The PSVR 2 - High-Tech for a High Price

The release date of the much-anticipated PSVR 2 has just been announced. On February 22nd 2023, fans of PlayStation and VR games will be able to snag themselves this admittedly very impressive VR headset. However, while the PSVR 2 does indeed pack a lot of punch, its high price tag may have many fans reluctant to purchase it (if they can even afford it, that is). Unfortunately the world as a whole seems to be in a major economic downturn, and with runaway inflation and soaring interest rates, many people are just trying to figure out how to make ends meet. Will the wider macroeconomic factors have a negative effect on PlayStation’s bottom line? And is the PSVR 2 impressive enough to warrant its hefty price tag? Let’s find out!

The Bleeding Edge of VR Tech?

The PSVR 2 is out in just a few months, but can it give headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and 3 a run for their money? Based on the trailer that PlayStation dropped near the end of September, the answer is: yes, it definitely could.

The PSVR 2 features a whole lot of really awesome tech that should make VR gaming that much more immersive and engaging for players. Here’s a summary of what PlayStation’s latest headset has to offer:

• A 4K HDR Display - The high resolution and graphics processing in the PSVR 2 promise to make your gameplay experience that much more compelling. You can expect crisp visuals, rich textures and beautiful color tones with PlayStation’s newest headset
• Eye Tracking - Yup, the PSVR 2 actually follows where you look so that you can navigate through menus and environments more intuitively. This promises to be a major game changer and increase the pace of VR games, meaning a more fluid and dynamic end result
• Foveated Imaging - This is a little tricky to explain, but basically, focal points in various environments will feature higher levels of detail which should ensure that gameplay isn’t sacrificed for the sake of high-res graphics. You can read more about foveated imaging here
• 110 Degree Field of View - This is akin to having a bigger TV screen or monitor. In simpler terms, more of your vision will be covered by the PSVR 2 when compared with the Meta Quest 2 which only has an 89 degree field of view. The only headset that really beats the PSVR 2 is the VIVE Focus 3 with a 120 degree field of view (and is more than double the price of the PSVR 2)!
• Finger Touch Detection - As an added bonus, the PSVR 2 features finger touch detection to make in-game haptics that much better. So if you just touch a trigger on one of your controllers, the PSVR 2 will detect this input and make the necessary adjustments within any VR world you’re interacting within
• Tempest 3D Audio Tech - What VR experience is complete without some awesome audio? The PSVR 2’s built-in Tempest 3 audio tech will make in-game events that much more visceral and engaging. Just be careful, you may actually start to believe you’re living in VR instead of the real world!
• Headset Feedback - I really like this particular feature. The headset itself will vibrate and provide you with feedback when events occur within the game (if you get shot or punched, for instance). The haptic additions and tactile aspects of the PSVR 2 really do set it apart from many of its competitors
• Haptic Feedback - This isn’t really new, but it’s good to know that your controllers will vibrate when you fire a weapon or something occurs in-game
• Adaptive Triggers - Again, another tactile addition, this will allow you to feel the tension of a bow string or the weight of having to move a heavy lever to open a door for example. It’s clear a lot of time and effort has gone into making the gaming experience significantly more immersive through the many haptic features of the PSVR 2

Super Awesome, But for a Price…

And here’s the not-so-great part. The PSVR 2 is definitely an impressive piece of tech, but if you want one, it’s going to set you back a good $550. Oof! That’s more expensive than a Meta Quest 2 or 3, and it’s even more expensive than a PS5! Unfortunately, with budgets being squeezed thanks to economic conditions and fears of a recession, the price tag is almost sure to be too much for the vast majority of players. To this end, the PSVR 2 is more of a premium piece of VR equipment. Sure, it’s not as expensive as some other headsets, but it’s not exactly within reach for a lot of consumers. That said, the PSVR 2 does come packed with a lot of amazing features, so I may just try to get my hands on one in the New Year (maybe prices will come down a bit?)

As for games you can expect to play on the PSVR 2, here’s a couple you can look forward to:

• Horizon Call of the Mountain
• Resident Evil 4
• Resident Evil Village
• No Man’s Sky
• Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge
• The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2
• The Light Brigade
• Pistol Whip VR
• Cities VR – Enhanced Edition
• Tentacular
• Jurassic World Aftermath Collection
• Cosmonious High
• And many, many more…

So what do you think about the PSVR 2? Do you think its worth the price tag? Or is it nothing special? Let us know your thoughts!