PlayStation VR2

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

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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

References