Are PlayStation VR2's features and specs good enough for 2022?

Sony has confirmed the specs for its PlayStation VR2 headset and PlayStation Sense controller, but are the features good enough?

[Jin_Sakai]

I’d say definitely. The FOV could be a little better but HDR should be amazing in VR. There’s no need for external camera anymore since the headset has 4 cameras and an IR camera for eye tracking which is nice. And there’s only one cord to deal with. The controllers are also look pretty awesome!

[SlappingOysters]

The res and FOV are down on current top VR headsets. And could be way down if this doesn't get released till 2023. Especially if top headsets go wireless with Wi Fi 6e.

But the headset feedback sounds awesome. And eye tracking and Sense controller with Sony exclusives could be a game changer.

[Eonjay]

The specs of this headset, the screen itself and its features are pretty much top end or even brand new. The two most popular headsets are Quest 2 and PSVR. This obviously destroys them. The panel is a 120Hz 4K OLED screen with HDR. Its gonna do just fine. The FOV is industry standard right now. so nothing to worry about there. I think the haptics and feedback are whats gonna be the biggest game changer.

[purple101]

"The res and FOV are down on current top VR headsets"

only the HTC VIVE PRO beats it, and that's £1098 from overclockers.

[sagapo]

@Eonjay: since when is 2000x2040 4k??
But yeah, it’s a nice piece of tech, true.

[Rimeskeem]

Seems way above average according to this comparison site.

https://benchmarks.ul.com/c...

[specialguest]

@purple101
The HP reverb g2 has been out for more than a year and it has 2,160x2,160-per-eye. It's the best screen for PC VR under $1000. It's far superior to quest 2, Vive Index, and HTC vive pro. The cost is $445 now. Besides the resolution, the PSVR2 blows it away on all other specs.

If we go stupid highend there's a few more VR headsets that have crazy specs. The Varjo has micro-led display with 2880 x 2720 px per eye. It's not in the same tier due to price

[SlappingOysters]

Not sure popularity had anything to do with it. We're talking about where the spec expectations for VR will be in a year from now. The Oculus Quest is the Switch of VR. It's great with an awesome use case, but underpowered. As for PSVR it was not popular - I think 6m units in total in five years? Although I loved it.

[bouzebbal]

It’s the games that make a difference.. people are still stuck with numbers…

[darthv72]

I think the specs sound good. And thinking of the Avatar Pandora game coming and hoping it gets vr mode with all that color in hdr will be sweet.

The no external camera is a big plus.

[Michiel1989]

its ubisoft who publishes the game, dont get your hopes up. Theyll probably put VR NFT's or something in it, or at least try to.

[ibrake4naps]

Maybe. They put stereoscopic 3d in the last one!

[Tacoboto]

OLED, massive resolution jump over V1, haptics in the headset and controllers, inside-out tracking, foveated rendering. That sounds like a generational leap especially for something that has to be, first and foremost, affordable.

PC VR may have gone in a different direction had Vive thought about that instead of spending years making an expensive product even more expensive

[fr0sty]

Foveated rendering will enable graphics in-game that couldn't ever be pulled off on similar hardware without it (for those that don't know what it is, it tracks where your eyes are looking, and dynamically lowers the resolution in all areas of the image except where the center of your vision is focused, because the edges of your vision are naturally blurry anyway). Above 4K resolution (they say 4k, but it's actually above UHD 4K resolution) and HDR OLED is fantastic, and the controller with individual finger tracking, haptic feedback in both the controllers and headset, and PS5's built-in 3D audio are going to keep it contending even with the top of the line headsets that cost twice as much.

[DarXyde]

I would be interested in seeing if the inverse of typical gaming industry theory applied to VR. With consoles, people have historically never really cared which hardware was the most powerful. That may still hold where PSVR2 can be outdone in no time but PSVR2 is the favorite (other factors such as price, value, attachment to the PS5, etc.). On the other hand, VR is something that depends on high end tech for feasibility, so if people are willing to invest in what is needed for a strong foundational VR experience, would those people who are more likely to adopt VR then also spring for better headsets? Maybe. I can also see PSVR2 being a good entry point for people. Interested to see which way it all goes, but Oculus is a tough competitor, especially given their status as part of Facebook/Meta.

