PlayStation VR

PlayStation VR
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality
Type	Head-mounted display
Subtype	Console VR
Platform	PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 (via adapter)
Developer	Sony Interactive Entertainment
Manufacturer	Sony Interactive Entertainment
Announcement Date	March 2014 (as Project Morpheus)
Release Date	October 13, 2016
Price	$399 USD (headset), $499 USD (bundle)
Website	https://www.playstation.com/ps-vr/
Successor	PlayStation VR2
System
Storage
Display
Display	5.7" OLED (single panel)
Resolution	960x1080 per eye (1920x1080 combined)
Refresh Rate	90 Hz, 120 Hz
Image
Field of View	100°
Optics
Optics	Fresnel lenses
Ocularity	Binocular
Tracking
Tracking	6DoF (outside-in, PS Camera)
Eye Tracking	No
Hand Tracking	No
Audio
Audio	Integrated stereo headphones (CUH-ZVR2), 3.5mm jack
Connectivity
Connectivity	HDMI, USB
Device
Weight	~610g (headset)
Color	Black/White

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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.

History and Development

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.

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.

Design and Hardware

Display

High-quality OLED with full RGB:

• Single 5.7-inch OLED panel
• 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

• Fresnel lenses
• Fixed IPD (software adjustment)
• Large eye relief
• Glasses-friendly design

Processor Unit

External processing box:

• Enables Social Screen TV output
• Processes 3D audio
• 365g weight
• 150 x 39 x 114mm dimensions
• 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

Specification	Details
Display	5.7" OLED (Full RGB)
Resolution	960x1080 per eye
Refresh Rate	90 Hz / 120 Hz
Field of View	100°
Tracking	6DoF (outside-in)
LEDs	9 tracking lights
Sensors	6-axis (gyro + accelerometer)
Headset Weight	~610g
Processor Unit	365g
Latency	<18ms
Price	$399

Reception

Praise:

• $399 price accessible vs PC VR
• 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:

• PlayStation Camera tracking limited
• 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

Legacy

PlayStation VR proved console VR was viable, selling over 5 million units. It established:

• Console VR as legitimate platform
• Accessible VR pricing ($399)
• Strong exclusive content important
• Social Screen feature for shared experiences
• Foundation for PlayStation VR2

See Also

• PlayStation VR2
• Oculus Rift CV1
• Meta Quest 2