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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =
|image={{#ev:youtube|LMq8gQkljMw|350}}
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR=[[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[Console VR]]
|Subtype=[[Console-Powered VR]]
|Platform = [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]] (via adapter)
|Platform=[[PlayStation VR]]
|Developer = [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]]
|Creator=
|Manufacturer = [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]]
|Developer=[[Sony]]
|Announcement Date = March 2014 (as Project Morpheus)
|Manufacturer=Sony
|Release Date = October 13, 2016
|Operating System=[[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation Vita]]
|End of Production = 2023
|Requires=[[PlayStation 4]]
|Price = $399 USD (headset), $499 USD (bundle)
|Predecessor=[[Project Morpheus]]
|Website = https://www.playstation.com/ps-vr/
|Successor=[[PlayStation VR 2]]
|Successor = [[PlayStation VR2]]
|Display=5.7 inch OLED
|Display = 5.7" OLED (single panel)
|Resolution=1920 x 1080, 960 x 1080 per eye
|Resolution = 960x1080 per eye (1920x1080 combined)
|Pixel Density=386 PPI
|Pixel Structure = Full RGB subpixels
|Refresh Rate=90 Hz, 120 Hz <ref>VRcompare. PlayStation VR Specs. Retrieved from https://vr-compare.com/headset/playstationvr</ref>
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz, 120 Hz
|Persistence=2.5ms
|Field of View = 100°
|Field of View=100°
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics=??
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|Tracking=6DOF
|Tracking = 6DoF (outside-in, PS Camera)
|Rotational Tracking=[[Accelerometer]], [[Gyroscope]]
|Eye Tracking = No
|Positional Tracking=[[PlayStation Camera]]
|Hand Tracking = No
|Update Rate=?
|Controllers = DualShock 4, PlayStation Move, Aim Controller
|Tracking Volume=72°H x 45°V (15 feet range estimated)
|Audio = Integrated stereo headphones (CUH-ZVR2), 3.5mm jack
|Latency=Less than 18ms
|Connectivity = HDMI, USB
|Audio=[[3D audio]]
|Processor Unit = Yes (external)
|Input=[[DualShock 4 Wireless Controller]], [[PlayStation Move Motion Controller]], [[PlayStation VR Aim]]
|Weight = ~610g (headset)
|Connectivity=HDMI, USB
|Color = Black/White
|Weight=
|Cable Length=??
|Release Date=October 13, 2016
|Price=$399
|Website=
}}
}}
==Introduction==
[[PlayStation VR]], formerly known as '''Project Morpheus''', is a [[Virtual Reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Sony]]. Initially unveiled in GDC 2014, PlayStation VR is designed to be compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. PlayStation VR features include a stylish and sleek visor with wide field of view display, 6 degrees of freedom head tracker and a [[3D audio]] output.


The '''PlayStation VR''' ('''PSVR''', originally codenamed '''Project Morpheus''') is a [[console VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment]], released on October 13, 2016 as the first major console-based VR system. The headset features a 5.7-inch OLED display with full RGB subpixels providing 960x1080 resolution per eye, 120 Hz refresh rate, and 100° field of view. Unlike PC VR competitors, PlayStation VR was designed exclusively for the PlayStation 4, offering an accessible entry point to VR gaming with its $399 price point and integration with existing PlayStation controllers including the DualShock 4 and PlayStation Move.
PlayStation VR was released in the October 13, 2016 for $399. [[PlayStation Camera]], which is required, is sold separately. Users can purchase PlayStation VR Launch bundle for $499 that includes not only the [[HMD]], but also the PlayStation Camera, 2 [[PlayStation Move]] controllers and [[PlayStation VR Worlds]] game.
__TOC__
==Advantages and Features==
*Fixed spec platform - PS4
*Established controller interface - DualShock 4 controller and PlayStation Move with PlayStation Camera
*Large PS4 player base - over 20 million
*Established content marketplace and ecosystem
*Popular, intuitive and motion tracked controllers


== History and Development ==
===Technical Features===
*Low [[latency]]
*High [[framerate]] - 120 Hz - renders at 60 Hz, [[reprojection|reprojects]] at 120 Hz
*More pixels on the center of view to match human visual system.
*Unified tracking support for all PS VR and Input devices such as the HMD, [[DualShock 4]], [[Move]] and [[Move Navigation]].
*Multiple devices are tracked in the same coordinate space in any combination.
*VR players and non-VR players playing together.
*[[3D audio]]


