Introducing the next generation of VR on PlayStation

From PSBlog: "More than four years ago, we launched PlayStation VR to offer a transformative new way to play games on PS4, providing a much stronger sense of presence and deeper immersion to players compared with traditional games. In that time, we’ve seen tremendous experiences that have propelled virtual reality gaming forward, including highly acclaimed titles like Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, Tetris Effect, Blood & Truth, Moss, Beat Saber, and Resident Evil 7 biohazard. We’ve also enhanced the experience for some PS VR titles when played on PS4 Pro and PlayStation 5.

Today I’m pleased to share that our next-generation VR system will be coming to PlayStation 5, enabling the ultimate entertainment experience with dramatic leaps in performance and interactivity. Players will feel an even greater sense of presence and become even more immersed in their game worlds once they put on the new headset."

[TGGJustin]

Funny that some people really thought Sony was going to abandon VR. Can't wait to see what they have in store.

[StoneyYoshi]

Im just surprised that are already talking about it. Before launch they made it sound like we wouldn't hear anything for at least a year or two from launch.

[TFJWM]

I was under the impression we wouldn't see anything for a year or two from launch not that they wouldn't talk about it.

[boing1]

Wasn't that the same to what they did with PSVR? I think they also announced it almost 2 years in advance.

[Petebloodyonion]

I think we can thank Oculus with the Quest 2 for that.
The Headset is currently a smashing success and is gaining huge popularity.
( for the info it's an incredible value for the asking price).
Also with the pandemic going more and more, ppl are trying to fays to escape quarantine and similar states.

[StoneyYoshi]

@boing1
"Wasn't that the same to what they did with PSVR? I think they also announced it almost 2 years in advance."

Looks like you are correct. they announced Project Morpheus in march of 2014 and it launched in October of 2016. For some reason I feel like they announced it much later in 2014 but I am wrong. This timing is very similar to the OG PSVR so if anything we should expect it to launch in late 2022-2023. Fingers crossed for 2022.

Im also not expecting anymore news for this until the end of the year.

[Neonridr]

well don't expect anything until 2022. We might get a sneak peek later this year.

[SullysCigar]

^ @Pete, just no. The Quest 2 is a great product for what it's going for, but it's definitely not great value.

Used wirelessly, it's actually far less capable than the current PSVR and is more or less in line with a PS3.

The biggest problem, for me, is that they charge an extra $50 for a strap that I believe is essential - it's VERY uncomfortable without it and is rendered barely usable.

[Babadook7]

Yes. I knew why Sony wasn't releasing VR too early into the new gen. And it follows why they didn't mention it too early. But if you followed along, they were always planning for big innovation in VR.

I was hoping for wireless, but a tiny cable will be ok. Helps keep cost down and no battery to charge. Very much looking forward to this!

[SullysCigar]

Anyone that follows PSVR releases wouldn't doubt it's future. As you'll know, it's just had it's best year for game releases, with some of the best VR games ever made.

Sony just spent big on Hitman 1, 2 & 3 to get the VR treatment, so they're in this for the long haul - and I can't wait for PSVR2!

[Thundercat77]

PSVR on PS4 was a success and it is being supported very well.

Maybe the new PSVR will release by the time I finally get my hands on a PS5.

[Abnor_Mal]

Same, we can only hope. Im willing to bet this time more people will get a vr system. Im just hoping that the Aim controller will still be usable with their new vr system.

Can't wait to see what the new controllers will look like and what features it will have .

[crazyCoconuts]

I loved the aim controller, but I can't see them sticking to using lights to track with their next version. Especially with inside out tracking working so we'll now with other headsets

[Abnor_Mal]

@CrazyCoconuts that's true, I was just thing of the cost of everything needed. A PS5 which I haven't gotten yet, new vr headset with camera and controllers included hopefully, and possibly a new version of the Aim controller. All of which will end up costing a pretty penny.

I am glad to hear of Sonys dedication to vr and drive to make it more mainstream and less niche which is where its been stuck for a while.

