PSVR 2 specs and features – everything we know so far
Sony has now officially announced that the PSVR 2 will launch in “early 2023” courtesy of an Instagram (opens in new tab) post on August 22. That means we’ll be missing PSVR 2 for the holiday window, a move that doesn’t quite fit with previous releases in the PlayStation lineup. However, with ongoing component and console availability issues, it’s no wonder things are being shaken up for the new peripheral.
Such a reveal confirms previous analyst rumors that PSVR 2 will be hitting our shelves next year, with mass production of around 1.5 million units expected (according to Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities on Twitter (opens in new tab)).
The brand itself has been quiet on launch updates this year – this is the first we’ve heard of an official launch window. However, PSVR 2’s specs and features have all been laid bare. A blog post last month detailed plenty of new experiences heading to the PS5’s virtual reality companion, including the ability to see your surroundings (opens in new tab) while locked into the headset.
With 4K resolution at 2,000 x 2040 per eye, all set upon an OLED HDR panel at refresh rates of 90Hz or 120Hz, PSVR 2 is certainly looking to compete with some of the best VR headsets on the market. New vents will stop users overheating during use and a lens adjustment dial means everyone can experience picture perfect VR. While many were expecting the PSVR 2 to abandon cables all together, those who battled against the wires of the original system will be glad to know that the whole headset connects with a single tether – now we just need the PS5 stock to use it.
The next-generation headset comes as a successor to the popular PlayStation VR system built for PS4, which even today stands as one of the best PS5 accessories. We’re rounding up everything you need to know about PSVR 2 specs, release dates, and all the latest news right here.
What is PlayStation VR 2?
A quick guide to PSVR 2
Release Date: Early 2023 (Sony Confirmed)
Price: Not confirmed – expected $399 / £399
Key specs: 4K resolution at 2,000 x 2040 per eye, haptic feedback, single cable connection, eye tracking, controller tracking via headset
PSVR 2 is Sony’s next step into the world of virtual reality, building on the original PlayStation VR headset that was released for the PS4 system in 2016. The new PS5-exclusive headset promises a boosted resolution, new eye-tracking system, wider field of view, and a new controller-headset tracking system to replace the old (and sometimes unreliable) LED-PlayStation Camera method.
PlayStation VR has held its audience well over the course of the last five years. While it still remained a fairly niche peripheral during its lifetime, we saw regular releases and a devoted fan base spring up around the system. Supplies, however, have dwindled over the last few years leaving many VR hopefuls searching for PlayStation VR bundle stock as Sony phases its previous headset out of its lineup.
PSVR 2 specs
Sony gave us our first real look at the internals running under the hood of the PSVR 2 at CES 2022, and there’s plenty to get excited about. You’ll find all the PSVR 2 specs we already know just below:
| Resolution | 2,000 x 2,040 per-eye |
| Display | OLED HDR |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of view | 110° |
| Tracking | Six-axis motion sensor, 4 cameras for headset and controllers, IR camera for eye-tracking |
| Haptics | Headset and controller |
| Audio | 3.5mm |
| Connection | USB-C |
PSVR 2 release date
In August 2022, Sony confirmed that the PSVR 2 will launch in “early 2023” via a series of social media posts across Instagram (opens in new tab). This is inline with previous rumors pitting the headset’s release date at around Q1 next year, however does buck the trend of previous launches. We typically see Sony unleash new products in the classic holiday window, so hopes were previously high for a fall 2022 release. However, considering stock shortages across components and the PS5 console required to run the headset, it’s easy to see why we’re playing the long game here.
PSVR 2 price
We are still waiting on official confirmation of the PSVR 2 price point. However, it’s reasonable to assume that we’re going to be paying more than the $299.99 / £299.99 price of the original PlayStation VR system. Sony doesn’t seem to be holding much back in its next-generation, so this is going to be a premium headset. However, we don’t expect it to reach the lofty heights of HTC Vive’s enthusiast kit.
Considering component shortages (and the resulting surge in pricing), many are settling on an expected $399 / £349 – £399 PSVR 2 price.
PSVR 2 features
A Sony blog post dated July 26 gave us our first insight into some of the new features heading our way with PSVR 2. From being able to see your surroundings directly through your game content to broadcasting your movements in-stream, there’s plenty of exciting new experience elements to get excited about.
