PSVR headsets are a great place to start for PlayStation fans who also want to try virtual reality. And now, PlayStation's Days of Play Sale is the perfect time to buy one. Right now, you can get the PlayStation VR2 headset in the US store for $299 (was $399) and in the UK store for £309.99 (was £399.99).

Days of Play is PlayStation's annual summer sale, kind of like a Black Friday event that takes place halfway through the year instead of near Thanksgiving. This particular discount will be active until 6/11 at 2:59AM EDT in the US or 6/10 at 18:59 BST in the UK.

The PlayStation VR2 launched in 2023, but it's still new enough that you can't expect to get a much lower discount than this. If you don't want to wait until Black Friday for a potentially slightly lower discount (if they offer one at all), I'd buy now.

Today's best PSVR headset deal

The PlayStation VR2 headset comes with two VR2 Sense controllers with straps, a USB charging cable, and in-ear stereo headphones with three sizes for earpieces. In the UK, you can also select a bundle that comes with a PlayStation Store voucher for Horizon Call of the Mountain for the same price. I'd recommend that one if you live in the UK, considering it doesn't cost extra for the game.

The PlayStation VR2 is the best console experience we've had with a VR headset. In our PlayStation VR2 review, we rated 4.5 out of five stars for its improvements on the past PlayStation VR headset, such as the "superb image quality," including 4K with HDR at 120fps. It features two 2000x2040 OLED displays, intelligent eye-tracking, and up to a 110-degree field of view.

These enhancements, along with its "simple setup" and "pin-sharp responsiveness", boosted the score. The PSVR 2's biggest downer was the price, which isn't as much of a problem with this sale.

That said, I'd recommend browsing our best PSVR 2 games so you can plan what to play. What's the point of buying a PlayStation VR2 headset if you don't like any of the games? I'd also recommend browsing our best VR headsets in general, in case one of them better matches your interests.

If you’re like me, you finally picked up a PSVR 2 over the last few months, and hopefully you managed to get a great deal on it as well. I’d been holding off for years, but as the price finally dropped down to its lowest ever, I bit the bullet, spent just under £300, and in no time at all, I was setting up my shiny new headset.

Then came the usual frustration that new consoles and hardware bring – I had to spend even more money to have anything to play on the damned thing. Thankfully, there are free demos, and a handful of PS Plus Game Trials available for some of the best PSVR 2 games.

PlayStation doesn’t do a great job of telling you that yes, the PSVR 2 does have demos for PS Plus Premium subscribers, though admittedly it’s frustrating that there aren’t bespoke demo collections for the PSVR 2 like there were for the original PlayStation VR headset.

Still, here are five demos to try out as soon as you’ve set up your new headset. Most of these are offered as part of PS Plus Premium, so make use of any free trials you can. The first game below doesn’t require PS Plus to play, however, and it’s the one that’s got the most meat on the bone. Let’s get started.

My First Gran Turismo

Starting off with perhaps the most essential game to download on PSVR 2 once you have things set up is My First Gran Turismo. Now, while this is technically a demo for Gran Turismo 7, it’s kind of its own thing. You’ll work through some training and license testing, getting a feel for VR racing before working up to full races. There’s easily a few hours of content here, and you can replay races or just drive in practice mode.

Gran Turismo 7 is one of the best PSVR 2 games, and this is a free way to try it out, no strings attached. Personally, I hadn’t played a Gran Turismo game since the PS2 days, and racing games in VR have been hit or miss for me so far. My First Gran Turismo was the most comfortable, informative, and downright thrilling PSVR 2 game I’ve played yet, and it absolutely sold me on picking up Gran Turismo 7. You can even unlock 18 cars that can be carried over into the full game. You do not need a PS Plus subscription for this one.

Moss Book 2

There’s a PS Plus Game Trial available for both Moss and Moss Book 2. You get 30 minutes for each, and get to experience a very unique kind of PSVR 2 game. These are puzzle platformers, and they’re both brilliant. Seeing how VR can transform a genre that’s been around for decades at this point is wonderful, and Moss is the perfect starter game to get comfortable with VR gaming.

