PlayStation VR2: the official design revealed

Several new features of the virtual reality peripheral for the PS5 are confirmed, but will it be available to buy in 2022?


PlayStation VR2 looks a bit like its predecessor but it is much improved in terms of functionality and ergonomics. (Image: Sony)


While Sony still keeps its cards close to its chest regarding the price and release date of PS VR2 — its next-generation virtual reality peripheral for the PlayStation5 — it seems that the company is keen on offering more information about it as of late. During CES in January, we got the product’s full technical specifications (as well as its commercial name) and now we get its final, official design, giving the impression that Sony does intend to offer PlayStation VR2 to consumers at some point in 2022.

It stands to reason that the Japanese giant would not reveal what the peripheral looks like and what it can do if it planned to release PS VR2 almost a year from now, yes. Sony might also want to wait for a bit, though, before launching this PS5 peripheral until it can actually get enough PS5 systems out there to ensure that the PS VR2 gets a meaningful launch (the day this story was published the original PS VR still an attached rate of 14:1 to the vast user base of the PS4/PS4 Pro). In any case, it seems that this is something we’ll probably have to wait a few months at the very least to find out, so on with the design details.

The headset of PSVR2 allows for more accurate alignment of its scope and lenses, for a better fit with the player’s face and head. (Image: Sony)


The PS VR2 headset is shaped in the same way the VR2 Sense controllers are, following that rounded “orb” look as well as the two-tone white/dark grey color of the PlayStation5, the DualSense controller and the Pulse 3D headset. Sony promises that this headset is designed to be more comfortable than its predecessor, its weight being more carefully balanced and its headband more adjustable to various head sizes. The PS VR2’s headset also sports an adjustable scope that can be moved closer or further away from the player’s face (it should also help with gamers wearing glasses of different kinds).

There are two more features worth noting on the headset of PS VR2. One is the vent that Sony’s designers implemented so as to allow for free airflow and avoid having the lens fog up when players are engaged in lengthy or intense VR sessions and may sweat, increasing the temperature inside the headset. The other is the lens adjustment dial, which changes the lens distance between the eyes of the player, allowing — along with the adjustable scope — for perfect alignment with his/her eyes. The Japanese giant notes that the headset of PS VR 2 is slimmer overall and lighter than its predecessor too.

Sony promises that a slimmer, lighter, more comfortable PSVR2 will make for a mode enjoyable experience overall, especially during extended gaming sessions. (Image: Sony)


It’s clear that Sony has put a lot of thought into PlayStation VR2: not content with just making “a PSVR for the PS5”, it paid attention to consumer feedback it got over the years regarding the original PSVR and focused on making a better product in every way. Although yours truly will have to reserve judgment until he spends some quality time with the final product, obviously, everything about PSVR2 sounds very, very promising so far. Here’s hope that Sony has also put a lot of thought into the software aspect of its forthcoming virtual reality peripheral, so consumers can immediately feel and appreciate the difference between this new product and its predecessor. Fingers crossed!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kostas Farkonas

Veteran reporter and business consultant with over 30 years of industry experience in various media and roles, focusing on consumer tech, modern entertainment and digital culture.

Veteran reporter and business consultant with over 30 years of industry experience in various media and roles, focusing on consumer tech, modern entertainment and digital culture.