See-through view: PSVR 2 packs front cameras on its main headset panel, which means you can switch your view between gameplay and your surroundings either through the Control Center or by hitting a button on the device itself. Sony also states that there is no recording option for see-through view as well.
Broadcasting: Sony also announced that players with a PS5 HD Camera will be able to broadcast themselves playing the new VR system, sending footage directly to a stream at the same time.
Custom play areas: Defining the play area has always been a tricky spot for VR headsets. Some use pricey tracking systems, others simply keep you rooted to the spot to avoid accidental damage or injury. PSVR 2 will use a custom mapping system, utilizing cameras in the headset itself and the PSVR 2 Sense controllers to pinpoint the exact play area. Once you get too close to a pre-defined boundary, the system will alert you.
Cinematic mode: If you’d prefer to play your regular PS5 games in your own virtual space, the PSVR 2 will allow you to enable Cinematic mode. This essentially casts your PS5 system to the inside of your VR headset, streaming your gameplay and content in 1080p and up to 120Hz.
PSVR 2 vs PSVR: what’s the difference?
What is foveated rendering?
Foveated rendering is a system for improving visual experience and helping the system run with better efficiency. Essentially, PSVR 2 will track the placement of the user’s eyes so that the headset knows exactly where they are looking. Then, foveated rendering will adjust the resolution of the picture in real-time, increasing clarity for items the user is actually looking at, and reducing clarity for items they aren’t.
Sony promised that PlayStation VR 2 would provide “dramatic leaps in performance and interactivity” when it first announced the system in February 2021. Now that we have a clean spec sheet in front of us, we can start to pick apart Sony’s dream of a next-generation virtual reality system and, so far, things are looking good.
The PSVR 2 offers a substantial upgrade in terms of per-eye resolution, bumping the previous 960 x 1080 panels up to 2,000 x 2,040 4K. Throw in new HDR support and a slight bump to the field of view (110° over the previous 100°) and the difference between PSVR 2 and PSVR is going to be immediately apparent.
Not only is PSVR 2 going to look better than its predecessor, though, but it will also track better. The original PlayStation VR system relied on LED tracking by the console and a PlayStation Camera. However, PSVR 2 has cameras integrated into the headset itself for a far more reliable experience. Plus, the new generation will also bring eye tracking to Sony’s VR systems for the first time, enabling foveated rendering.
One of the biggest features to separate PS5 from PS4 is also making its way to PSVR 2. Sony is building a lot of its work with the DualSense controller into the new system, enabling new haptic feedback in both the headset itself and the Sense controllers.
You’ll find a full spec breakdown for both systems just below.
| PSVR 2 | PSVR | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2,000 x 2,040 per-eye | 960 x 1080 per eye |
| Display | OLED HDR | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of view | 110° | 100° |
| Tracking | Six-axis motion sensor, 4 cameras for headset and controllers, IR camera for eye-tracking | Six-axis motion sensor, LED tracking via PlayStation Move |
| Haptics | Headset and controller | Controller only |
| Audio | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Connection | USB-C | USB and HDMI |
PSVR 2 vs the competition
If the PSVR 2 release date of Holiday 2022 does come to fruition, there are going to be several key players on the field already warmed up. The Oculus Quest 2 will be entering its third year on the market, and the premium HTC Vive Pro 2 will have more than a year under its belt. That means Sony is having to future-proof its specs as much as possible in order to be able to compete with the releases of the last couple of years this far down the line.
The Oculus Quest 2 is the headset most likely to infringe on the PSVR 2 price. At a base cost of $299.99 / £299.99 for a 128GB headset, the Quest 2 will likely come in around $100 cheaper than Sony’s offering (if current expectations are proven correct). By the time the Holiday period rolls around, we will have hopefully also seen more Oculus Quest 2 deals bringing that MSRP down even further as well. Add the fact that you don’t need a console or PC to run the standalone Quest, and more casual players are going to be drawn to Oculus <ahem> Meta’s device.