[Abnor_Mal]

@Utopiancat You have points, I just feel like the Aim did not get much use to be discontinued so easily. Of course there will still be games for it on PSVR1, but I dont feel they will make vr games that can be played on both systems as one will hamstring thr other.

The glove sounds nice and can even possibly do away with the need for an Aim all together. If it tracks indivisl fingers, then making a gun with your fingers and a gun appears in hand.

[IanTH]

They don't support some of these peripherals well, unfortunately. I own the Sharpshooter from the Move days on PS3. It had a spot for the Nav controller and everything, but they didn't offer support for that at all on the PS4. Neither of these accessories had hardly any games that took advantage of them, so their overall uptake was also limited. I think that, combined with (as others have mentioned) the likely switch to IR based inside-out tracking, leaves us having to assume the old VR peripherals will be put out to pasture.

[HICK]

Depending on what type of controls they go with we may not need an aim controller at all. Maybe the controllers will be able to insert in a device like the Sharp Shooter accessory. I would prefer to have the controllers work so well we don't need another controller so that we can manually reload like you see in Half Life: Alyx with those controllers.

[darthv72]

I like the PS4 VR and my only request is that the PS5 VR support multiple (at least two) headsets. My kids fight over whose turn it is to wear it and then one messes with the other... it would be so much nicer if they could both wear one.

then i could mess with both of them.... (such a dad thing to do)

[UnbreakableAlex]

Buy them Quest 2 then there are tons of VR multiplayer games.

[MeteorPanda]

thats not going to be possible anytime soon, hell eve computers would struggle

what you're asking is a single device to render 4 separate screens of the same scene and not lag. thats a lotta resources.

[Amplitude]

That would need a crazy amount of power from the system itself but I'm into the idea. Maybe one day on PC with solid rigs, local multiplayer VR games could become a thing. ...ah actually, support for it would be so small though. And imagine the room size needed.

Yeah this is unlikely to ever exist lol.
On ps5 I believe they said there's no separate box, I'm going to imagine it's gonna use both USB A and USB C at the same time, so you already don't have enough ports for two headsets sadly.

Super cool idea though.

[NeoGamer232]

In 4 years it sold 5 million units. I wouldn't call that a fail. But it is also far from a success.

They've sold over 110 million consoles. 5 million PSVR isn't even 5% of the base.

VR is a niche product. It has been pushed since Oculus Rift heavily and has failed to gain deep traction on any platform. I don't want to say VR is bad, because it isn't. But, describing the sale of 5 million to 110 million customers is not anything to brag about.

[StoneyYoshi]

For it being a $300 add on accessory, 5 million sold is no slouch considering its the best selling VR headset on the market. VR is still in its infancy stage.... At most it's in the toddler stage right now. VR isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

[NeoGamer232]

@StoneyYoshi
The best selling VR of a bunch of VR units that aren't selling well is nothing to brag about. Whether it is Oculus, PSVR, HTC, etc. VR is a niche product.

VR is great, but its, price makes it a niche product, thank you for pointing that out.

Sony has committed to VR, and that is a good thing. But, no matter how you slice it, unless they can get the price down to $100-150 it remains a niche product.

[BigBosss]

I'm hoping 2022 for PSVR2!

[CaptainHenry916]

It's not wireless though. 😕 Still has a cord 🤔 😂

[NealGamby]

I'm glad it isn't wireless, tbh. I didn't fancy the idea of having yet another wireless device pressed up that close to my brain. That's also why I use corded ear buds when I talk on the phone.

[crazyCoconuts]

@Neal, 5G much? 😊

[jznrpg]

One cord is fine with me . It doesn’t need to be wireless . There are many reasons not to be wireless .

[Petebloodyonion]

I still hope that it will work like the Quest2.

Not a lot of ppl are aware that Quest 2 can work with the Link Capable to play more powerful pc Vr games
The same could apply to PSVR2 where you need the cord to play game like Hitman 3 but could perhaps unhook it to play games like Beat Saber and Tetris.

@NealGamby
I take it that you haven't tried the Oculus Quest (or 2)
If you did then trust me you wouldn't want to return to a cord option where you are limited in space or movement unless you are playing from a seated position.

