The CES 2022 show in Las Vegas was the opportunity for Sony to formalize its PlayStation VR2 headset in early January. An expected announcement that reveals a number of details for this new experience in virtual reality.
However, this presentation was not followed by the release of visuals presenting the design of the PlayStation VR2, Sony appearing to adopt the same strategy as for the PS5 in 2019, where the Japanese firm had first presented the logo and was kept the announcement of the final machine design for a later conference. Still, the specifics of the headset suggest a model much more evolved than the original PSR intended for the PS4, and released at the end of 2016.
The PSVR2 focuses on visual comfort
The PSVR2 intends to erase one of the first criticisms addressed to the original PSVR, whose visual comfort did not allow you to spend hours immersed in virtual 360 ° worlds.
The PlayStation VR2 “is 4K and HDR compatible, offers a 110-degree field of view and offers foveal rendering, ensuring a high-fidelity visual experience. Thanks to its OLED screen, gamers will be able to enjoy a display resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 per eye and a refresh rate of 90/120 Hz ”, explains Sony in its official blog.
In addition, cameras attached to the helmet make it possible to follow the movement of the hands and controllers in real time, which will make it possible to erase the connections linked to the camera from the PlayStation Move used on PS4 to track the movements of the player.
At the same time, an eye tracking system will allow interaction with game elements in certain situations. A technology which also makes it possible to focus the computing power on the elements watched by the player, in order to save the energy of the graphics processor on the elements which are not watched.
In this sense, the PSVR2 joins the standards developed for high-end virtual reality masks, such as the Valve Index headset or the Cosmos Elite from HTC Vive.
The PlayStation VR2 will also integrate a vibration system in the helmet. The idea is to make certain sensations felt during the game, such as the acceleration of the pulse of a character or “a feeling of friction when an object passes next to your character’s head”, explains Sony.
Finally, 3D audio will also be offered to enhance immersion.
Haptic controllers
The two haptic controllers of the PSVR2 are also inspired by what we can see in the competition. A haptic trigger on each corresponding to the L2 and R2 buttons will offer a slight force feedback, as is the case also on the Dual Sense controllers of the PS5.
Motion sensors based on the six-axis detection system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), as well as a capacitive sensor that detects finger contact with an infrared LED, will improve tracking. position of the hands and fingers, in order, for example, to grasp virtual objects or to catch them. The controllers can be recharged using two integrated batteries that can be connected via a USB-C port.
Goodbye cables, one is enough
Above all, Sony promises to keep a promise that will undoubtedly please gamers who pointed out the tedious connection of the first PSVR, where six cables had to be connected before being able to play, not to mention the remote motion detection system in front of the television set. . A discouraging installation which should therefore be resolved, since Sony claims that a single cable will suffice, allowing the headphones to be connected to the console. Phew!
A release date and a price to be specified
For the time being, no release date has been announced by Sony regarding the availability of the PlayStation VR2, nor the price. However, the specialized press is advancing a release for the end of 2022, or even 2023, as well as a full presentation in the coming months, which should also reveal its selling price.
What games for the support?
If Sony still keeps the announcements related to the launch games a secret, a first title acts as a showcase: Horizon Call of the Mountain. A title developed by studio Guerilla, which is preparing to launch Horizon Forbidden West at the end of February on PS5. For this new episode, we will therefore find the heroine of this saga, Alloy, who will have to face mechanical dinosaurs again. This is the only game made official on this medium. But no release date has been specified.
We can bet that other games could join the PSVR2, we think in particular of Ace Combat 8, whose development was formalized last August by Bandai Namco. The 7th part having shone in particular on PSVR in January 2019.