Sony first revealed Project Morpheus at GDC in March 2014, positioning the company as a major player in the emerging VR market. After extensive development and multiple prototype iterations, PlayStation VR launched worldwide on October 13, 2016. The headset represented Sony's first VR product and was designed to leverage the existing PlayStation 4 install base of over 40 million consoles.<ref name="playstationblog">{{cite web |url=https://blog.playstation.com/archive/2016/10/03/playstation-vr-the-ultimate-faq |title=PlayStation VR: the ultimate FAQ |publisher=PlayStation Blog |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
{{#ev:youtube|3RNbZpcfAhE|350|right|PSVR presentation}}


An updated model (CUH-ZVR2) was released in 2017 featuring integrated stereo headphones and an updated Processor Unit with HDR passthrough support. PlayStation VR was succeeded by [[PlayStation VR2]] in February 2023, designed exclusively for PlayStation 5.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_VR |title=PlayStation VR |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
==Bundles==
Core Bundle retails for $399 while the Launch Bundle retails for $499.
===Core Bundle===
*PSVR HMD
*[[PSVR External Processing Unit|Processor unit]]
*HMD connection cable
*HDMI cable
*USB cable
*Stereo headphones
*AC power cord
*AC adaptor
*PlayStation VR Demo game


== Design and Hardware ==
===Launch Bundle===
*Everything in the Core Bundle
*PlayStation Camera
*2 [[PlayStation Move]] controllers
*[[PlayStation VR Worlds]] game


=== Display ===
==Hardware==
PlayStation VR' curved, stylish black visor is worn over your eyes. The black visor features a 1080p HD OLED display with 960 x 1080 resolution for each eye. It's edges consist of LED lights that emit a glowing blue light when the device is in use. A white, headband-like apparatus extrudes from top of the visor. The headband-like apparatus is worn over your head to securely and comfortably attach the visor over your eyes. Additional black strap is worn around your head to further adhere the visor to your face. Because of the sensor placed at the back of your head, you can make 180 degree turns and allow PSVR to accurately detect your line of sight.


High-quality OLED with full RGB:
PlayStation VR connects to a PlayStation 4 for information processing and streaming. A small, black box called [[PSVR External Processing Unit|External Processing Unit]] (EPU) also called Breakout Box is required to be connected to the PS4. EPU handles the output of HMD view to a monitor, [[3D audio]] processing, and display PS4's software interface in the [[Cinematic mode]]. Note that EPU does NOT provide extra GPU, CPU or help PS to distort the HMD output.


* Single 5.7-inch OLED panel
PlayStation VR integrates with various other products in the PlayStation universe such as PlayStation Camera, PS Move and PS4 Controller. PSVR integrates with the PlayStation Camera to accurately track the user's head movements and positions. With help of the 9 [[LED]]s on the HMD, the PS Camera tracks the user up to 1000 times per second. The camera allows more precise tracking when combined with in-helmet sensors.
* '''960x1080 resolution per eye''' (1920x1080 combined)
* '''Full RGB subpixels''' (960xRGBx1080)
* Reduced screen door effect vs PenTile displays
* '''90 Hz and 120 Hz''' refresh rates
* '''100° field of view'''
* Low persistence
* Less than 18ms latency


=== Optics ===
PlayStation VR uses the 3D audio technology developed by Sony. Users will not only experience sound from left, right, front and back but also hear sound from above and below.


* Fresnel lenses
===Specifications===
* Fixed IPD (software adjustment)
'''HMD''':
* Large eye relief
*Note that these are prototype specs released on 3/18/2014 in GDC 2014.<ref>http://www.sony.com/SCA/company-news/press-releases/sony-computer-entertainment-america-inc/2014/sony-computer-entertainment-announces-project-morp.shtml</ref>
* Glasses-friendly design


=== Processor Unit ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|-
External processing box:
!Part
 
!Spec
* Enables Social Screen TV output
|-
* Processes 3D audio
|Component || Processor unit, head-mounted unit
* '''365g weight'''
|-
* 150 x 39 x 114mm dimensions
|Display || 5.7 inch OLED, low persistence (2.5ms)
* Updated CUH-ZVR2 supports HDR passthrough
* Connects between PS4 and headset
 
=== Tracking ===
 
PlayStation Camera-based tracking:
 