[CaptainHenry916]

I guess I'm spoiled with the wireless Oculus quest

[StoneyYoshi]

"I guess I'm spoiled with the wireless Oculus quest"

With that 72Hz max refresh rate lol... unless you have the quest 2. It's also still limited by its mobile hardware which limits the amount of detail these games can achieve. Id rather compromise wireless if it means more graphically detailed immersive experiences. But wireless adapters could still be an option for PSVR2.

Even if the Quest was the best option out there, I'm not supporting them if I'm required to have a facebook account to use one. It's a shame they went that route.

[Futureshark]

Lets have Half-Life:Alyx on it please!

[GOULDYBOBS]

Soon as you let us have Sony exclusives

[Futureshark]

Who's Us?

The Last of Us?

PC brigade already got HZD and Death Stranding off the top of my head.
And looks like Days Gone too.
So you should be very happy 😊

[XbladeTeddy]

Plus Horizon Zero Dawn is on PC

[RedDevils]

PC nerd would love Knack :)

[StoneyYoshi]

I knew that USB-C port on the front was meant for more than just faster external storage speeds! I'm so glad they went that route instead of wireless to keep costs down. Hopefully they can keep the cost around the price of the oculus headsets.

[generic-user-name]

There are much better reasons to go wired than to just keep costs down, going wired allows them to harness the power of the PS5 instead of being limited to some kind of mobile processor that the Quests have, it also means never worrying about battery life. PS5 is a beast and the PSVR 2 (or whatever they end up calling it) is going to take advantage of it in a big way.

[Magog]

The wifi in PS5 is fast enough it could do the processing and transmit the data to the headset.

[generic-user-name]

@Husband

Maybe, but it won't be faster than wired, nor as reliable and you'll still have to worry about battery.

[StoneyYoshi]

"going wired allows them to harness the power of the PS5 instead of being limited to some kind of mobile processor that the Quests have, it also means never worrying about battery life."

Yeah I was bringing up those points too while replying to some other people on this thread.

[BioShockGX]

Put half life Alyx on it and I'll buy it.

[generic-user-name]

Valve have openly stated the possibility of Alyx on more platforms was on the table, I'm sure the only reason it isn't already on PSVR 1 is because the hardware isn't able for it.

[SullysCigar]

Yup, this. The controllers aren't suited either - that's one of the most exciting aspects of potential for PSVR2! Day 1, deffo!

[Relientk77]

Wow I feel like Sony just dropped this out of nowhere.

[StoneyYoshi]

Thats because they just did. ;)

[Atticus_finch]

They're really just flexing.

[Muigi]

Half-Life: Alyx PS5

[ocelot07]

I said ages ago and was hoping it would be just like the quest 2 pc set up. Single usb connection to pc and inside out tracking.

Can't wait to see the new controller.

[Gravity_DoGG]

Why drop this info without showing it off? We all knew it was coming sooner or later. Seems weird.

[crazyCoconuts]

Ryan was kinda dodgey when asked about it earlier, so it's nice that they're clarifying their commitment. From a PR perspective they may be performing a preemptive strike if they know someone like Apple is about to make a statement, but that's just speculation on my part

[generic-user-name]

I want to buy either a PS5 or and XSX and I am interested in VR, oh look! PS5 is getting it's own VR headset, I will now purchase that console instead of the XSX.

And there you have it.

[Gravity_DoGG]

Its not like we didnt know it was coming. Everyone who knows about ps4 and vr would be able to tell you that.

[generic-user-name]

@Gravity

Only a few months ago Jim Ryan seemed very cagey about VR's future on PS5, that made a lot of people who are VR fans nervous. Also look no further than the Vita, which sold a lot more than PSVR, and notice they have stopped doing handhelds.

[Hikoran]

Very excited for this! I think the trouble with VR alone not just with PS, is that it's too pricey for people to get, because if they weren't they'd want one. I got one as a present and try get everyone I can to have a try.

