I‘ve been a keen follower of PlayStation VR (PSVR) since its launch over 6 years ago. Having gone through multiple headset upgrades myself, I‘m familiar with the pros and cons of each iteration of this technology. In my experience as a technology analyst, newer gadgets often leave their predecessors in the dust. And from what Sony has revealed about their next-generation PlayStation VR system (PSVR2), things are no different this time.
Why PSVR2 Spells Trouble for Original PSVR Owners
The PSVR2 is poised to deliver significant leaps over the original PSVR in key areas like display resolution, field of view, tracking accuracy and controller ergonomics. Take a look at some of the hardware improvements:
| Specification | PSVR | PSVR 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (per eye) | 960 x 1080 | 2000 x 2040 |
| Panel type | OLED | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Field of view | Approx. 100 degrees | 110 degrees |
Additionally, the new Sense controllers offer cutting-edge features like haptic feedback and finger touch detection which greatly increase the immersion potential.
However, this shiny new headset aimed at PlayStation 5 comes with a glaring downside: it will not be backwards compatible with original PSVR games. This leaves the vast majority of PSVR owners out in the cold if they wish to upgrade their headset. Over 600 PSVR games in the current library will remain stuck on the last-generation hardware.
Sony‘s decision goes against the ethos of the PS5 itself. The newest console plays almost all PS4 games via backwards compatibility. But the tracking and input differences between PSVR headsets means this luxury will not extend to VR.
PSVR2 delivers major hardware improvements, but loses backwards compatibility (Image credit: Sony)
Industry analysts have also raised concerns over fragmentation in the PlayStation VR ecosystem. Lewis Ward from IDC told VentureBeat:
"This fragmentation problem is a concern. You could argue it will constrain the growth of the overall PSVR games ecosystem."
This spells worrying times for PSVR owners hoping to carry their purchases over to the next generation. Let‘s dive deeper into the implications.
What Does This Mean for PSVR Gamers?
PlayStation has undoubtedly driven mainstream consumer interest in VR gaming. And the PSVR library offers diverse, polished blockbuster experiences many headset owners swear by. Titles like Beat Saber, Resident Evil 7 and Astro Bot Rescue Mission remain PSVR must-plays.
Many gamers reasonably expected at least a partial set of these games to work on the PSVR2. After all, Sony allowed for PS4 backwards compatibility across console generations despite similar jumps in power and features.
Unfortunately, that is not the case here. PSVR owners keen to upgrade their headset will have to start their libraries from scratch. Of course, we can expect some sequels, remakes and remasters of popular titles. But there is no guarantee on what portion of the PSVR catalog will make the generational leap. Gamers risk losing access to their purchased games if they switch headsets.
On the flip side, early adopting the PSVR2 could be an expensive exercise in patience. The cutting-edge hardware does not currently have an extensive native content library to take advantage of it. Porting high-quality VR experiences also takes significant development resources.
We could be looking at a year or more before PSVR2 owners have a healthy set of options optimized for their headset. And with a rumored $500+ price point, that is a long time without adequate value for money spent.
Should You Buy Into PSVR or Wait for PSVR2?
If you currently own a PS4 or PS5 and want to jump into virtual reality, the PSVR is still a compelling option. Established console integration and an expansive games catalog keep it relevant despite its age. Frequent sales often drop the headset and bundled games to very budget-friendly prices.
However, holding out for the PSVR2 may be the smarter long-term play for serious PlayStation gamers:
PSVR2 Advantages
- Cutting-edge features like eye tracking and haptic feedback
- Significantly improved visual clarity and field of view
- Future-proofed for new PS5 releases
- Room for remasters or remakes of top PSVR titles
PSVR Advantages
- Hundreds of high-quality games ready to play
- Mature software ecosystem
- Frequent discounts on hardware and content
- Revisitable even after upgrading headsets
For those willing to be patient early adopters, the PSVR2 represents the new gold standard in console VR. It closes much of the fidelity gap with expensive PC-based setups. But be ready to have a lighter games library in the short term after launch.