That all said, the specs will certainly be enough. We don't know much about it, but from what we do know, it pairs well with PS5 and its features. Not at all worried about quality of content either: this is PlayStation.

How it performs relative to competition, in my view, is a function of price-to-performance and software (i.e., I don't see performance on its own being the deciding factor, regardless of price).

[883]

FOVEATED RENDERING!! This alone is a HUGE deal.

[CrimsonIdol]

eye tracking combined with DOF effects and using that for the foveated rendering would be an absolute game changer as far as I'm concerned. One of those things I've been waiting on for years with VR and it's annoyed me that none of the big names seem to be broadly adopting eye tracking as standard for this reason. Better performance and more immersive at the same time. I'm excited at the prospect that Sony is pushing it.

[BenRC01]

They cant make enough ps5s, there's no way they're releasing this till production is back at full speed and the chip shortage is reported to last till 2023. No pics, too few ps5s in the wild and and a single 20sec clip mean this thing is years off.

[waverider]

From the PSVR to the PSVR 2 i think the jump is huge and now the big question is the price. That will be crucial and support.

[DaleCooper]

Yeah, specs look good to me. My only worry is the price point.

[Exvalos]

They will keep it at 499.99

[Firebird360]

I see $600 minimum.

[blackblades]

It sounds like a console, knowing Sony they wont price it above ps5. I say $299 to $399

[yeahokwhatever]

availability. people still cant get PS5 consoles easily. Getting a PSVR2 is going to be IMPOSSIBLE.

[waverider]

Let´s hope that next holiday the chip problems is over. That Taiwan doesnt have any problems and China leaves them alone. And that Covid is under control.

[Marcello]

2k per eye OLED is great for now. Need to know more about the foveated thou, 30%? 40% maybe 50%?? this is the real question.

[Eonjay]

Foveated is a type of rendering that increases the resolution where the the pupils are looking. I'm not sure what the question is, this just makes the visuals better than they could be if everything, including what you can't see, is rendered at full res. Also, just because the headset supports this doesn't mean its going to be used in every title. This is probably really only useful in titles trying to get True Next Gen graphics in a headset.

[Marcello]

No foveated lowers the resolution around the edge thus upping the fps but by how much is what i am talking about.

[Eonjay]

We are saying the same thing. I just have a positive connotation and you have a negative one. But the drop off isn't linear like what you are suggesting. You aren't supposed to notice it by virtue of what foveated rendering is. And I hope that is really the case.

[Marcello]

Yea same thing. Where you focus is upped, when you look away it lowers.

[Magog]

The screen on PSVR 1 was actually a lot better than people realize but was held back by the GPU of the PS4. The PS5 upgrade of No Man's Sky shows how good even the PSVR1 can look.
https://m.youtube.com/short...

The HDR OLED screen of PSVR2 is much better than the LCDs of the Vive and Oculus as well.

[VenomUK]

I didn't know that the PS5 version was improved over PS4 Pro! My first flight with PSVR was exhilarating, I'd love to play a native PSVR2 version.

[Magog]

I think given the support NMS has seen from its creators a native version is likely already in the works.

[HICK]

Glad to see someone who knows this information.

[Rhythmattic]

If theres no tricks... I see it... I did notice the difference between PSVR games on PS4 Og vs upgrading to a PS4 Pro, But to see the difference with a Pro Vs PS5 comp on YT..... Again... If not a trick, I can really imagine the benefits....... and that's just PSVR1

[Magog]

It's not a trick... You can literally watch him move from the PS4-Pro attached headset to the PS5 headset.

[FyBy]

Maybe FOV could be little wider but it has double the resolution and hdr. These will be key features.

[SlappingOysters]

Double what? It's res is well under Vive Pro 2 and HP Reverb G2 and Varjo Aero

[Pedantic91]

Seems fine to me, however no PC support is what breaks it for me. That and combined with only being used in tandem with what is probably the hardest console to obtain right now and will likely remain so for another 1 or 2 years.