[crazyCoconuts]

I'm excited too. Sony will surely innovative and move the industry forward, I'm looking forward to seeing how. Seems to me that motion sickness is the biggest complaint from folks keeping them from enjoying it. I don't know if there's a solution for that problem

[calactyte]

Soooo excited for this! I hope the next generation of VR controllers is a glove that includes the force feedback and resistance triggers from the PS5 controllers. That'd be so awesome.

[Outlawzz]

I was hoping for wireless. I'll still keep my hopes up with the one cable announcement but I would really just like to move about freely.

The psvr is pretty annoying with the heavy cable. Hopefully they won't need those laser beam lights anymore too.

[Petebloodyonion]

That is great news indeed.
I really love my PSVR, bought it on day 1 and never regret it, and even with now owning an Oculus quest 2 I still love coming back to it to play Rush of Dawn, Wipeout Omega, Everybody'sGolf and Resident evil 7.

I really hope that Sony find a way to have the PSVR function like the Quest 2 meaning wireless for mores simple games
wired for a game like Half-life Elix.

But again the great news is that today we can confirm that PSVR2 is coming thus ensuring that VR will become the real next-gen upgrade that we want just like when polygons graphics appeared or when CD replaced cartridges.

Again really excited :)

[StoneyYoshi]

"I really hope that Sony find a way to have the PSVR function like the Quest 2 meaning wireless for mores simple games."

Or, they could just sell a wireless adapter option or something. That would be the most cost effective option rather than having a headset with its own internal hardware to render the games which would also require a battery to power it bringing the cost up beyond what they are most likely wanting to target.

Plus I'd personally rather have a hard wire setup so the games can output the highest refresh rate they can instead of being limited to 72Hz like on the quest and quest 2 due to mobile hardware limitations in a lower priced device.

[Petebloodyonion]

Quest 2 can already go 90 HZ and a 120 Hz update is coming
https://www.pcgamer.com/ocu...

[jznrpg]

Can’t wait . Hope the portable
Rumors are true too . Day one for both

[generic-user-name]

They specifically stated it'd use a single cord, I imagine if it was wireless they would have mentioned it, especially with dev kits about to get sent out.

[victorMaje]

"One of the innovations we’re excited about is our new VR controller, which will incorporate some of the key features found in the DualSense wireless controller, along with a focus on great ergonomics."
Get ready for a VR game-changer.

[Neonridr]

Better tracking (inside out), higher resolution, and controllers like the Index ones. That's all I'm asking for.

[Einhander1971]

Day one for me 👍 PSVR 1 is fantastic, just imagine how amazing PSVR 2 will be :)

[masterfox]

Playstation once again will push forward the VR gaming industry just like they did with the PSVR, and how they move it forward you may ask?, well, Sony created an affordable reachable VR system and yet with impressive specs and great design for the masses something the competition didn't care that much, I mean with the PSVR you didn't need to have an ultra expensive gaming rig, heck not to buy those expensive PC VR systems either.

PSVR 2 will be effing amazing!

[Master of Unlocking]

Good. Maybe the price of PSVR1 will finally drop to a reasonable level now.

[solidsnake222]

When they say it will be connected to the PS5 by a single cord, I’m holding out hope that they are talking about the processor unit and not the headset. I’m guessing that isn’t the case, but my biggest request for PSVR2 is a wireless headset. I’d pay more for that if it were at least an option.

[generic-user-name]

It sounds to me like there won't even be an annoying processor unit this time around, which I personally prefer, wireless is hassle free but wired bring more benefits to the table for me personally.

[VariantAEC]

The break-out box on PS4 was for 3D audio processing. PSVR for PS5 will use a single cord only thanks to the Tempest custom audio processor.
It isn't impossible that at some point PlayStation could make a wireless variant of the HMD, but I wouldn't count on it due to the cost and their might be a lack of interest at least as far as the cost to profit margin is concerned (the wireless HMD might be too expensive for its target audience losing the company money). It's safer not to expect a wireless version until they make their money on the wired version.

[waverider]

Next gen. Sony is going all out. Very nice to see and excited about the next gen of PSVR.

