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Is Sony’s latest PlayStation VR headset more than a gimmick?

At nearly $1000, Sony’s new virtual reality peripheral isn’t cheap, but it does provide some of the most immersive video game experiences to date.

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The original PlayStation VR, PS VR, was a groundbreaking peripheral that really demonstrated that consumer gaming VR was not only possible, but practical and more than just a gimmick.

Ever since the PlayStation 5 launched in 2020, enthusiasts have been calling for its compatible VR unit – and it’s now arrived, in the form of the PS VR2, representing a significant advance over its predecessor.

The PSVR2 comprises three components: A VR headset and two wireless controllers. The headset, which has an adjustable headband, features two OLED eyepiece displays with a 2000x2400 resolution at between 90hz-120hz, as well as two wired earbuds, while the controllers feature a trigger, side button, joystick and two input buttons each.

Sony PlayStation VR 2 launch titles. Picture: Supplied
Sony PlayStation VR 2 launch titles. Picture: Supplied

For me, one of the standout achievements here is getting the entire system to run through a single USB-C cable. The PS VR for the PlayStation 4 was a pretty complicated affair, requiring a separate camera to be mounted on the TV and cables and wires connecting the PS4 to the PS VR for data and power and so on.

Here, it’s just one very long cable, connecting from the headset to the USB-C port on the front of the PS5. It’s such a simple set up and ideal for people who have felt a bit daunted by the fairly complex setups of some other VR systems in the past.

Anything this good isn’t going to be cheap, but you still might want to take a seat for the price – the RRP is $879, or $959 for a bundle with the game Horizon: Call Of The Mountain.

Besides the price tag, the biggest challenge facing the PS VR2 at the moment isn’t technical, it’s content related – or rather, the current lack thereof.

From a consumer perspective, the PlayStation PS VR2 represents one of the most accessible ways to get into VR gaming at present.
From a consumer perspective, the PlayStation PS VR2 represents one of the most accessible ways to get into VR gaming at present.

There aren’t a huge number of PSVR2 games on the market right now – Horizon Call Of The Mountain is easily the showcase for the device, while Gran Turismo 7’s virtual reality driving has to be experienced to be believed.

What is baffling is how the PS VR2 is not currently backwards-compatible with most PS VR games. I have several in my library and none of them could be played on the PS VR2 and “disappointing” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Apparently Sony is working on this and more of the PS VR library will become available in due course, but that doesn’t change the fact that right now you won’t be playing Blood & Truth or Transference on your PS VR2.

The two VR games I spent the most time with while testing the unit were Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon: Call Of The Mountain, and both did a magnificent job of showcasing what the unit, and consumer gaming VR tech, is capable of.

From a consumer perspective, the PlayStation PS VR2 represents one of the most accessible ways to get into VR gaming at present. It’s certainly not cheap, but if you have a PlayStation 5 I think it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on – and saving up some cash – while we wait for some more games to be released.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/gadgets/is-sonys-latest-playstation-vr-headset-more-than-a-gimmick/news-story/652bae547dd2fcc616ba732bd2e3c0e0