However, that extra cost does potentially land you some key benefits in the PSVR 2. The Oculus Quest 2 features a lower-resolution LCD screen with a smaller 90° field of view. Plus, it remains to be seen if the Snapdragon XR2 processor can keep up with the power output of a PS5, but it’s looking unlikely. On paper, then, the PSVR 2 is the better headset – though certainly not for everyone. The Oculus Quest 2 is fully contained, wireless, and doesn’t require any additional hardware.
Plus, both the Oculus Quest 2 and HTC Vive Pro 2 are already winning in the game department. While we know Horizon: Call of the Mountain is heading to PSVR 2, the fact of the matter remains that Sony has a much smaller development pool for new content than Meta and HTC. Oculus Quest 2 already has a massive catalogue of titles small and large, and the Vive Pro 2 has all of Steam behind it.
Sticking with the HTC Vive Pro 2, the PSVR 2 is certainly taking a good stab at competing in HTC’s premium space. There are some impressive specs on offer here, and it’s looking likely that the PSVR 2 price will come in significantly lower than the base $749 / £659 cost of the Vive Pro 2 (and that’s not taking the high-end gaming PC to run it into account).
High-end VR users will likely stick with the boosted 2448 x 2448 per eye resolution, 120° field of view, and tried and tested tracking prowess of the Vive Pro 2, along with the plethora of games already aimed at the system. However, PSVR 2 will likely win out among Sony fans for sheer value, even with the PS5 price folded in.
You’ll find all the key specs of the current market just below:
| PSVR 2 | Oculus Quest 2 | HTC Vive Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2,000 x 2,040 per-eye | 1832 x 1920 per eye | 2448 x 2448 per eye |
| Display | OLED HDR | LCD | RGB low persistence LCD |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of view | 110° | 90° | 120° |
| Tracking | Six-axis motion sensor, 4 cameras for headset and controllers, IR camera for eye-tracking | Six-axis motion sensor, 4 cameras | G-sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, IPD, SteamVR V2.0 tracking |
| Haptics | Headset and controller | – | – |
| Audio | 3.5mm | Integrated positional | Hi-Res certified headphones |
| Connection | USB-C | Self-contained, tethered via proprietary cable | Proprietary, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 |
The biggest PSVR 2 news: a timeline
Sony confirms “early 2023” release date – August 2022
Sony’s social media channels were ablaze with the announcement of an ‘early 2023’ PSVR 2 release date. The brand revealed the timeline across Instagram (opens in new tab) on August 22.
See-through view, broadcasts, custom play area, and cinematic mode announced by Sony – July 2022
A July blog post from Sony (opens in new tab) announced four new features heading to the PSVR 2 system. A see-through view will allow you to quickly view your surroundings through the PSVR 2 headset’s cameras, while customized play areas can be mapped with the Sense controllers as well. Players will also be able to broadcast their PSVR 2 action using the PS5 HD camera, and view their console’s regular gameplay through a 1080p cinematic mode, running at up to 120Hz.
PSVR 2 speculated to enter mass production in 2022 – May 2022
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (opens in new tab) ignited the rumors that PSVR 2 would entry mass production this year, when tweeting that “latest supply chain check suggests that the assembler and several component providers of PS VR2 will start mass production with about 1.5M units shipments in 2H22”. If this timeline holds, she explains, the PSVR 2 would be expected to launch in early 2023.
E3 PlayStation State of Play may feature a “sneak peek” at upcoming PSVR 2 games – May 2022
As E3 2022 looms in the horizon, Sony announces (opens in new tab) that its June State of Play will focus on new releases heading to its systems. Of course, what else is Sony going to say in this situation – but the kicker here is that rumors have been swirling that we’ll see plenty more PSVR 2 games in this year’s summer conferences.
Rumors point to PSVR 2 feature in next PlayStation Showcase – April 2, 2022
An April tweet from prominent PlayStation insider Tom Henderson (opens in new tab) rumored that the next PlayStation Showcase event will feature the PSVR 2 front and centre. The tweet cites a new email sent by Sony, named “Introducing PlayStation VR2”, noting that the brand sent a similarly titled email weeks before PS5 pre-orders went live.
Developers try PSVR 2 at GDC 2022 – March 24, 2022
GDC 2022 offered up our first glimpse at how PSVR 2 is shaping up, with developers getting their noggins inside the headset for the first time. Judging from the resulting tweets (opens in new tab), we’re in for something special with the latest release.