As for current PSVR owners – all is not lost! Many analysts expect Sony to offer trade-in discounts on the PSVR and PSVR2. Keeping both headsets allows you to enjoy the best of both VR generations. The original PlayStation VR still has life left in it thanks to extensive software support.
Beyond Gaming: VR Video Playback
A common use case for virtual reality headsets beyond gaming is video playback. Being able to view 180° and 360° videos in an immersive environment unlocks educational and entertainment possibilities.
Unfortunately, PlayStation VR has always been quite limited on this front. The native PS4 video player app does not support 3D, 180° or 360° VR footage playback. It can only display standard 2D videos projected onto a big screen inside the VR environment.
This represents a missed opportunity for media consumption. Experiences like travelling using VR nature documentaries or virtually attending live concerts could be compelling selling points. Alas, the PSVR does not properly enable these natively.
Third party apps like Littlstar partially fill this gap by adding VR video support. But requiring a separate sideloaded application adds friction for casual users. The PSVR2 may improve media capabilities, but this remains to be seen.
In comparison, standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 2 offer much richer out-of-box video features. If VR video consumption is important to you, PlayStation VR in its current form has limitations to consider. Gaming still remains its primary focus.
| Headset | 3D VR Video Support? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PSVR | No | Only 2D playback on a virtual screen |
| Meta Quest 2 | Yes | 180o, 360o videos; social watching features |
| Valve Index | Yes | High fidelity & FOV suited for media |
The Verdict? Embrace Both Generations of PlayStation VR
Sony not enabling backwards compatibility between PSVR headsets certainly deals a blow to upgraders. However, from a pragmatic standpoint, maintaining access to both hardware generations is the ultimate win.
The original PSVR delivers a mature, value-packed VR gaming experience that lives alongside your shiny new PSVR2. Switch between headsets to enjoy both rich legacy content as well as next-gen showcases!
For the best of both worlds without compromises, here is my recommended approach:
- First, pick up a discounted PSVR bundle to start enjoying VR content today
- Down the road, trade-in or resell your headset to finance a new PSVR2
- Keep your PSVR as a secondary headset just for old favorites!
This lets you make the most of both VR generations PlayStation has to offer. PSVR provides an affordable entry point to build up games. While PSVR2 offers high-fidelity future-proofing and revisitable old titles.
The console VR ecosystems may split, but ultimately gamers reap all the benefits!
Your Questions Answered
Still unsure about aspects of PlayStation VR capabilities or backwards compatibility? Here I address some commonly asked questions:
Can I use a single PlayStation Camera with both PSVR and PSVR2?
Unfortunately no – the tracking and input methods used are completely different between generations. The PSVR2 does not support the older external camera.
Will PS5 2D games display properly on PSVR/PSVR2?
Yes – both headsets have a Cinematic Mode that projects 2D games onto a large virtual screen. Performance depends on each title‘s PS5 optimization.
Can you use the PSVR or PSVR2 with a PC or smartphone?
No – PlayStation VR headsets require a PS4 or PS5 to operate. There is no support for other devices. Using adapters to connect to PCs involves unstable workarounds.
Does the PSVR2 bring multi-user support?
Sadly no. Like its predecessor, only one PSVR2 headset can connect to a PS5 at a time. Sony has not enabled simultaneous multi-user experiences.
Will VR ever become as seamless as non-VR gaming?
The VR industry is moving rapidly in that direction. Inside-out tracking and controller-free hand tracking are big steps towards casual "pick up and play" usage. As hardware improves further, VR gaming will demand lesser and lesser compromises compared to traditional experiences.
Hopefully the above helps explain the full context around PlayStation‘s VR strategy. While fragmentation is disappointing, ultimately gamers have much to gain by straddling both PSVR generations. The bold leap represented by PSVR2 can only broaden the popularity of premium console VR. Exciting times lie ahead!
