PlayStation VR2
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| PlayStation VR2 | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-mounted display |
| Subtype | Console VR |
| Platform | PlayStation 5 |
| Creator | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Developer | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Announcement Date | January 4, 2022 |
| Release Date | February 22, 2023 |
| Price | $549.99 |
| Website | https://www.playstation.com/ps-vr2/ |
| Versions | PlayStation VR2, PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle |
| Requires | PlayStation 5 console |
| Predecessor | PlayStation VR |
| System | |
| Operating System | PlayStation 5 OS (integrated) |
| Chipset | Powered by PS5 (AMD custom SoC) |
| CPU | PS5 custom AMD Zen 2 (8-core, 3.5 GHz) |
| GPU | PS5 custom AMD RDNA 2 (10.28 TFLOPS) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | Uses PS5 storage |
| Memory | Uses PS5 memory (16GB GDDR6) |
| SD Card Slot | No |
| Display | |
| Display | Dual OLED |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB stripe |
| Peak Brightness | Not specified |
| Resolution | 2000 × 2040 per eye (4000 × 2040 combined) |
| Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 110° |
| Horizontal FoV | ~110° |
| Vertical FoV | ~110° |
| Average Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Peak Pixel Density | ~20 PPD |
| Foveated Rendering | Yes (eye-tracked dynamic) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Fresnel lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| IPD Range | Adjustable (via dial) |
| Adjustable Diopter | No (glasses compatible) |
| Passthrough | Yes (monochrome, see-through mode) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Tracking Frequency | 60Hz (eye tracking) |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (infrared cameras) |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes |
| Positional Tracking | Yes |
| Update Rate | 120Hz (display), 60Hz (eye tracking) |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale |
| Play Space | Roomscale |
| Latency | <20ms motion-to-photon |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Integrated stereo headphones, 3D Audio |
| Microphone | Yes (built-in) |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 4× inside-out tracking cameras, 2× eye tracking cameras per eye |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | USB-C (to PS5) |
| Ports | USB-C, 3.5mm audio |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C single cable to PS5) |
| Wireless Video | No |
| WiFi | No (uses PS5 connectivity) |
| Bluetooth | No (uses PS5 connectivity) |
| Power | USB-C powered (from PS5) |
| Battery Capacity | N/A (controllers have internal batteries) |
| Battery Life | N/A (headset tethered) |
| Charge Time | Controllers charge via USB-C |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | 212mm × 277mm × 164mm |
| Weight | 560g (without cable) |
| Material | Plastic, rubber |
| Headstrap | Integrated halo design with dial adjustment |
| Haptics | Yes (headset motor, controller adaptive triggers) |
| Color | White/Black |
| Sensors | 4× external tracking cameras, eye tracking cameras, accelerometer, gyroscope, IR proximity sensor |
| Input | PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, eye tracking, voice |
| Compliance | FCC, CE, various regional certifications |
The PlayStation VR2 (PS VR2) is a virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PlayStation 5 console, announced on January 4, 2022, and released worldwide on February 22, 2023 at a price of $549.99. Representing a complete generational leap over the original PlayStation VR, the PS VR2 features dual OLED displays with 2000 × 2040 resolution per eye, integrated eye tracking enabling dynamic foveated rendering, haptic feedback built into the headset itself, and revolutionary Sense controllers with adaptive triggers inheriting technology from the DualSense controller. The single USB-C cable connection dramatically simplifies setup compared to the original PSVR's complex cable arrangement, while inside-out tracking eliminates the need for the PlayStation Camera.
History and Development
Original PlayStation VR Legacy
Sony launched the original PlayStation VR in October 2016 for PlayStation 4, becoming the first major console VR platform. Despite technical limitations compared to PC VR headsets, PSVR sold over 5 million units by 2020, validating consumer interest in console VR and establishing Sony's commitment to the VR market.