[Lexreborn2]

Just got my PS5 today looking forward to new VR next year!

[VariantAEC]

Christmas 2022 maybe?

[Lexreborn2]

I’m okay with that, if they can make affordable wireless headset improvements without costing more then a thousand they have a winner. Less then 500 for full kit it’s a no brainer

[adamwparker]

" It will connect to PS5 with a single cord to simplify setup and improve ease-of-use, while enabling a high-fidelity visual experience."

Uggg.... A single cord is still one cord too many. VR needs to LOSE cords. If you want immersion, having your arm get caught up to something you can't see when playing something fast like Beat Saber or Super Hot is NOT they way to feel fully inside.

Oculus Quest already doesn't use cords now, so why isn't Sony working that into their system as well?

[ocelot07]

Because the quest 2 is it's only platform. It's essentially a built in mobile. That's why it's wireless. Yer you can also connect it to your pc via WiFi and stream your games to the headset. But latency is a thing.

[Petebloodyonion]

Actually, you are dead wrong.
The Oculus quest 2 can basically be a PC headset via the Oculus Link Cable So there's no latency and connect to Steam and Oculus PC store.
You can also connect via Wifi if you have Virtual desktop
The Quest 2 is actually a better Headset performance-wise compared to the Oculus Rift (the why they discontinued the rift) and with the rumored 120 HZ mode coming it will rival the Valve Index
https://www.rockpapershotgu...
So I fail to see why everybody wants to say it's a mobile-only VR headset when the majority of VR fanatic on PC are actually praising the Quest 2.

[ocelot07]

@Petebloodyonion

Check my comment history. I know all about the quest 2 I have one my self. First and foremost the quest 2 is a stand alone vr that is a simple fact no if or but. But yes it can be connected via a single cable (just like this new psvr ). As well as WiFi like I said but at least in my experience can have latency issues.

[generic-user-name]

There's huge downsides to going wireless to consider also. Quest is good for simple games like Beat Sabre but it needs the link cable for Alyx for a reason.

[S2Killinit]

I cant wait for the next PSVR

[spambot0815]

not sure how much it will cost in stores but i'm pretty sure you'll find it on ebay for a 4 figure numbers around launch. 😉

[ApocalypseShadow]

And BAM!!!

All the naysayers that said Sony wasn't planning the next VR or abandoning it were just called liers.

Can't wait for PSVR2.

[Abnor_Mal]

Just when they thought it was safe Sony hit them in the face.

Like blam.
Let the greatness begin.

[ApocalypseShadow]

Happens every time mal. It's like they don't get tired of being stupid. And then comes Sony to put them in their place again and again after their lies and misleading statements. Or taking Sony's words out of context like that last article with Jim Ryan.

I see fools still doing it. One on upload is spreading the narrative that it was because of Apple's possible VR unit. Or, Sony will just cancel it. Even when corrected, this guy continues to push his nonsense in that comment section.

But I love when Sony puts them in their place. Making whatever these people say become discredited and not worth listening to.

[REDGUM]

Hmmm, I'm suprised it's still going to be a corded system.
I'm sure there's a reason for it to be but that was my biggest gripe with the current PVSR.

Still looking forward to seeing and playing with the new unit when it does eventually release though.

[purple101]

If you take away the cord the headset gets heavier.

Batteries and wireless dongle need to be included

Price also then increases.

Lag increases.

[generic-user-name]

This.

[REDGUM]

Oh, I didn't realise this. Thanks for the info.

[Profchaos]

I'll be upgrading I loved the psvr and can't wait to see what the vr2 has to offer

[hduce]

I have been waiting for this. This was the primary reason I bought a PS5. I am a huge fan of VR.

[GamingSinceForever]

Disappointing that it won’t be wireless this time.

[VariantAEC]

Not at all unexpected.

[isarai]

I figure that single cord design what the high speed usb-c port on the front is for.

