Many PlayStation enthusiasts are revved up for the upcoming release of the PSVR 2 in early 2023, but there are plenty of PSVR titles on the PlayStation 5 right now. Of course, to play them, you’ll need the original PlayStation VR headset. But the vital question that many want to know is whether VR gaming on the PlayStation 5 is superior. So with that in mind, is VR gaming better on PS5?

PS5 has added complete PSVR functionality owing to backward compatibility with existing PS4 titles designed for the headset. While you won’t notice any improvements in the PSVR experience immediately, loading times are significantly improved, and some games have better graphics.

Furthermore, Sony’s PSVR 2 is a next-generation VR headset that will only work with the PS5. Since it was officially revealed last year, we’ve been getting a clearer idea of what to expect. The original PSVR headset, however, is already five years old, and with the debut of a new generation of consoles last year, a significant issue is whether the PSVR performs better on PS5. So let’s take a closer look.

Is PSVR Better On PS5?

The PSVR has remained a surprisingly solid entry point to a diverse assortment of the top VR titles, including some Sony exclusives. So, while you wait for the PSVR 2, you can use the existing PSVR to play VR games on your PS5.

In conclusion, in terms of graphics performance on some titles, the PSVR does not perform much better on the PS5. Despite the PS5’s increased power over its predecessor, none of it is necessarily put to good use with the original PSVR headset, which provides the same experience as the PS4 Pro.

However, there is one advantage over the PS4: faster load times. Fortunately, this is due to the PS5’s powerful M.2 SSD, which Sony claims delivers 2.5x more memory bandwidth than the PS4 Pro, cutting loading times in half.

However, according to numerous users, titles like No Man’s Sky have exceptionally superior visuals tuned to the PS5 hardware.

What To Expect When Using PSVR On Your PS5

The PSVR headgear is outdated technology that requires a complicated, cabled box and an older PS4 camera, which will link into the PS5 with an additional dongle adaptor purchased from Sony.

Most PSVR titles will also not operate with the new PS5 DualSense controller (with a few exceptions, like Star Wars Squadrons). Instead, most gamepad games require an older DualShock 4 from the PS4 era.

Other possible PSVR accessories include wand-like PS Move controllers (which are required for some games) and a light-gun-like VR Aim controller. I took off games that only function with them to keep this list short; here are some great titles that only require a DualShock 4 to work.

A majority of these titles may also be played without a PSVR headset. But, of course, they’re optional for VR. Still, the headgear adds a distinct degree of immersion that’s frequently incredibly fascinating, with the drawback of a lower-resolution display than a 4K TV.

A Look At What The Playstation VR 2 Has To Offer So Far

PSVR 2 is Sony’s second foray into virtual reality, following the initial PlayStation VR device released for the PS4 system in 2016. The new PS5-exclusive headset offers higher resolution, a new eye-tracking technology, a larger field of vision, and a new controller-headset tracking technique to replace the previous (and occasionally faulty) LED-PlayStation Camera approach.

Over the previous five years, PlayStation VR has maintained a strong following. While it remained a relative niche peripheral throughout its lifespan, we saw regular releases and a passionate fan base build up around the system.

However, supplies have diminished recently, leaving many VR enthusiasts looking for PlayStation VR package supplies as Sony phased out its prior gear.

The PSVR 2 Specs Vs PSVR

Sony revealed a first peek at the internals of the PSVR 2 at CES 2022, and there’s a lot to be thrilled about. All of the PSVR 2 specifications that we now know are listed below:

DisplayOLED HDR
Resolution2,000 x 2,040 per-eye
Field of view110°
Refresh rate 90Hz, 120Hz
ConnectionUSB-C
TrackingTracking includes a six-axis motion sensor, four cameras for the headgear and controllers, and an infrared camera for eye tracking.
Audio3.5mm
HapticsHeadgear and controller

When Sony initially unveiled PlayStation VR 2 in February 2021, it promised “dramatic increases in performance and engagement.” Now that we have a straightforward spec sheet in front of us, we can begin to dissect Sony’s vision of a next-generation virtual reality system, and so far, so good.

The PSVR 2 significantly improves per-eye resolution, increasing from 960 x 1080 to 2,000 x 2,040 4K. With improved HDR capabilities and a little increase in the field of view (110° vs. 100°), the difference between PSVR 2 and PSVR will be readily visible.

PSVR 2 will not only look better than its predecessor, but it will also track better. The initial PlayStation VR system depended on the console’s LED tracking and a PlayStation Camera. However, PSVR 2 includes cameras built into the headset for a significantly more dependable experience. In addition, for the first time, Sony’s VR systems will include eye tracking, enabling foveated rendering.

One key characteristic distinguishing the PS5 from the PS4 is finding its way to PSVR 2. In addition, Sony is incorporating much of their DualSense controller work into the new system, providing improved haptic feedback in both the headset and the Sense controllers. A complete spec breakdown for both systems can be seen just below.

 PSVRPSVR2
DisplayOLEDOLED HDR
Resolution960 x 1080 per eye2,000 x 2,040 per-eye
Field of view100°110°
Refresh rate 90Hz, 120Hz90Hz, 120Hz
ConnectionUSB and HDMIUSB-C
TrackingLED tracking through PlayStation Move, and a six-axis motion sensorTracking includes a six-axis motion sensor, four cameras for the headgear and controllers, and an infrared camera for eye tracking.
Audio3.5mm3.5mm

PSVR 2 Features: What Do We Know?

A Sony blog post on July 26 offered us our first look at some of the new features of PSVR 2. There are many intriguing new experience features to be excited about, from seeing your surroundings directly via your game material to broadcasting your moves in-stream. That said, the following is what we know so far:

  • Custom play area scanning

For VR headsets, defining the play area has always been a challenge. Some utilize expensive tracking technologies, while others just keep you fixed to the spot to avoid harm or injury.