* '''6 Degrees of Freedom''' (6DoF)
* Outside-in optical tracking
* '''9 LEDs''' on headset (front, back, sides)
* Three-axis gyroscope
* Three-axis accelerometer
* Tracks headset and controllers
* Room-scale limited by camera range
 
=== Build and Comfort ===
 
Ergonomic halo design:
 
* '''~610g weight''' (without cable)
* 7.4 x 7.3 x 10.9 inches
* Halo headband design
* Weight distributed evenly
* Quick-release button
* Adjustable headband
* Comfortable for extended sessions
* Glasses-compatible
 
=== Audio ===
 
Integrated and upgradeable:
 
* CUH-ZVR1: Separate earbuds included
* '''CUH-ZVR2: Integrated stereo headphones'''
* 3D spatial audio processing
* 3.5mm headphone jack
* Virtual surround sound
 
== Controllers ==
 
Multiple input options:
 
=== DualShock 4 ===
* Standard PS4 controller
* Light bar tracked by camera
* Works with all PSVR games
 
=== PlayStation Move ===
* Motion controllers (sold separately)
* Tracked by PS Camera
* Two controllers for hand presence
* Originally from PlayStation 3 era
 
=== PlayStation VR Aim Controller ===
* Gun-shaped controller
* Full motion tracking
* Designed for shooter games
* Bundled with Farpoint
* $59.99 separately
 
== Package Contents ==
 
Launch bundle included:
 
* PlayStation VR headset
* Processor Unit
* HDMI and USB cables
* Stereo earbuds (CUH-ZVR1)
* AC adapter
* Demo disc
 
Note: PlayStation Camera sold separately or in bundles
 
== System Requirements ==
 
* PlayStation 4 (any model)
* PlayStation Camera (required)
* PlayStation 5 (via free adapter)
 
== Cinematic Mode ==
 
Non-VR content viewing:
 
* Play any PS4 game on virtual screen
* Three screen sizes: Small, Medium, Large
* 2D and 3D Blu-ray support
* Media playback
 
== Technical Specifications ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! Details
|Resolution || 1920 x 1080  (960 x 1080 per eye)
|-
|-
| Display || 5.7" OLED (Full RGB)
|Frame Rate || 90 Hz, 120 Hz
|-
|-
| Resolution || 960x1080 per eye
|Field of View || 100°
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz / 120 Hz
|Tracking || 6 degrees of freedom
|-
|-
| Field of View || 100°
|Rotational Tracking || [[Accelerometer]], [[Gyroscope]]
|-
|-
| Tracking || 6DoF (outside-in)
|Positional Tracking || PlayStation Camera and 9 LEDs on the HMD
|-
|-
| LEDs || 9 tracking lights
|Latency || <18ms
|-
|-
| Sensors || 6-axis (gyro + accelerometer)
|Input || [[DualShock 4 Wireless Controller]]* <br> [[PlayStation Move Motion Controller]]*
|-
|-
| Headset Weight || ~610g
|Output|| To both VR headset and TV screen <br> Mirrored and Separate Modes
|-
|-
| Processor Unit || 365g
|Connectivity || HDMI, USB
|-
|-
| Latency || <18ms
|Audio || [[3D audio]] with stereo mini jack and mic input
|-
|-
| Price || $399
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>These items are sold separately, they are not part of PSVR.
'''EPU''':
*Size: 140x140x35mm
*Connectivity: HDMI input and output, USB
*
==Setup Tutorial==
==Input Devices==
[[PlayStation Move Motion Controller]]
[[PlayStation VR Aim]]
[[DualShock 4 Wireless Controller]]
==Games==
{{#ev:youtube|peT_qtnatsc|350|right|PSVR games trailer from PlayStation Experience 2015}}
Various games for PlayStation 4 will be compatible with PSVR.
{{see also|PSVR Games}}
{{:PSVR Games}}
==Developer==
PlayStation VR SDK is under development.
==Tracking volume==
{{see also|Tracking volume}}
[[File:playstation vr tracking volume1.png|400px]]
72°H x 45°V (15 feet range estimate)
Room size: 15 feet by 15 feet


== Reception ==
==Features==
===Asynchronous Reprojection===
[[Asynchronous Reprojection]] aka [[Timewarp]] - developers can render their game at 60 fps then use Asynchronous Reprojection to increase the fps to 120.