PlayStation VR Limitations
The first PSVR, while successful, had notable limitations:
- 1920 × 1080 total resolution (960 × 1080 per eye)
- External PlayStation Camera required for tracking
- Complex multi-cable setup
- Motion controllers originally designed for PS3 (PlayStation Move)
- No integrated headphones
- LCD display with significant motion blur
PS VR2 Development
Sony began developing PS VR2 alongside PlayStation 5, enabling tight integration:
- Hardware designed specifically for PS5 capabilities
- Single-cable connection leveraging USB-C bandwidth
- Inside-out tracking eliminating external camera
- New purpose-built controllers from the ground up
- Eye tracking standard for all units
Announcement and Launch
Sony revealed PS VR2 details throughout 2022:
- January 2022: Name and key specifications announced at CES
- February 2022: Final headset design revealed
- September 2022: Launch lineup and pricing announced
- February 2023: Global launch
Design Philosophy
Console Integration
PS VR2 is designed as a PlayStation 5 peripheral:
- Leverages PS5's full AMD custom SoC
- Single USB-C cable carries video, data, and power
- Seamless integration with PS5 UI
- No standalone capability—requires PS5
Sense Controller Innovation
Sony designed new controllers borrowing from DualSense technology:
- Adaptive Triggers: Variable resistance feedback
- Haptic Feedback: Precise vibration patterns
- Finger Touch Detection: Capacitive sensing
- Ergonomic Design: Purpose-built for VR interaction
Haptic Headset
Unique among consumer VR headsets, PS VR2 includes headset haptics:
- Motor built into the headset housing
- Vibration feedback synchronized with content
- Enhances immersion for explosions, environments, etc.
- First consumer VR headset with this feature
Display System
OLED Panels
Dual OLED displays deliver premium visuals:
- Resolution: 2000 × 2040 per eye (approximately 4K total)
- Panel Type: OLED with true blacks
- Color Depth: HDR support
- Pixel Arrangement: RGB stripe for clarity
Refresh Rate
Multiple refresh rate options:
- 90Hz: Standard mode
- 120Hz: High refresh mode
- Games can target either rate
HDR Support
PS VR2 supports HDR content:
- Wide dynamic range
- Enhanced contrast with OLED blacks
- Improved highlight detail
- Matches PS5's HDR gaming capability
Field of View
Approximately 110° field of view:
- Significant improvement over original PSVR (~100°)
- Wide enough for peripheral awareness
- Good balance of immersion and clarity
Eye Tracking
Integrated Eye Tracking
Every PS VR2 unit includes eye tracking:
- Technology: IR cameras tracking each eye
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz sampling
- Accuracy: Suitable for foveated rendering and gaze interaction
- Calibration: Quick setup process in PS5 settings
Foveated Rendering
Eye tracking enables performance optimization:
- Full resolution only at gaze point
- Reduced quality in peripheral vision
- Significant GPU savings
- Maintains visual quality while improving performance
- Allows higher base quality than otherwise possible
Gaze-Based Interaction
Games can use eye tracking for gameplay:
- Look-to-aim mechanics
- Social interaction with NPCs
- UI navigation
- Enhanced immersion and presence
Tracking System
Inside-Out Tracking
Four external cameras provide head tracking:
- 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF)
- No external sensors required
- Room-scale play space support
- Works in varied lighting conditions
Controller Tracking
Sense controllers tracked by the same camera system:
- Full 6DoF per controller
- Ring design optimized for camera visibility
- Maintains tracking in most orientations
- Slight occlusion possible in extreme positions
Play Space Setup
PS5 interface guides room setup:
- Boundary definition
- Guardian system
- Quick adjustment for different spaces
Sense Controllers
Design
Purpose-built VR controllers featuring:
- Orb Design: Tracking ring surrounds hand
- Ergonomic Grip: Comfortable extended use
- Buttons: PlayStation standard (Options, Create, etc.)
- Analog Stick: Per controller
- Triggers: With adaptive resistance
Adaptive Triggers
Inherited from DualSense:
- Variable resistance feedback
- Different tension patterns
- Context-sensitive feedback (bow tension, trigger pull, etc.)
