We one more week from Sony released the second generation VR headset, PlayStation VR2promises a huge leap in performance and interactivity, as well as features we haven’t even seen in other consumer VR headsets such as eye tracking, higher resolution, responsiveness tactile and adaptive triggers.
While the PSVR 2 has a lot of advantages over rival headsets in theory, there is one glaring drawback that tethered headsets in the market are more inclined towards headsets with processors and operating systems. separately, does not require additional hardware to operate (eg, 2 meta quest). But despite this, PSVR 2 is setting itself up for success…just not in the way you might think.
PSVR 2’s Path to Victory
The true measure of PSVR 2 success depends on three things: how developers will take advantage of the new technology the headset has to offer, strong representation of exclusive content, and most importantly, long-term support makes sense for PSVR 2. PlayStation VR 2 needs to have plenty of first- and third-party exclusives to entice people to choose the new Sony product over the competition.
PSVR 2’s technology is impressive and a major upgrade over its predecessor. With a 110-degree field of view, 4K HDR, and support for up to 120Hz, the gaming experience is a great upgrade over both its predecessor and Meta Quest 2. Built-in eye tracking will also help. useful for increasing the resolution of whatever you’re watching while playing on PSVR 2. For example: First Contact’s upcoming project, Firewall Ultra, showed a trailer for the game showing how the headset’s eye tracking feature lets you aim with your eyes to ensure the most realistic accuracy while playing. The PSVR 2’s improved 4K resolution is sure to help deliver an immersive experience as well, making the interactive experience happening right in front of you more realistic.
Here is our latest Firewall Ultra gameplay clip from #PSVR2 The trailer was live today!
We’ve got a BLAST using eye tracking features!
Of all the newly announced immersive features, what are you most looking forward to? #VR #roleplaying #PS5 pic.twitter.com/YtDRGA1Uib
— Entertainment first contact | Ultra PSVR2 Firewall (@firstcontactent) February 8, 2023
In other places, PSVR 2’s Sense Controller carries the signature features of PlayStation 5 DualSense – such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers – into VR games. Controllers can also detect finger touches and this technology has the potential to add more immersion and help enhance the experience to make them stand out from anything else currently on the market. school.
While the technology is certainly impressive, it is the software – games, interactive experiences, etc. – that is the primary measure of Sony’s success with VR. What’s the best VR headset if it doesn’t have a game stream?
Although the original PlayStation VR performed strongly in the first three years of its life, with games like Firewall: No now, Astro Bot: Rescue MissionAnd Blood & Truth, by the time the PS5 was about to launch, support for headphones had dropped to the bottom. Sure, games like Moss: Book II And Professional NFL Era were still released for headsets, but these eventually made their way to other VR gaming headsets, some with more up-to-date technology than what the original PSVR offered.
PSVR 2’s launch lineup continues to grow ahead of its release – at the time of publication, there were 42 games available on launch day, which is a huge number. But when you take a closer look at the upcoming game, there are only three that are true PlayStation exclusives: The horizon: The call of the mountains, as well as free VR modes coming soon Gran Turismo 7 And Devil’s Village.
VR enthusiasts probably already own at least one Meta Quest 2 or PC VR, and have certainly played many confirmed games for the PSVR 2 series. So it’s a decent option for those, though. have never played VR or are upgrading from the original PSVR, but it is disappointing for those who have used it.
However, the arrival of PSVR 2 is a golden opportunity for Sony to improve and enhance VR gaming on consoles and put PSVR 2 in a position where it can share the attention with PlayStation 5. To do For that, Sony needs to ensure a steady and steady flow of PSVR games after the first few years of its life, similar to the first-party lineup for PS5, especially considering the headset retails for $549.99 – more than either the digital version or the drive PS5 console itself.
Sony has invested resources to achieve this goal. First Contact is active Super Firewallcoming out sometime this year and Supermassive Games is ready The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR for the March 16 release. Those will help keep the momentum going for the first year of PSVR 2 and beyond VR Mode for Resident Evil 4 RemakeThis is an exclusive feature to compete with Evil 4 Virtual RealityOnly available on Meta Quest 2.
Finally, another example of Sony’s innovative approach to VR lies in the hardware. The first generation headset required a PS Move controller, which was released during the PS3 era and was six years old when PSVR released. In contrast, the PSVR 2 supports an all-new, dedicated Sense Controller that is not only designed for VR, but also leverages its sister hardware to better immerse you in the game and help push the game forward. VR to a new level.
The stiff competition of PSVR 2
PSVR 2 is entering a very different market than it did in 2016, thanks to its hefty price tag and the fact that you also need a separate console that is still relatively hard to find.
Quest 2 is PSVR 2’s main rival, and its most compelling feature is that it doesn’t require any additional hardware: you just put on your headset, power it on, and start playing. And while it rarely rises in price about two years after launch, Quest 2 is still relatively affordable because it doesn’t require additional hardware like a PC to function. Meta has attracted a wide audience, and its contributions to VR have helped it become mainstream, even if games are still quite small compared to the broader game market. That’s not counting how many Quest 2 exclusives have come to headsets or are being released, most notably 2021’s Resident Evil 4 VR.
Inevitably PSVR 2 will be compared with Meta Quest 2, currently the most popular VR headset on the market. However, PSVR 2 has manufacturer backing, a steady number of first-party studios — some dedicated to VR game development like Firesprite — and over the past 30 years, Sony has built a portfolio of Internal IP can make the transition to VR. Hopefully Horizon: Call of the Mountain is the first of many.
To be honest, it’s unlikely that PSVR 2 can’t beat Meta Quest 2, but honestly it’s not necessary. While we could sit here and compare the two and how the Meta Quest 2 is arguably one of the most successful VR headsets ever made, comparing these two headsets is like comparing apples to oranges.
As February 22 approaches, I’m eager to see how PSVR 2 performs with its launch lineup. But I’m more interested in seeing if Sony realizes the initial impact, and the potential PSVR 2 must ensure it invests in its success over the long term.
Taylor is Associate Technology Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