'''Praise:'''
===Cinematic Mode===
* $399 price accessible vs PC VR
Cinematic Mode allows the user to play all the PS4 games wearing the HMD.
* Full RGB OLED reduces screen door effect
* 120 Hz refresh rate smooth
* Comfortable halo headband design
* Large 100° field of view
* Easy setup with PS4
* Strong exclusive game library
* Glasses-friendly
* Social Screen TV output
* Existing Move controllers supported


'''Criticism:'''
==History==
* PlayStation Camera tracking limited
'''March 22, 2016''' - Pre-orders for PlayStation VR began for various retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, Walmart etc.
* External camera required
* Move controllers dated design
* No analog sticks on Move
* Cable management awkward
* Processor Unit adds complexity
* Lower resolution than PC VR
* Limited tracking volume
* No room-scale support<ref name="roadtovr">{{cite web |url=https://www.roadtovr.com/psvr-vs-psvr-2-specs-comparison-playstation-vr-2/ |title=PSVR 2 vs. PSVR – How Far Has PlayStation VR Come Since 2016? |publisher=Road to VR |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


<ref name="wevolver">{{cite web |url=https://www.wevolver.com/specs/playstation-vr |title=PlayStation VR |publisher=Wevolver |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
'''June 16, 2016''' - Sony announced that PlayStation VR Demos will be available in 30 GameStop and Best Buy in North America starting from June 17 and 18. Starting from June 24, PlayStation VR Demos will be available in 300 locations across U.S. and Canada.


== Legacy ==
'''October 13, 2016''' - PlayStation VR is released for $399 for the core HMD and $499 for the HMD and the camera and controller.


PlayStation VR proved console VR was viable, selling over 5 million units. It established:
'''February 19, 2017''' - 915,000 units of PlayStation VR have been sold worldwide.


* Console VR as legitimate platform
==Images==
* Accessible VR pricing ($399)
[[file:project morpheus1.jpg|350px]]
* Strong exclusive content important
* Social Screen feature for shared experiences
* Foundation for PlayStation VR2


== See Also ==
Image of Project Morpheus, prototype of PlayStation VR. Notice the lack of positional tracking LEDs
* [[PlayStation VR2]]
* [[Oculus Rift CV1]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]


== References ==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<references />


[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Console VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment]]
[[Category:PlayStation]]
[[Category:2016 in technology]]

Revision as of 18:09, 7 January 2026

PlayStation VR
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Console-Powered VR
Platform PlayStation VR
Developer Sony
Manufacturer Sony
Release Date October 13, 2016
Price $399
Requires PlayStation 4
Predecessor Project Morpheus
Successor PlayStation VR 2
System
Operating System PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita
Storage
Display
Display 5.7 inch OLED
Resolution 1920 x 1080, 960 x 1080 per eye
Pixel Density 386 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz, 120 Hz [1]
Persistence 2.5ms
Image
Field of View 100°
Optics
Optics ??
Tracking
Tracking 6DOF
Rotational Tracking Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Positional Tracking PlayStation Camera
Update Rate ?
Tracking Volume 72°H x 45°V (15 feet range estimated)
Latency Less than 18ms
Audio
Audio 3D audio
Connectivity
Connectivity HDMI, USB
Device
Input DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, PlayStation Move Motion Controller, PlayStation VR Aim
Cable Length ??

Introduction

PlayStation VR, formerly known as Project Morpheus, is a Virtual Reality head-mounted display developed by Sony. Initially unveiled in GDC 2014, PlayStation VR is designed to be compatible with PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. PlayStation VR features include a stylish and sleek visor with wide field of view display, 6 degrees of freedom head tracker and a 3D audio output.

PlayStation VR was released in the October 13, 2016 for $399. PlayStation Camera, which is required, is sold separately. Users can purchase PlayStation VR Launch bundle for $499 that includes not only the HMD, but also the PlayStation Camera, 2 PlayStation Move controllers and PlayStation VR Worlds game.

Advantages and Features

  • Fixed spec platform - PS4
  • Established controller interface - DualShock 4 controller and PlayStation Move with PlayStation Camera
  • Large PS4 player base - over 20 million
  • Established content marketplace and ecosystem
  • Popular, intuitive and motion tracked controllers

Technical Features

  • Low latency
  • High framerate - 120 Hz - renders at 60 Hz, reprojects at 120 Hz
  • More pixels on the center of view to match human visual system.
  • Unified tracking support for all PS VR and Input devices such as the HMD, DualShock 4, Move and Move Navigation.
  • Multiple devices are tracked in the same coordinate space in any combination.
  • VR players and non-VR players playing together.
  • 3D audio
PSVR presentation

Bundles

Core Bundle retails for $399 while the Launch Bundle retails for $499.

