PSVR 2 is on its way, but what do we know about the new generation PS5 VR headphones?
Since the announcement of PlayStation 5 in 2019, gamers have been wondering what this means for the future of their virtual reality games. PlayStation VR is currently the only VR headset available from the top three console manufacturers. Given that it was released in 2016, we wanted an update on the now outdated hardware.
As you can see in our PSVR review, the original console-based virtual reality system still has a lot to offer immersive gamers, in addition to a whole host of outstanding titles from the beautiful 3D platform Astrobot: rescue mission to the lie that an old favorite takes Tetris effects. Despite some of the best exclusive VR experiences released today, the hardware and graphics specifications of the original PSVR are no longer cutting edge. They cannot be compared to the best virtual reality headsets currently on the market.
Luckily, for fans of console-based VR, Sony announced the next generation of headphones in February of this year with certainly scarce details. Hideaki Nishino, senior vice president of Platform Experience, confirmed that Sony’s next-generation PlayStation 5-compatible virtual reality console was in development. If it has been difficult for you to separate the facts from the fantasy, do not be discouraged. We’ve delved into all the official announcements and reviewed recent rumors and patents to bring you everything we know about PlayStation’s upcoming foray into VR space.
What is the PSVR 2 / PlayStation 5 VR?
While gamers were delighted with the announcement of a virtual reality headset compatible with the current generation of PlayStation consoles, they were also amazed at the little information this announcement provided. Without even an official name to attribute to the upcoming PlayStation headphones, instead it was chosen to be called the “next generation VR system”, mainly Nishino gave vague details without specific facts or figures. Aside from the obvious fact that the new headphones are designed for use with PlayStation 5, Nishino also promised improved performance and interactivity and improved resolution, field of view, tracking and input, with no details on what this really means.
However, he granted three new official reports for the improved system. The first is that the new Sony VR will have completely redesigned drivers that will incorporate the exclusive features of the PlayStation 5 DualSense driver. This was a welcome announcement, as the current PSVR still uses PlayStation Move drivers, which came out during life useful of the PlayStation 3. The second announcement is that the new system will be connected to the PlayStation 5 via a single cable. This is a much-appreciated offering for conscious consumers who need five to set up their original headphones.
The latest solid knowledge is that Sony’s next-generation VR won’t come out in 2021. This was expected, as Sony is focusing its production on the requested PlayStation 5 console, which many consumers are still desperate to get. Sony confirmed that there would be no new information in the September storefront, but rumors surrounding the system suggest that we will hear much more in early 2022.
How much will the PSVR 2 cost?
It will probably be some time before Sony announces the official prices of its next-generation headphones. However, from what we know so far, it is possible to make a reasonable estimate. The original PlayStation VR was priced at $ 399/349 pounds. This was the price of the version without the PlayStation camera needed to use PSVR, which sold separately at $ 60/50 pounds.
Most hardware produces losses on launch, earning profits later with additional hardware, software, and subscription sales that offset costs. PlayStation 5 is no exception. While the disc version will eventually work with benefits, the next-generation VR system will likely work at a loss when it is initially released. Even with increased screen resolution, haptic feedback, and increased processing, Sony would probably be hesitant to set the price drastically higher than the original.
The PlayStation 5 costs $ 100 / £ 100 more than the PlayStation 4 did at launch, so we know this means a price increase that consumers are comfortable paying. Also, according to TechRadar the new RV will include a set of drivers. This seems plausible as Sony has centered its marketing around it. While the original VR system does not include drivers, Sony will be reluctant to exceed the PlayStation 5 launch price for a VR set. So we think you can expect the PlayStation 5 VR to be distributed around $ 499 / £ 449.
When is the release date of PSVR 2?
With the only official release date confirmed as “not 2021,” it looks like Sony is still in development with the new hardware. While nothing is definitive, there are quite a few rumors and estimates based on other available evidence that seem to carry some weight. It seems that the most credible claim so far is from Bloomberg, who wrote an in-depth article on the current state of display manufacturers and where the industry is heading.
