Sony launched the original PlayStation VR headset back in 2016. Seven years later, it launched a succeeding headset: the PlayStation VR 2.
But is it worth upgrading to the new headset, or are you better off sticking with the original? We’ve reviewed both VR headsets, so here are our thoughts.
Price
The PlayStation VR 2 has a launch price of $549.99/£529.99, which makes it even more expensive than the PS5 console. That price seems very high, although it’s actually more affordable than headsets with similar specs such as the Meta Quest Pro.
Meanwhile, the original PlayStation VR headset was originally available for just $399/£349. You can now get it even cheaper second-hand, although you may struggle to find it in many stores right now, since Sony is switching its focus over to the newer headset.
Specs and performance
The PSVR and PSVR 2 have one thing in common: they both need to be connected to a console to function. That means you can’t use these headsets independently (or wirelessly) like you can with the Meta Quest 2.
The original PlayStation headset supports play with both a PS4 and PS5, while the PSVR 2 will only be supported by a PS5.
The PSVR can be a pain to set up, as you need multiple wires to plug into the console, as well as the camera. The PSVR 2 plugs into the PS5 via a single USB-C cable, making the setup process more streamlined. It doesn’t need external cameras either, since they’re baked into the front of the headset’s visor instead.
The PSVR 2 comes with a 4K HDR OLED in-headset display, with a resolution of 2000×2040. This is a huge upgrade from the original PSVR, which came with an LCD panel and a 960×1080 resolution.
These upgrades look both sharper and more vibrant. However, you’ll notice the biggest graphical improvement with games specifically designed for the PSVR 2 such as Horizon Call of the Mountain, since they’re making the most out of the power of the PS5.
Controllers
One of the biggest upgrades for the PSVR 2 headset is the new controllers. They feature a rounder look that should allow for constant human contact for haptic feedback, in a similar vein to the Sony DualSense controllers for the PS5 console.
With both triggers and grip buttons, you’re able to mimic natural hand movements such as picking up an object or pulling the string of a bow. They also feature haptic feedback that can simulate the tension of bowstring once pulled back.
The original PSVR came with vastly different controllers that looked more akin to the Nintendo Wii controllers than the new ergonomic orb design.
The original controllers lacked haptic feedback, with the large orb on the end of the controller being tracked via the PlayStation Camera. Thanks to the four cameras embedded within the PSVR 2 headset, an external camera is no longer needed.
Games
The PlayStation VR 2 is not backwards compatible, which means it has a separate game library to the original headset. This is important to remember, as owners of the original headset won’t be able to carry over their games to the PSVR 2.
Some of the best PSVR games include Beat Saber, Astro Bot: Rescue Mission and Resident Evil 7. Unfortunately, Sony didn’t release many first-party games on the PSVR headset, so its game selection was rather thin on the ground.
The PSVR 2 only launched in 2023, so there aren’t a huge number of games on the platform. But there are still some impressive titles such as Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil 8, No Man’s Sky, Gran Turismo 7 and more.
It remains to be seen whether PlayStation will offer much first-party support for the PSVR 2 beyond launch. But with Sony switching focus onto the newer headset, it’s highly unlikely that the original PSVR headset will see any major game releases from this point onwards.
Verdict
The PlayStation VR 2 is undoubtedly the better VR headset out of the two. It has more ergonomic controllers, a more streamlined setup process and arguably already has better games. And with Sony likely to pull on the brakes for future game support, it makes little sense to buy the original PSVR headset right now.
But is it worth upgrading to the PSVR 2 right now? You’ll obviously need a PS5 before you consider a purchase. And even then, you may want to wait until a larger selection of games becomes available. The more affordable Meta Quest 2 is worth considering instead if you crave wireless freedom, although it will miss out on major first-party PlayStation games.
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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.
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.