Core Bundle

  • PSVR HMD
  • Processor unit
  • HMD connection cable
  • HDMI cable
  • USB cable
  • Stereo headphones
  • AC power cord
  • AC adaptor
  • PlayStation VR Demo game

Launch Bundle

Hardware

PlayStation VR' curved, stylish black visor is worn over your eyes. The black visor features a 1080p HD OLED display with 960 x 1080 resolution for each eye. It's edges consist of LED lights that emit a glowing blue light when the device is in use. A white, headband-like apparatus extrudes from top of the visor. The headband-like apparatus is worn over your head to securely and comfortably attach the visor over your eyes. Additional black strap is worn around your head to further adhere the visor to your face. Because of the sensor placed at the back of your head, you can make 180 degree turns and allow PSVR to accurately detect your line of sight.

PlayStation VR connects to a PlayStation 4 for information processing and streaming. A small, black box called External Processing Unit (EPU) also called Breakout Box is required to be connected to the PS4. EPU handles the output of HMD view to a monitor, 3D audio processing, and display PS4's software interface in the Cinematic mode. Note that EPU does NOT provide extra GPU, CPU or help PS to distort the HMD output.

PlayStation VR integrates with various other products in the PlayStation universe such as PlayStation Camera, PS Move and PS4 Controller. PSVR integrates with the PlayStation Camera to accurately track the user's head movements and positions. With help of the 9 LEDs on the HMD, the PS Camera tracks the user up to 1000 times per second. The camera allows more precise tracking when combined with in-helmet sensors.

PlayStation VR uses the 3D audio technology developed by Sony. Users will not only experience sound from left, right, front and back but also hear sound from above and below.

Specifications

HMD:

  • Note that these are prototype specs released on 3/18/2014 in GDC 2014.[2]
Part Spec
Component Processor unit, head-mounted unit
Display 5.7 inch OLED, low persistence (2.5ms)
Resolution 1920 x 1080 (960 x 1080 per eye)
Frame Rate 90 Hz, 120 Hz
Field of View 100°
Tracking 6 degrees of freedom
Rotational Tracking Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Positional Tracking PlayStation Camera and 9 LEDs on the HMD
Latency <18ms
Input DualShock 4 Wireless Controller*
PlayStation Move Motion Controller*
Output To both VR headset and TV screen
Mirrored and Separate Modes
Connectivity HDMI, USB
Audio 3D audio with stereo mini jack and mic input

*These items are sold separately, they are not part of PSVR.

EPU:

  • Size: 140x140x35mm
  • Connectivity: HDMI input and output, USB

Setup Tutorial

Input Devices

PlayStation Move Motion Controller

PlayStation VR Aim

DualShock 4 Wireless Controller

Games

PSVR games trailer from PlayStation Experience 2015

Various games for PlayStation 4 will be compatible with PSVR.

See also: PSVR Games

All PlayStation VR games: Game Name - Company - Release Date

Developer

PlayStation VR SDK is under development.

Tracking volume

See also: Tracking volume

72°H x 45°V (15 feet range estimate)

Room size: 15 feet by 15 feet

Features

Asynchronous Reprojection

Asynchronous Reprojection aka Timewarp - developers can render their game at 60 fps then use Asynchronous Reprojection to increase the fps to 120.

Cinematic Mode

Cinematic Mode allows the user to play all the PS4 games wearing the HMD.

History

March 22, 2016 - Pre-orders for PlayStation VR began for various retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, Walmart etc.

June 16, 2016 - Sony announced that PlayStation VR Demos will be available in 30 GameStop and Best Buy in North America starting from June 17 and 18. Starting from June 24, PlayStation VR Demos will be available in 300 locations across U.S. and Canada.

October 13, 2016 - PlayStation VR is released for $399 for the core HMD and $499 for the HMD and the camera and controller.

February 19, 2017 - 915,000 units of PlayStation VR have been sold worldwide.

Images

Image of Project Morpheus, prototype of PlayStation VR. Notice the lack of positional tracking LEDs

References