- Programmable by developers
Haptic Feedback
Advanced vibration system:
- Precise localized feedback
- Texture simulation
- Impact feedback
- Environmental effects
Finger Touch Detection
Capacitive sensors detect:
- Finger presence on buttons
- Grip position
- Enables more natural hand poses
- Social gestures (thumbs up, pointing)
Audio System
Integrated Headphones
Built-in stereo earphones:
- Included with headset
- Designed for 3D Audio
- Click into position
- Can be removed if preferred
3D Audio (Tempest)
PS5's Tempest 3D AudioTech:
- Object-based spatial audio
- HRTF processing
- Personalization options
- Matches PS5's 3D Audio implementation
3.5mm Jack
Alternative audio connection:
- Use preferred headphones
- Higher quality options available
- Maintains 3D Audio processing
Built-in Microphone
Integrated microphone enables:
- Voice chat
- Voice commands
- In-game communication
- No additional accessories needed
Headset Haptics
Immersive Feedback
Unique haptic motor in headset housing:
- Vibration feedback directly to head
- Synchronized with visual content
- Explosions, environmental rumble, etc.
- Enhances sense of presence
Developer Integration
Games can trigger headset haptics for:
- Environmental effects (rain, wind)
- Vehicle vibration
- Combat impact
- Ambient atmosphere
Connection and Setup
Single Cable Design
Dramatically simplified versus original PSVR:
- One USB-C cable: Connects headset to PS5 front port
- Cable length: Approximately 4.5 meters
- Carries: Video, audio, tracking data, power
- No breakout box: Direct connection
Setup Process
Quick initial setup:
- Connect cable to PS5
- Run calibration (IPD, eye tracking, play space)
- Download VR games
- Play
Passthrough
See-Through View
Cameras enable passthrough mode:
- Type: Monochrome (black and white)
- Purpose: Quick environment check without removing headset
- Quality: Functional but not immersive
- Access: Quick toggle via function button
Software and Content
PlayStation VR2 Games
Dedicated library of PS VR2 titles:
- Horizon Call of the Mountain: Flagship launch title
- Gran Turismo 7 VR: Racing simulation
- Resident Evil Village VR: Horror experience
- No Man's Sky: Space exploration
- Growing library of exclusive and multiplatform titles
Backward Compatibility
Original PSVR games NOT directly compatible:
- Different tracking and controller system
- Some games receive PS VR2 upgrades
- Must be specifically updated for PS VR2
PC Compatibility (2024+)
Sony announced PC adapter in 2024:
- Enables PS VR2 use with gaming PCs
- SteamVR compatibility
- Separate adapter purchase required
- Some features (eye tracking, HDR, haptics) may be limited
Physical Design
Headset Construction
Premium build quality:
- Matte white plastic matching PS5 aesthetic
- Adjustable headband with dial fit system
- Integrated vent design for air circulation
- Front-loading design for glasses compatibility
Weight
Reasonable weight distribution:
- Headset: 560g (without cable)
- Halo strap distributes weight
- Balanced design reduces face pressure
Lens Adjustment
- IPD: Adjustable via dial mechanism
- Eye Relief: Scope for glasses wearers
- Lens Type: Fresnel lenses
Pricing and Bundles
| Configuration | Price | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation VR2 | $549.99 | Headset, Sense controllers, earphones |
| Horizon Bundle | $599.99 | Above + Horizon Call of the Mountain |
| PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter | $59.99 | Enables PC gaming (sold separately) |
Note: Requires PlayStation 5 console (sold separately, ~$499-$549).
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Dual OLED, 2000 × 2040 per eye |
| Total Resolution | ~4K (4000 × 2040) |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz / 120Hz |
| Field of View | ~110° |
| Eye Tracking | Yes (IR cameras) |
| Tracking | 6DoF inside-out |
| Headset Haptics | Yes |
| Controllers | Sense controllers with adaptive triggers |
| Audio | Integrated headphones, 3D Audio |
| Connection | Single USB-C cable to PS5 |
| Weight | 560g (headset) |
| Requires | PlayStation 5 |
| Price | $549.99 |