Ryan The PlayStation VR 2 does more than just look like the original VR headset. The PS VR 2 reinvents console VR. It borrows from other generations and fixes some of the issues that plagued the first generation.
The PlayStation VR 2 looks very similar to the PS VR 1 in terms of design. However, the PS VR 2 uses a white color scheme that matches the PS5 console. It has a similar headband mechanism. This secures your headset to your head, then the VR goggle is moved back to lock in position in front of your eyes. The PS VR 1’s virtual reality headset, is also more comfortable than others because it doesn’t exert pressure on your eyes. A sliding mechanism allows glasses to be worn while using the PS VR 2.
The PlayStation VR 2 headset installation is simple. The adjustable back part of the headband is pulled to fit the head. The user then tightens and secures the band by twisting a knob on the back. Finally, push a button on the visor section to adjust it so that it slides back in line with the user’s eyes. You can also remove the headset by pressing a button on the knob of the headband.
The PS VR 2 is comfortable but not too snug. It is stable and doesn’t lose tension. The material around the lenses also helps to block out external light and distracting sounds. The headset doesn’t feel heavy or too heavy, which allows users to play more VR games.
Although it’s a familiar experience to use the PlayStation VR 2, this is where the similarities end. This VR headset tracks from the inside, so it doesn’t require any cameras or trackers to identify the controller’s or user’s movements. Instead, the headset has four cameras at its front that record head movement and adjust the picture accordingly.
The great thing about the inside-out tracking is that it eliminates some limitations when it concerns a play space. Instead of having to stand in front or behind a camera, the user can choose the section of the room that gives them the most freedom to move about. VR games that offer seated gameplay are not restricted in their use. They show the headset the area to be used and create the play zone.
Two 4K OLED display with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz are included in the PS VR 2 headset. The number one selling point for virtual realities is immersion. These displays deliver a level of clarity that is truly impressive. The headset’s displays are as impressive as their design.
A few hardware and software features can enhance that immersion, ensuring each user has the best experience. Eye-tracking software works astonishingly well and can bring any object in focus into the headset. The displays have a wide angle that allows you to see into your peripherals, making it feel less like you are looking through binoculars. An easily accessible lens adjustment knob on the headset’s top allows the user to adjust the spacing between his eyes.
The PS VR 2 headset delivers jaw-dropping high-quality visuals thanks to its solid tech. Virtual reality users must adjust their experience in many cases to get the best from a headset. Sony has designed the PS VR 2 with enough adjusters to make it suitable for any head shape and eye spacing.
The headset also has haptic Feedback, which provides a subtle but powerful immersion (where possible). If something were to pass by or interact with the player, the headset would emit a faint pulse.
Virtual reality immersion is not just about visuals. It also requires sound to create a sense of place and space. The PS VR 2 headset is equipped with a patented earbud mechanism that fits into the headset’s headband and holds it in place. The earbuds slide down from either the left or the right side of your headset and can be secured in one ear. Although the PS VR 2 comes with three sizes of earbud cups (the smallest being the most popular), they are not always perfect. It is still easy to plug or unplug the earbuds.
Tempest 3D technology from the PS VR 2 results in remarkable audio quality. The headset’s tracking system will track the position of the user and ensure the audio source is coming from the correct direction. It isn’t the best audio experience available, but it is more than sufficient to complement the headset’s visuals.
The microphone and the pass-through button are also small but very important components of the PS VR 2’s VR goggles. While we didn’t make much use of the microphone during our review process, Horizon did use the microphone to create the feeling that we were blowing onto objects like a panpipe in-game. The pass-through button is a big boon as it uses the headset’s camera to show exactly where the user is. It can be difficult to focus on VR for more than a few minutes. However, the passthrough button allows the user to quickly stop the game and show them where they are in a particular room.
PS VR 2 Controllers are a Major Step Forward
Sony has also completely overhauled the PS VR 2 control system. They have swapped the Move controllers for new controllers that are more similar to those in the Oculus Quest. These controllers come with many cool features. They have round hoops at their bottom, which appear to protect the wrists from getting bumped into any object while they are being played.