PSVR 2 will employ a proprietary mapping system that will use cameras in the headset and the PSVR 2 Sense controllers to locate the precise play area. In addition, the system will notify you if you approach too near a pre-defined border.

  • Live-Stream Broadcasting

Sony also revealed that gamers having a PS5 HD Camera would be able to broadcast themselves enjoying the new VR system while simultaneously submitting footage to a stream.

  • Transparent View

PSVR 2 includes front-facing cameras on its primary headset panel, allowing you to switch between games and your surroundings through the Control Center or by pressing a button on the device itself. However, Sony further claims there is no option for recording in its see-through/transparent mode.

When Will The PSVR 2 Be Released?

Sony revealed in August 2022 that the PSVR 2 will be released in “early 2023” via a series of Instagram postings. As a result, this is consistent with previous speculations predicting the headset’s debut in Q1 next year, although it deviates from past launches.

Sony typically releases new items during the traditional Christmas season; thus, expectations for a fall 2022 release were previously high. However, given component shortages and the PS5 console necessary to run the headgear, it’s clear to see why we’re playing the waiting game here.

How Much Would The PSVR 2 Cost?

The price of the PSVR 2 has yet to be officially confirmed. However, it’s realistic to expect to pay more than the $299.99 price of the first PlayStation VR device. Sony doesn’t appear to be holding back much in its next-generation headset; thus, this will be a premium headset.

We don’t anticipate it to reach the stratospheric heights of HTC Vive’s enthusiast kit, though. Given component shortages (and the accompanying price increase), many agree on a $399 PSVR 2 price.

How Would The PSVR 2 Go Up Against Other VR Gear?

If the PSVR 2 release date in the Holidays in 2022 is confirmed, there will be numerous key players on the pitch who have already warmed up. For example, the Oculus Quest 2 will be in its third year on the market, while the premium HTC Vive Pro 2 will have been on the market for more than a year.

That implies Sony will have to future-proof its specifications as much as possible to compete with recent releases this far down the road. As a result, the Oculus Quest 2 is the most probable headset to undercut the PSVR 2 pricing.

With an introductory price of roughly $300 for a 128GB headset, the Quest 2 is likely to be around $100 less expensive than Sony’s (if current expectations are proven correct). Furthermore, by the time the holiday season arrives, we should have seen additional Oculus Quest 2 offers, driving the MSRP down even lower.

Finally, the standalone Quest does not require a console or PC, and more casual gamers will be drawn to Oculus Meta’s gadget. However, that extra expenditure might net you some significant perks with the PSVR 2. For example, the Oculus Quest 2 has a lower-resolution LCD screen with a narrower 90-degree field of view.

Furthermore, it has to be seen if the Snapdragon XR2 CPU can keep up with the power output of a PS5, which is improbable. On paper, the PSVR 2 is the superior headset – yet it is not for everyone. The Oculus Quest 2 is self-contained, wireless, and requires no other gear.

Furthermore, both the Oculus Quest 2 and the HTC Vive Pro 2 are already winning in terms of gaming. While we know Horizon: Call of the Mountain will be available for PSVR 2, the reality remains that Sony has a significantly lower development pool for fresh material than Meta and HTC.

Oculus Quest 2 already has an extensive catalog of small and large titles, while the Vive Pro 2 has the full support of Steam.

Compared to the HTC Vive Pro 2, the PSVR 2 makes a strong case for competing in HTC’s premium arena. There are some great specs on offer here, and it appears that the PSVR 2 pricing will be substantially lower than the standard $749 price of the Vive Pro 2 (which doesn’t include the high-end gaming PC required to operate it).

High-end VR consumers will likely stay with the Vive Pro 2’s enhanced 2448 x 2448 per eye resolution, 120° field of vision, proven tracking prowess, and various titles already geared at the system. However, even with the PS5 pricing factored in, Sony fans will likely choose PSVR 2.

News On Future PSVR 2 Games

Due to the upcoming release of this headgear, it’s not all that surprising that only a few PSVR 2 titles have been announced so far. Sony shared a quick preview of Guerrilla and Firesprite’s Horizon Call of the Mountain when Sony formally unveiled PlayStation VR2 in January, but no additional games were shown.

Since then, we’ve had greater insight into what to anticipate. According to Sony, the PSVR 2 will launch with more than 20 games, including both first- and third-party titles. In addition, the State of Play conference in June 2022 unveiled several new games, including several heavy hitters from third-party developers. That said, the whole list of what has been confirmed is provided below:

  • No Man’s Sky
  • Blacktop Hoops
  • Firmament
  • Jurassic Park game from Coatsink
  • Low-Fi
  • Horizon Call of the Mountain
  • Among Us VR
  • Requisition VR
  • Alvo
  • Resident Evil 4 Remake
  • Resident Evil Village
  • Runner
  • Jurassic Park game from Coatsink
  • Sim Kayak VR: Mirage
  • The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution
  • Samurai Slaughter House
  • Unannounced game from First Contact Entertainment
  • Unannounced game from nDreams

Conclusion

There is no denying that the PSVR 2, available only on the PS5, has some exciting new features that VR fans would like to experience. However, as the current specs of the PSVR 2 are laid out, it will be challenging for other competitors to remain in the spotlight when attempting to perform the PS5 hardware again with their current gear.

References

https://www.instagram.com/p/Chk-esavBOG/

https://www.techradar.com/news/playstation-vr-2-release-date-price-news-and-rumors

https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/playstation-vr-2-ps5-everything-we-know-so-far/

https://www.techadvisor.com/article/736078/playstation-vr-2.html

https://www.psu.com/news/psvr-2-every-game-announced-and-rumored-for-sonys-next-gen-vr-headset/