Sony has finally lifted the veil of its next-generation PlayStation virtual reality (VR) headset. We already knew it will be called PlayStation VR2, as Sony announced that last month. But now, we finally get to “see” the VR2 in a blog post by PlayStation’s senior Vice President Hideaki Nishino.
Not only did Mr Nishino unveiled the design of VR2, he also provided an updated and final design of PlayStation VR2 Sense controller. The PlayStation VR2 has a similar shape to the Sense controller with a matching orb look. In addition, both the VR2 headset and Sense controller have the same design ethos as the PlayStation 5.
“When our design team created the PS5 console, they also had the next generation VR headset in mind so you will notice some similarities in the look and feel,” said Mr Nishino.
Similar to the rounded edges of the DualSense controller and Pulse 3D headset, there was more emphasis on having the VR2 headset to be more rounded since it has more human contact than the gaming console.
Apart from the aesthetic aspect, the most important thing about the VR2 is its functionality and comfort. If it does not feel comfortable, no one will be able to use it over a long period of time.
Mr Nishino said the design team intends to build a VR headset to the point that you “forget you are using a headset or a controller”.
As such, Sony has carefully balanced the headset weight with an adjustable scope of the headset that places the scope area closer or further away from the face.
Plus, Sony added a lens adjustment dial to match lens distance between their eyes for optimised viewing as well as a new built-in motor for headset feedback. A nice touch is tiny PlayStation symbols are added to the front and back bands of the VR2 headset, just like those found on the DualSense controllers.
However, Sony did not reveal the most important information that PlayStation fans want. No word on the pricing and availability of the PlayStation VR2.
Given how the Metaverse is becoming the next tech trend, Sony PlayStation VR2 will come against VR headsets such as Meta’s standalone Oculus Quest 2 and Valve’s PC-tethered Index.
But Sony is in a unique position to leverage its vast PlayStation eco-system to deliver a seamless VR experience that no other company (except maybe Microsoft) can. So, we cannot wait for the PlayStation VR2 to land on our heads.