Just in terms of their function, however, the PS VR 2 Controllers look like two flight sticks with a joystick on one and a pair of face buttons on the other. Both controllers have an adaptive trigger that mimics the tension when performing certain actions. There is also a wider button (L1 and R1) built into each grip.
The controllers work flawlessly, regardless of whether it is a game that requires traditional joystick movement and motion control or one with more motion-heavy controls. The headset worked well, except for a single incident when it lost track of the left controller. A restart was necessary. Even more important, the controllers provided realistic interactions like gripping a ledge, firing a gun, and other actions.
The VR2 controllers compare well to the best virtual reality controllers currently available. It was used only in Horizon. However, the controllers can detect finger touch and allow your avatar to point, make “peace” signs, or even raise their fists. It is a neat feature that makes it feel like the user does more than just wave their hands in static air.
Simple Setup with 2
The set-up and use of the PS VR 2 are quick and simple, except for the wired VR headset limitation. The software will guide you through the process, from helping to adjust the lens spacing to fine-tuning the eye tracking. It also uses cameras to determine the available space for virtual reality gaming. It detects the contours on a couch, table, wall, or any other obstacle and creates a play zone for the user. The tracking can be adjusted by the user to make it more accurate.
The PS VR 2 is a demanding device for large-scale experiences. It needs a 6’7″ X6’7″ area. However, those with smaller rooms can make sure they have enough space to enjoy the VR experience. With the quick settings menu, it’s easy to switch from standing to sitting VR. Even better, the headset remembers what area it created when you are in the same place.
The VR headset’s wire can occasionally get in the way but isn’t nearly as cumbersome as the 1.0’s bulky option. No matter if we were playing in a room or sitting down to play, there was no problem with the PS VR 2 recognizing our movements or the controllers. VR’s inability “fit” into space is a common problem. The PS VR 2 however has all the adjustments and options necessary to make VR work in almost any environment.
VR Game Testing on PS5
Horizon: Call of the Mountain has been voted the best PS VR 2 experience, taking advantage of every feature the headset offers. It is a stunning VR experience that adapts the main game’s combat and traversal to more restricted settings. Combat is the area where the game departs from its predecessors. Instead of allowing the player to dodge around a robot-animal or fire arrows at its weak points, the “circular arena” restricts them to combat.
Climbing in – Horizon: Call of the Mountain however is a remarkable imitation of the real thing. Players will be able to reach for different handholds to pull themselves up ropes, cliffsides, or across vines. It is such an easy gameplay mechanic that it feels so natural that you feel like you are fully immersed. Climbing is a great way to get in a little exercise.
Horizon Call of the Mountain – This is the perfect game to play with PS VR 2 to showcase the capabilities of the headset. It’s not the only fantastic game on the platform. Several VR games have been ported to PS VR 2 and utilize many of the system’s key components. While most of these titles don’t include finger tracking or support for room scaling, the important thing is that none of their functionality was lost during porting. There are no lower-quality versions of Quest/Vive/Index games; each game is as engaging and complex as the others.
The following games were tested in the pre-release process: Horizon: Call of the Mountain. All three offer a different VR experience. They all work great on the PS VR 2 so they’re worth checking out.
Although it may take developers some time to get the full benefit of the PS VR 2, just like Call of the Mountain has, features like finger touch (or eye tracking) will eventually become part of the experience. As Sony stressed the Dual Sense feature set of the PS5 during its launch, developers will also need to take into account the PS VR 2’s unique features to make their games stand out.
Virtual reality is not an easy sell for many gamers. They see it as a gimmick that doesn’t have a lot of staying power. It is also quite expensive, so it may not be the right choice for everyone. It is possible to find a combination headset/controller combo that will appeal to anyone who wants to join the PlayStation VR community, whether it’s for the first time or the second. Not only that, but the launch lineup features a variety of titles that showcase the best of VR and, as in Call of the Mountain, the full potential of the system.
Sony’s biggest challenges in selling PS VR 2 will be price and interest. However, there is no denying the incredible achievements of this headset. Sony’s headset has a simple setup, thoughtful ease of use, and clever control features. These all help it to compete with other top-of-the-line headsets.
PlayStation VR 2 is available on February 22, 2023. Game Rant was provided with a prerelease retail box for review.