Sony’s upcoming next-gen hardware aimed at creating virtual reality experiences was officially announced at CES 2022 following an extensive list of rumors. The PlayStation VR2 is expected to bring VR gaming to a new level, “enabling a greater sense of presence” and a more immersive gaming experience. The company also introduced the new controller, which shares the same name as its PS5 counterpart – PS VR2 Sense.
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Playstation VR2 release date
Sony announced in a blog post in February, last year, that it would develop a PS VR2, but that it would not be released until 2021. A Bloomberg report suggests a Holiday launch by Sony, but Sony did not announce an official release date during CES 2022.
Hardware analyst Brad Lynch confirmed that the units will enter mass production soon, under Chinese manufacturer Goertek. It is still possible the dates could be delayed, considering the global chip shortages that are already causing Sony to struggle with the Playstation 5 sales.
PlayStation VR2 specifications and features
Sony has not yet revealed how much the PS VR2 headset weighs, but it is loaded with high-end specs. It features a 4K HDR experience with an OLED panel resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye. As with its predecessor, the FOV (field of view) will be limited to 110 degrees, and the refresh rate will range from 90 to 120 Hz.
Virtual reality systems require cameras to be placed at either corner of the room for tracking, height adjustments, and establishing a level playing field. The PS VR2 headset, however, includes 4 integrated cameras that track your hand and controller movement. You will also see your character’s head tilt and shift reflected on the screen.
Sony has implemented foveated rendering in addition to spatial 3D Audio, which increases or decreases the pixel density based on your focus point. The headset’s eye-trackers only track the fovea of one’s eye in order to maximize resolution. However, everything outside the fovea appears pixelated.
PlayStation VR2 also features a sensory feature that “amplifies player actions within the game.” The headset’s lining is fitted with a motor that vibrates to add a tactile element, simulating the player’s actions. Sony claims that once your in-game character stops sprinting or is trapped in a tense situation, the headset motor will start whirring and throbbing to simulate an elevated pulse. You will also feel any thrusts or objects zipping past your head.
The new PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers look radically different from the older ones, which resembled a pair of light-up microphones. Sense controllers follow a similar design to more typical VR controllers such as the Oculus Quest 2. They come with a joystick-like handle with plastic orbs surrounding it, and provide haptic feedback that emulates physical touch and feel via vibration, depending on where you are in the game.
In addition, you’ll get enhanced controls, adaptive triggers, vibrations, and finger touch detection, which lets a game know where your fingers are without you having to press any buttons. Sony has also reduced the number of cables needed for seamless play – only one cable is needed to connect your PlayStation 5 system.