[Agent75]

Wonder if PS4 VR games will play on PS5 VR? Probably not, as that part of gaming is never straight forward. PS4 VR set up was tragic due to the cables. But graphically, it was a little poor, more so Turismo Sport. Wipeout was the only game that stood out. Somehow, it didn’t have washed out graphics.

[DivineHand125]

Don't get too excited people. The first 3 shipments of those vr headsets are already sold out.

[TheHan]

I’m actually looking forward to the VR experience and if they keep following suit then I can see PS leading the way for VR gaming. I’m interested in how this new VR will be. Even though Microsoft/Xbox isn’t focusing on VR you’ve got others that are. I wonder if that may be why they decided to not support a handheld PS anymore and started focusing on a VR. Makes sense to me 👍🏻

[ocelot07]

State of play this Thursday. Maybe we will hear more about psvr2.

[bujasem_89]

I wish they would make a vr, that can also double as a portable console. I miss the vita.

[VariantAEC]

Just not economically feasible. Maybe they'll shock us all, but I highly doubt it. Even if they do I don't think it would be able to differentiate itself enough on a technical level from the competition which would effectively be the Nintendo Switch.

So it would be expensive for what it does and be less capable than your phone by consequence of being a gaming device while also being basically as powerful as modern phones likely requiring new media yet again or forcing gamers to purchase games exclusively through PSN and storing them on the device and expandable media which may or may not be proprietary. It would also take resources away from PS5 games projects (yeah yeah this didn't stop devs in the past... Times are different visually detailed games are harder to make today).

It might be a mess for PlayStation financially even if they do everything right and even I wouldn't jump in on that kind of risk if I were in charge. What I proposed doesn't sound appealing I wouldn't buy a PS Vita successor if it were like that.

[bujasem_89]

Whatyou said makes a lot of sense. It was just me wishing in the wind. I would personally buy anything portable they make as long as it uses SD cards. Being a portable vr I honestly don't even know how that would work, probably peripherals will be required. Unrealistic dreams, it's just me hoping.

I appreciate the extended explanation, thanks for your time dude.

[RgR]

So glad I decided to postpone getting the current vr headset. Now I'll really have tons to play when the new one launches on ps5.

[Agent75]

But will PS4 VR games play with PS5 VR? Big chance they won’t.

[RgR]

hope they do.
It would be kinda bad for the next vr headset if it can't play the enormous library of the previous one.

It would make it DOA if it releases with only 1 or 2 games.

I've been tempted to jump into psvr lately but with this news I can now postpone until the next one releases.

[DarthZoolu]

Nice move Sony! All hardware should be leveraged to give us gamers everything! I'm a Series X owner I don't really like single player cinematic games that Sony is so good at making but this definitely has my attention. My be time to pick up a PS5 and before you say there are none, I got the plug.

[QuePasa87]

I wish it would work with PC also

[OptimusDK]

So nothing to show - just talk... why now. We all knew a next gen VR wold be comming. Why announce this little now?

[Agent75]

Will be years off with typical delays, hardly any stock. Same old, same old....

[talocaca]

I'm curious about this. I liked the original headset but the tech really got in the way.

The processing unit was huge and needed a power supply (also had to be disconnected to play games in HDR). The move controllers were also extremely dated.

I'm hoping that the PS5 version is more like a Quest with an Oculus Link so we can play AAA games like Half Life Alyx.

[VariantAEC]

Aside from my own neck possibly getting in the way (not sure if the weight of PSVR is a health concern due to my neck quite yet) I haven't had any problems with PSVR on a base models PS4. Games made with robust PSVR support work fine. Games with some sideshow attractions not so much GTS was a surprise disappointment which made me worry about Driveclub VR, but Driveclub VR is awesome. Anyway the unfortunate issue is I really can't enjoy VR for long without serious heart arrhythmias or sinus bradycardia. PSVR doesn't give me motion sickness instead it's potentially dangerous somehow... Yay!

[HeliosHex]

Awesome I always said vr was here to stay, and iam glad it is. A dark souls vr would be incredible. But probably not possible without a full body device for all that diving and rolling around.

[darklaw]

umm ya, I'm gonna needa ps5 first though.....sony. Where are they?