[UPDATE: 03/11/2022]: Announced this morning, Sony will be releasing the PlayStation VR2 Headset in February 2023, with an Australian retail price of $879.95. You can get the standard edition of a PS5 in Australia now for $749.95, which means the new-gen PSVR headset is over $100 more expensive than the console itself.
When the original PlayStation VR headset dropped all the way back in 2016, the retail price for Sony’s first-ever virtual-reality device was just over $600. Understandably, the PSVR2 is going to have to offer a hell of a lot to justify the price hike, but Sony is promising that its new hardware should be worth the investment.
Already it has been confirmed that one of the launch titles for PlayStation VR2 will be Horizon: Call of the Mountain, bringing one of the console’s biggest franchises to VR fans.
The price above is for a box that includes not just the headset, but also the specially-made PS VR2 Sense controllers and stereo headphones. If you want it all packaged with the new Horizon game, then you’re looking at $959.95. And if you want the separate charging dock for the controllers, which comes with a click-in design that avoids the need for a USB connection, then expect to fork out an extra $79.95
PlayStation VR2 uses Sony’s new Sense technology and includes key features that are said to elevate the gaming experience significantly, with refined headset feedback, eye tracking, 3D audio and tighter adaptive triggers on the controllers. Thanks to enhanced headset-based controller tracking, the new Sony VR should offer a more precise and immersive sense of movement when playing compatible games, along with better visuals in 4,000 x 2,040 HDR video format.
A bunch of other launch titles have also been confirmed for the PlayStation VR 2. In addition to Horizon: Call of the Mountain, they are:
- Resident Evil Village
- The Dark Picture: Switchback VR
- Crossfire: Sierra Squad
- The Light Brigade
- Cities VR – Enhanced Edition
- Cosmonious High
- Hello Neighbour: Search and Rescue
- Jurassic World Aftermath Collection
- Pistol Whip VR
- Zenith: The Last City
- After The Fall
- Tentacular
Pre-orders for the new PlayStation VR headset open on November 15 and shipping beings on February 22, 2023.
Original Article – PS5 VR Headset Revealed By Sony
In an unexpected overnight blog drop – as is common with Sony – the company has revealed the first details on what we can expect from their next-gen PSVR headset, designed for the PS5. The sequel to the immensely popular VR headset will bring a new perspective to gaming on the PS5, with a number of improvements over the original.
First thing’s first. We’re saying goodbye to the haphazard cord management system that made the PSVR somewhat annoying to use. The new PS5 VR headset will utilise only one single cord to connect to the console, simplifying use, set-up, and supporting a high-fidelity visual experience.
The PlayStation 5 blog notes that there is still plenty of development required to get the PSVR 2 ready for consumer use, so we shouldn’t at all expect to see it delivered for detail in 2021.
Most importantly, the PS5 VR controller will be a complete refresh from the original, incorporating some of the “key features in the DualSense wireless controller“, along with sharper and more efficient ergonomics – which should make VR shooting games much easier. What this most likely means is that the PS5 VR controller will make use of some high degree of nuanced haptic feedback and resistance triggers – like the DualSense does – doubling down on immersion and enhancing VR games to more sensory experiences.
RELATED: This Solid Gold PS5 Will Set You Back Over $2 Million
Sony are also promising enhanced resolution and field-of-view for the PS5 VR. In an interview with Washington Post, Sony CEO Jim Ryan has also revealed that the company will start distributing development kits for the headset “soon”, so it shouldn’t be long before we start to get more details flowing through.
While you’re here, check out my full PS5 review and a comparison with the Xbox Series X.