Sony unveils PSVR 2 design – February 22, 2022
Sony shared a first look at the design of the new PlayStation VR 2 on the PlayStation Blog (opens in new tab) on February 22, 2022. The orb-shaped headset is a familiar sight to anyone who owned the previous model, but features a distinct PS5 vibe – all the way down to the tiny symbols imprinted across the headset. We’ve also learned of a new vent system and a lens adjustment dial placed on the device.
Sony launches PSVR 2 product page, with details around new Fresnel lenses – February 4, 2022
Sony published its full product page (opens in new tab) for the PSVR 2 system at the start of February, 2022. While we already knew much of the information in the new site, the page does detail the PSVR 2’s use of Fresnel lenses. The original headset didn’t use these ridged lenses, but the market has since adopted them as standard thanks to their thinner form factor. However, a recent patent from the brand also reveals that Sony may have fixed a key problem with this lens type – the “god rays” produced by light bouncing off the ridges in unexpected ways.
Sony has ‘nothing to announce’ regarding backwards compatibility – January 6, 2022
Journalist Stephen Totilo (opens in new tab) put the question of backwards compatibility to Sony shortly after the headset’s specs and name were officially revealed. However, the company skirted the question, neither confirming nor denying the feature. The jury’s still out on whether you’ll be able to run previous generation games on the new PSVR 2, but we’re not getting our hopes up.
Rumors have PSVR 2 shipping in Q2 2022 – January 6, 2022
When Chinese site Nweon (opens in new tab) predicted PlayStation VR 2 to begin shipping from Q2 2022, the world pricked its ears. The site used analysis from prominent Apple and VR analyst Ming-Chi Kuo to inform its speculation, which was heightened further in early January thanks to further support from Kuo.
PSVR 2 name and specs revealed at CES – January 4, 2022
Sony officially announced PSVR 2’s name and key specs at its conference at CES 2022 and in a PlayStation Blog post (opens in new tab). While we didn’t get a look at the headset or a timeline for release, the brand revealed that the next generation will feature a 4K OLED HDR display system with 2000 x 2040 resolution per eye, headset-based controller tracking, feedback built into the headset, and haptic feedback in the controllers, and eye-tracking.
The first major title for the system was also announced; Horizon: Call of the Mountain is in development at Guerilla Games.
Sony files patent for PSVR 2 controllers – December 2021
Sony filed a patent (opens in new tab) at the end of 2021 for an input device using LEDs to communicate with a camera system that looks a lot like the controller renders released earlier in the year. We’ve already set our eyes on the new globe gamepads, but the new patent gives us more information on LED placement and how those lights will interact with the headset itself.
Headset design patent discovered – October 2021
DistritoXR (opens in new tab) unearthed a patent filing from Sony for a head-mounted display that looks a lot like the original PSVR. There’s very little information divulged in the patent itself, however, and the actual filing was made back in 2019.
Rumors of holiday 2022 release date begin – June 2021
A Bloomberg report (opens in new tab) was published in June 2021, explaining Japan Display Inc.’s pivot to producing OLED displays for virtual reality. While it also suggested PSVR 2 will utilise OLED panels in its design, the highlight of the report suggests that Sony is ‘aiming to release the successor [to PSVR] in the holiday period next year’.
Sony introduces new PSVR 2 controller – March 2021
Sony shared renders of a wraparound controller design on its official PlayStation Blog (opens in new tab) in the spring of 2021. The new globe-shaped controller will feature “adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, finger-touch detection and more”, building on some of the foundational features of the DualSense controller. March’s blog post also revealed that controllers will be tracked by the headset itself rather than a separate camera like the original system.
Sony announces its next generation of VR – February 2021
Promising “dramatic leaps forward in performance and interactivity”, Sony announced (opens in new tab) that it was working on a successor to the PlayStation VR system in February 2021. We learned that the new system will connect via a single cable and “will incorporate some of the key features found in the DualSsense wireless controller.” Sony also confirmed that the PSVR 2 release date would not be in 2021.
Interested in what virtual reality can do these days? Check out the best VR games currently available. Or, for a taste of Sony’s offerings, take a look at the best PSVR games for the previous system.
‘News of the Day’ content, as reported by public domain newswires.
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