PlayStation VR
| PlayStation VR | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | Console VR |
| Platform | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| Developer | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Manufacturer | Sony |
| Announcement Date | March 2014 (GDC, as Project Morpheus) |
| Release Date | October 13, 2016 |
| Price | $399 USD |
| Website | https://www.playstation.com/ |
| Successor | PlayStation VR2 |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | OLED (5.7") |
| Resolution | 960x1080 per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 96° |
| Optics | |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (PlayStation Camera, external) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | 3D Audio (processor unit) |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
The PlayStation VR (PSVR, codename: Project Morpheus) is a console virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, released October 13, 2016 at $399. Sony's first consumer VR headset for PlayStation 4, featuring 5.7-inch OLED display at 1920x1080, 90/120 Hz refresh rate, 96° field of view, PlayStation Camera external tracking, 3D Audio processing unit, and compatibility with PS4 controllers. Forward compatible with PlayStation 5.
History and Development
Sony revealed Project Morpheus at GDC in March 2014, announcing the final PlayStation VR product in 2015 with October 2016 release. Targeting the console gaming market, PSVR delivered accessible VR without requiring a gaming PC. The external processor unit handles 3D Audio processing and Social Screen mirroring to TV. Over 5 million units sold by January 2020. Succeeded by PlayStation VR2 in February 2023.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
OLED panel:
- 960x1080 per eye resolution
- 1920x1080 combined (Full HD)
- 5.7-inch OLED
- Full RGB subpixels
- 90 Hz / 120 Hz refresh rate
- 96° field of view
- Low persistence
Tracking
PlayStation Camera:
- External camera (required)
- 9 positional LEDs on headset
- 360° head tracking
- 6DoF
- Light-based tracking
Processor Unit
External box:
- 3D Audio processing
- Social Screen output
- Mirror or separate TV display
- Cinematic Mode (non-VR)
Audio
- 3D Audio effect
- Processed by external unit
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Binaural audio
Comfort
- Halo-style headband
- Adjustable fit
- Glasses-friendly
- Balanced weight
Controllers
Compatible Controllers
- DualShock 4 (standard)
- PlayStation Move (motion)
- PS VR Aim (gun peripheral)
Social Features
Social Screen
- Mirror headset view to TV
- Separate competitive/co-op display
- Spectator mode
- Asymmetric gameplay
Platform Compatibility
PlayStation 4
- Native platform
- Full compatibility
- All PS4 models
PlayStation 5
- Forward compatible
- Adapter required
- PSVR games playable
- Not native PS5 VR
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.7" OLED |
| Resolution | 960x1080 per eye |
| Combined | 1920x1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 90/120 Hz |
| FOV | 96° |
| Tracking | PlayStation Camera |
| LEDs | 9 positional |
| Audio | 3D Audio (processor unit) |
| Price | $399 |
Reception
Praise:
- $399 accessible price
- Console convenience
- No PC required
- OLED display quality
- 120 Hz capable
- Social Screen feature
- Comfortable design
- Strong launch library
- Over 5 million sold
Criticism:
- 960x1080 per eye low
- External camera required
- Tracking limitations
- Move controllers dated
- Setup complexity
- Cable management
- PS4 Pro recommended
- Superseded by PSVR2[2]