[phoenixwing]

Yeah I have to agree. I haven't had any luck pulling a ps5. Now that's not to say it's not possible but between home life and work I have little time to dedicate to getting one.

[Eonjay]

About that. The PSVR2 uses a USB -A connection so I fully expect to something on PC at some point.

[Rhythmattic]

Eon.. And no longer requires an external PS camera....
Though there was some success with PSVR1, I think V2 will be usable on any PC (Personal Computer) ... be it running OSX, Win or Linux.....
Sure , Maybe with some api magic, but hey, PS now, and some major games timed to go to other platforms.... Who knows..

[Babadook7]

"While the PlayStation VR2 specs are most certainly a giant leap forward for Sony gamers, it's a little dated out of the box."

No. The HDR in particular is impressive. Other factors are more important to realism than resolution. And I've heard the same claims made about the specs of the PSVR which ended up being misleading. Lenses are very key.

[sagapo]

I wouldn’t get my hopes up to high when it comes to HDR, it still depends on how developers use it. RDR 2 has an HDR setting but it sucks. GT on the other hand used it way better. Just saying :)
But yes, used properly, HDR can really enhance the graphics.

[senorfartcushion]

Lack of portability is a no from me. Regardless of specs, a wireless sku is the one thing that would be enough to entice me to invest.

[SullysCigar]

I have a quest 2 and it's great for 20 minutes at a time. After that, the weight due to the battery makes it too uncomfortable.

Add to that the rubbish graphics and you're limited to Beat Saber type games unless you tether to benefit from up-to-date processing power and lengthier, AAA gaming sessions.

Give me a wire unless you can transfer that processing power wirelessly, because mobile phone graphics are holding VR games back and the medium deserves better.

The PSVR2 specs are awesome by today's standards and will do wonders for the industry.

[z2g]

I really enjoy my ps5 but I doubt I’ll pick this up. I’ve realized that 90% of vr games aren’t very fun to me. The best use I’ve gotten out of a vr headset was on flight simulator because it made sense. I sold my original psvr, my oculus quest 2 collects dust in the closet

[Elda]

I agree. My friend has PSVR. I tried a few games & I didn't see the wow factor nor any really big AAA games for it. I enjoy my PS5 immensely displayed on my 65 Samsung Qled.

[Einhander1971]

Is this asking a silly question, what more do you want? You'll be expecting it to make your tea for you next. The specs are fantastic cant wait to get one.

[SurgicalMenace]

Man....it's questions like this that make you wonder what the person asking does for a living? I'm sure if they're not good enough, the author will be releasing a better alternative.

[ProjectVulcan]

Specs matter but VR really needs lots of heavy hitting titles to move forwards. This will be plenty adequate as long as it meets a price point and quality games flow, that's what VR needs right now more than a few more pixels or FOV degrees.

[Half13yte]

I hope this one has the ability to replace the lenses easily.

[whitbyfox]

Doesn’t matter how good the specs are if you are still tethered by a wire.

It was so liberating going from PSVR to Quest 2.

[SullysCigar]

There's pros and cons for both. Oculus is uncomfortable with a terrible battery and crap graphics. It's fine for 20 minutes of basic, fun gaming, but rubbish for lengthy play or anything resembling a game since PS3 era.

I'll take a wire until they can stream wirelessly from a PC or PS5.

[whitbyfox]

You need to get the official headstrap and battery. Makes it miles more comfortable and doubles the battery.

As for the graphics it’s a trade off, i’d rather the small graphical hit with the freedom to move around.

Saying that it still looks great. Been playing Resi 4 VR, great exclusive.

Plus both controllers are not just included, but are far superior to the crap wii remote rip-off ps moves you have to buy with PSVR.

[TheRealHeisenberg]

I just wish it was going to be wireless but consider me sold anyway.