In the report, Japan Display Inc., one of the leading producers of LCD screens, stated that it maintained a relationship with almost all VR developers in the market. As the virtual reality market moves to LCD screens, it seems that Sony continues to use higher quality and more expensive OLED products that they used in the original version of PlayStation Vita and especially PlayStation VR headphones.
What do screens have to do with release dates? Bloomberg claims that “people with knowledge of the matter” have confirmed that Sony is working with Samsung to develop OLED screens with a view to release date in late 2022. Because new hardware, specifically highly anticipated parts, is often released during the holiday season to increase sales, this statement seems likely. This release period would also give Sony time to produce and sell more PlayStation 5 units, which are essential for use with next-generation VR headsets.
What’s new in PSVR 2 headphones?
Sony has confirmed a increased field of view with places claiming between 10-20 ° of added length. This would bring the new PlayStation VR screen to at least 110 °, the current industry standard. The new resolution is also proposed at 4k, offering every eye Resolution 2000×2040. As officially announced, the new headphones will feature improved tracking, probably a benchmark eye tracking, which is becoming more common in VR space. This would help the problem of VR motion sickness, as players would not have to turn their whole head to see.
Sony filed a patent for “motion sickness reduction” that includes the DualSense haptic feedback on headphones to help reduce player disorientation. It also points to improvements with comfort for those who wear glasses. The patent, which describes his method for eye tracking, specifically addresses this section of players. Both features have not been confirmed, but they seem likely, as they help deal with the usual problems of many players.
Patents also show that there could be one screen on the outside of the headset to display the user’s headset expressions for an audience with vision. This would have implications for transmission and play socially. In February, Sony patented the possibility of using everyday objects, such as a banana, as a controller, which could demonstrate how Sony intends to combine virtual reality with AR technology. This fits Sony’s drive to get more social gaming. Although a patent does not guarantee the invention, we could see aspects of it in the next headphones.
What are the new PSVR 2 drivers?
The only aspect of the new PlayStation VR that we trust is the new drivers. Sony has focused much of its launch information on this new design. The unique shape of the dial allows for much more natural grip than the old Move controllers that aid in immersion. The shape also moves the trigger under the controller, which feels more natural to hold. The design is very interesting because the four action buttons are split between the two terminals, which makes it likely that the controllers will have to be used as a pair.
As expected, the new controllers will include many features also integrated into the PlayStation 5 DualSense controllers. With adaptive triggers with different resistors and haptic feedback using targeted rumors, these new controllers may be the most immersive in virtual reality games until now.
They also integrate better tracking than their predecessors. Next-generation headphones will now be able to track these drivers, and the drivers themselves will track the location of your fingers on them. This will allow all new control methods in PlayStation VR and you should be able to interpret your movements much more accurately than the current system, which only depends on tracking from the camera and tends to out of sync.
Does the original PlayStation VR work with PlayStation 5?
This is an interesting question and has a somewhat complicated answer. The short answer is yes. However, you will need to place your order an adapter from Sony to pair the PlayStation 4 camera with the PlayStation 5, as the current generation camera is not compatible with the original VR headsets. It gets even more complicated when you start considering software compatibility. With the PlayStation 5’s improved processing speeds, the original PlayStation VR games run more easily when played through the current generation console.
Many virtual reality games are featured on a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 version and the updated PlayStation 5 version does not work with the original PlayStation VR. In these cases, as with popular games like No Man’s Sky or Resident Evil VII, you will need the version of PlayStation 4 running on the console to play them in VR.
There are also several PlayStation 5 VR games in development, as the new system development kits came out in early 2021. At a developer conference in August, Sony tried to attract developers to create games for the game. new hardware. When published, these titles will not be compatible with old VR systems. According to reports, Sony is also encouraging developers to integrate virtual reality compatibility into their major versions of the main console. Great titles like Deathloop i Ghostwire: Tokyo they appear as if they were developed thinking about virtual reality.