Before its launch in 2023, the PlayStation VR2 was approached by the specialized press. This is an opportunity to learn a little more about this VR headset very promising.
The good news is that all of the previews are overwhelmingly positive.
Technical specifications revised upwards
When it was announced at the start of the year, the PS VR2 already impressed with its technical data sheet. Remember that this device for PS5 owners has two 4K OLED screens (2,000 x 2,040 pixels for each eye), a 110-degree field of view and a frame rate ranging from 90 to 120 Hz. is of course not all, because the device has “hidden” features.
During these tests, our colleagues from CNET, The Verge or Road to VR were able to use the headset (logic) and test four recently announced games. In this press review, we are therefore going to come back to the impressions of the testers while listing the major new features introduced within the PS VR2. And we start with the controllers.
More intuitive controls
With this headset, Sony is definitely ditching the PlayStation Move controllers for the orb-shaped Sense. In particular, they offer more advanced ergonomics thanks to their lightness. CNET even explains having had a floating sensation in the hands thanks to the ring located at the back of the controller. Also, all the usual keys are there and the sticks are slightly smaller than on a classic DualSense. A strap can be added and the surface of the controller has a grainy coating.
Another good point, the haptic feedback of the PS5 controller is also found in the Sense of the PS VR2 in order to provide additional immersion. The movements performed are also more natural and instinctive. The Verge note all the same imperfections in the realization of certain manipulations like picking up a weapon in a game. Otherwise, the switch to a micro USB connector (instead of the mini USB on the PlayStation Move) is appreciable.
A revolutionary helmet?
As for the headset itself, The Verge felt ” a real pleasure to use it. Again, the ergonomics are in good shape since the PS VR2 is only connected to the PS5 via a simple USB-C cable. It is much less cumbersome than the tedious device of the first model, which had to go through a box. The headband is making a comeback to adjust the helmet and a wheel is used to adjust the view in general.
Some testers note that no outside light enters the helmet thanks to new soft padding. The Japanese manufacturer even offers a button to adjust the distance between the screens and the eyes. In addition, the PlayStation VR2 is equipped with external cameras, which no longer requires the purchase of an additional camera to situate the headset in space. They are used in particular to see (in black and white) the environment around us without having to remove the helmet from our head.
Everyone therefore applauds the extensive customization and comfort offered by this model. Note also that the vibrations were directly placed in the helmet… and the sensations are probably there. In terms of defects, a fairly pronounced blurring effect on the edges of the image is mentioned, as is a loss of tracking on the controllers and the PS VR2. But this concern could be resolved by the time the device is released.
Really amazing games?!
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, four games were tried out by the press. This is’Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge and The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners Chapter 2. Of course, these were short demos that are not necessarily representative of the final versions.
Obviously, it’s this expensive Horizon who seems to have inflicted the biggest technical slap. It must be said that this spin-off was specially designed for the PS VR2. It is graphically very impressive with a scale deemed “ disproportionate » when the player faces the biggest Machines (the robotic dinosaurs of the saga). The world is highly interactive with the ability to pick up any object and then throw it off a cliff for example.
Same observation on the portage of Resident Evil Village which is very well done graphically. The environments are vast, the lighting realistic and the sets teeming with detail. The other two more anecdotal titles seem rather effective. But unanimously, nothing very revolutionary to report for the moment.
First very positive conclusions
Overall, testers had a good time with the PS VR2. Whether in terms of ergonomics, power or on-board features, the helmet meets expectations. It even goes so far as to surpass the famous Quest 2 with a wider field of vision and higher screen resolution.
However, we do not yet know the price (which should not be below 400 euros) or even the precise release date of the headphones. We just know that the PlayStation VR2 will be launched in early 2023. The appointment is made!
Sources: The Verge, CNET, Road to VR
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