[AKS]

I think the specs are very good. The resolution is not "dated." The PS5 has to actually be able to run this, and genuine 8.3 million pixel 4K at 120 Hz isn't terribly realistic for graphically intensive VR games. You need to maintain a consistent and high frame rate for VR unless you want to lose your lunch. The resolution being offered plus foveated rendering should give a good balance of visuals and performance that the PS5 is able to manage. HDR is also a very welcome feature that will enhance the visuals considerably whether it's a bright and vibrant game like AstroBot or providing more depth and clarity in the dark in a Resident Evil game.

[SlappingOysters]

The foveated rendering should mean they can push up the res. It's 2K currently, not 4K. 2K is where we were with VR a few years ago.

[GamerX23]

wow not wireless. Thats a bummer

[S2Killinit]

Do they even have to ask. It has really good specs. Im personally psyched for what will be achievable.

Ps: i think the foveated rendering’s advantage went right over the authors head (under his radar?)

[secrettalkshowhost]

The specs should be good enough. It has eye tracking and foveated rendering which are the two things VR nerds endlessly go on and on and on and on about as some miraculous holy grail thing that's going to save VR and suddenly cause it to go mainstream by next Thursday.

My guess is all the games will still be boring little tech demo experiences where you stand in place and shoot at things or stand in place and swing your arms at things though. Horizon Call of the Mountain is probably going to be a game where you stand in place and shoot things... On top of a mountain... With eye tracking. How exciting.

[masterfox]

Yes.

[Rimeskeem]

I certainly think it is good enough for 2022. Honestly I was surprised with how much they upgraded it. No external camera is a big plus, if they can get a good price on it I would be willing to jump in.

[ApocalypseShadow]

More than good enough. This opinion question is ridiculous and stupid.

The features announced are not even in most headsets. The power and features in PS5 aren't even matched by most PC hardware. And Sony's developer's are programming for one headset.

The wire isn't even a factor when most gamers play in one spot. Most VR gamers play in one spot. Go on YouTube and watch all these Quest players playing their wireless headset **in one spot** playing Beat Saber. There aren't games being made to do room scale. RE4 isn't room scale. Facebook in their commercials don't even promote room scale. Why are there analog sticks on the controller if you're not going to use them to move the game world to you? That's what they are for.

That wire Sony's using is pushing the haptics, the HDR and the high fidelity. Sony does not want one hint of quality loss doing wireless. They don't want a wireless headset running out of juice in one to two hours. Trust me. I know without going into detail.

When PSVR2 shows up, heads are going to explode that it's coming from a console. Even PSVR 1 defied the critics. And this is miles better.

[lio_convoy]

Sure it is, if you're into that kinda stuff. I'll be passing on this like I passed on the OG one and 3DTV and motion controls. I'm not into this kinda stuff. I like looking stupid throwing a controller through a TV in a fit of rage and not with a big plastic thing on my head, tripping over a cat

[dbcoops]

Is anything Sony does ever good enough?

[gold_drake]

huh?
what kind of question is that lol what did the author expect, 16k?
4k hdr is, im my eyes, more than enough for vr lol

[DeadManMMX]

Yep. Honestly it’s going to push the whole industry forward coming out with features that are long overdue. If this was usable on PC I would be a 100% day one buy. Given Sonys history of barely supporting their hardware on PC I’m down to like a 75%.

[SlappingOysters]

Assuming those features aren't already out in other headsets by 2023

[ibrake4naps]

It's excellent for a console peripheral headset!

[SlappingOysters]

Agreed!!

[XBManiac]

The problem should be with power needs, as a battery is not included.
USB-C adoption is future proved, as anything that goes though it can be sent wirelessly with a passthrough high speed system. But Sony should adopt an official "standard" with low latency and high quality...

[talocaca]

Sounds like a HUGE generational leap over the original. The fact that there's no "processing unit" or camera required make it a winner already. The controllers are also a huge improvement.

Hopefully down the road, a wireless adapter can be released (my ONE complaint, even though a single type-C is not bad).

[XBManiac]

I'm worried about quality of materials, as my two PSVR (first and second generation) lose black particles from the padded surface. Anything else is excellent and cheaper than other solutions, once you have a PS4 Pro for connecting it to.