PSVR 2 vs PSVR: all the new features Gamers who own a Sony PlayStation 5 can look forward to

If you're lucky enough to own a PS5, Sony has a major treat in store for you later this year: PSVR 2, the follow-up to the first – and incredibly futuristic – PSVR, which took players to entirely new virtual worlds.

Sony has announced details regarding the PSVR 2, which is set to go into production later this year. We don't have all the details yet, such as pricing and availability, but you can expect it to cost roughly $399, similar to the first PSVR.

One of the most appealing aspects of PSVR 2 is that it will be powered by the PS5, a device capable of running virtually any game at extremely high resolutions. While the PS4 was no slouch, the PS5 pushes the envelope even further.

We examine the PSVR 2 and PSVR specs to see what kind of virtual reality experience each can provide PS5 gamers.

SONY PLAYSTATION VR 2 SPECS 

At its launch event, Sony revealed a number of interesting features regarding PSVR 2, and the headset is shaping up to outperform most other versions on the market, including the Oculus Quest 2.

PSVR 2 will include OLED HDR panels with 2,0002,040 pixels per eye that refresh at 90Hz to 120Hz. The field of view is roughly 110 degrees, which is among the greatest on the market, and there will be haptic feedback as well as inside-out cameras to enable games to include the actual environment.

Two PSVR 2 Sense Controllers will provide users with extra-precise controls and appear to be upgrades over the originals. We got an early look at the controllers from Sony, and we're immediately excited to check them out.

Eye-tracking technology is another advanced feature included in PSVR 2. This technology detects eye movement and can thus be recreated in games - for example, if you glance to the left in real life, you'll look to the left in the game.

PSVR 2 is anticipated to be PS5-only, which makes sense but will anger anyone who is still holding on to their PS4 or hasn't managed to get their hands on the stock-constrained PS5.

SONY PLAYSTATION VR SPECS

We've assembled the pertinent specs to show how far the PSVR 2 has progressed from the first PSVR.

The PSVR has a 100-degree field of view with 9601,080 pixel-per-eye LCD screens that refresh at 90Hz to 120Hz. While the PSVR 2 (unsurprisingly) outperforms these, they are nonetheless impressive for a 2016 VR headset.

PSVR also employs earlier controllers with the DualShock moniker, similar to their PS4 equivalents, and incorporates an external camera for tracking.

Crucially, and this will be a huge relief to many original PlayStation VR owners, Sony has verified that the headgear is compatible with PS5. In fact, Sony is so enthusiastic about it that owners of the headset may apply for a free dongle that would let them to use it on the PS5 without having to pay anything else.

This indicates, at least in T3's opinion, that Sony sees PSVR as an important element of its long-term VR strategy and isn't planning to forsake the first-gen console.

In terms of specs and advanced hardware features, the PSVR holds its own in terms of offering game VR experiences, but the PSVR 2 marks a major boost over the earlier VR headset.

PSVR 2 VS PSVR: THE FUTURE ON PS5

While comparing a VR headset introduced in 2016 to one available in 2022 isn't quite fair, the PSVR holds its own. However, it's evident that the PSVR 2 is a big leap, with higher resolutions, improved controllers, a broader field of view, and more.

The only difficulty we can see is that, like the PS5, PSVR 2 stock will be extremely limited, making it difficult to obtain one in 2022. Sony should probably wait till there are enough units to ship to gamers.

It will also be fascinating to see how many of the games and experiences offered on PSVR 2 are also available on PSVR. Will game developers create titles that appeal to both audiences in order to expand their market? Or should we expect PSVR to be pushed to the background in favor of PSVR 2 exclusives?

It's difficult to say right now, but the list of PSVR 2 games circulating online already suggests a mix, at least for the next year.