with motion sensors and position trackers, allowing them to mimic your hand movements whether you’re swinging a sword or trying to wave at a friend online.
The controllers will feature a USB-C port for charging, which is the same connector used by the PS5’s DualSense controller.
Design
The PSVR 2 doesn’t look too dissimilar to the last PS headset, featuring a lens adjustment dial to help users line up the panels with their eyes.
There are four visible cameras on the front of the headset, which allow for the inside-out tracking to track the movement of your head without the need for external sensors. We expect that the PSVR 2 will offer far superior tracking accuracy when compared to the last headset.
A single cord connects the headset to the PS5, with Sony claiming it will help simplify the setup compared to the original headset. This means you won’t be able to use the PSVR 2 wirelessly, which is a shame since you can do just that with the Oculus Quest.
Games
Sony has revealed that it plans to launch 20 games alongside the PSVR 2 headset, although we’re yet to know what they all are.
The biggest game revealed so far is Horizon Call of the Mountains. It is being designed from the ground up for the PSVR 2, and so will be a separate experience to the PS5 game Horizon Forbidden West, despite existing in the same universe.
Other confirmed PSVR 2 games include Low-Fi and RUNNER, while the likes of Half-Life Alyx, Resident Evil Village and Farpoint 2 have all been rumoured too.
The PSVR 2 is not backwards compatible, so you won’t be able to use your existing game library for the new headset.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