You’ll help a tiny mouse traverse intricately designed dioramas, solving puzzles while witnessing a true storybook tale unfold right before your eyes. You’ll need PS Plus Premium to access Game Trials, but it’s well worth it, as you’ll get a handful of games to try out before you pull the trigger on any full purchases.

Arizona Sunshine 2

Both Arizona Sunshine games have Game Trials available for PS Plus Premium members, and I recommend loading up Arizona Sunshine 2 and trying out the PSVR 2 Sense controllers in action. The introduction to this one is brilliant, as you get to use a whole host of weapons, climb across gaps, and even pet a dog. Arizona Sunshine 2 is a bright and silly take on the zombie genre, and one that really starts off strong.

What I love about the opening of Arizona Sunshine 2 is that it showcases the new controller technology unique to the PSVR 2. You have full control over reloading, throwing grenades, and more. There’s a bunch of comfort options too, allowing you to try out the differences between teleport movements and smoother aiming schemes.

Lumines Arise

Lumines Arise comes from the developers of Tetris Effect, and it’s similarly enhanced by PSVR 2. It’s hard to describe just how engaging playing Lumines in VR really is, as you can easily enter a flow state without even realizing. Puzzles pulse and pound in time to an energetic soundtrack, and the visuals are some of the best you’ll find on the platform.

Given that Lumines Arise is a puzzle game, there’s very little chance for motion sickness to rear its ugly head. Just sit back and relax, as the world around you evolves and transforms as you play. Lumines Arise is available as a PS Plus Game Trial for Premium subscribers.

Metro Awakening

Metro Awakening will leave you shaking in your boots, though it’s much more of an action-focused game than straight up horror. The Metro series excels at building a detailed and believable world, and getting to step into it in VR is thrilling. You won’t see much action in the first 30 minutes of Metro Awakening, but it is a great introduction that really drops you into a grounded and visually stunning environment.

If you have PS Plus Premium, then give Metro Awakening’s Game Trial a go. The visual effects for fire are particularly impressive, as is the fact that you can see dust in the air, and insects crawling in the darkness.

It’s also worth noting that many games have free PSVR 2 versions, modes and updates. Resident Evil 7, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil 4 Remake all have dedicated VR versions at no extra cost, and they’re easily the best horror games on the platform. Hitman: World of Assassination has a VR pack that’s around $10 / £10 extra provided you have the game, and that one gets you three games’ worth of content, completely playable in VR.

Finally, No Man’s Sky is still going strong, and it can be fully experienced in PSVR 2. Go through your existing library and see what PSVR 2 functionality is available. I’d wager that you already own some PSVR 2 games.

• PlayStation just launched its 2025 Wrap-Up
• It seems to be working for some, but load times are slow
• In 2024, the PlayStation Wrap-Up fully crashed

It’s December, and that means end-of-year wrap-ups are all the rage – and not to be outdone by Spotify or Apple Music, PlayStation is entering the fray again with its now-annual PlayStation Wrap-Up.

Just like the 2024 edition, PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 lets you look back at your year in gaming on the PS5 or PS4. It presents key data like your top games, how much you played, and even insights into how you play, as well as the accessories you use in some cases, all on a dedicated landing page.

Unfortunately, as with last year – though seemingly not due to a full-on crash – PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 is a bit slow-going after you log in and move through the experience, at least for some.

I repeatedly encountered an “Uh oh… Looks like something went wrong :(” screen. Though some other folks, according to posts online, have made it in successfully.

The odds might be more in your favor, though, so let’s walk through how to access your PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 and what the PS5 maker is serving up in this year’s edition.

To start, you’ll need a PlayStation account and at least 10 hours of gameplay on a PS5 or PS4. If you meet those requirements, you can head over to https://wrapup.playstation.com. Fair warning: I can’t even get the “Uh oh” screen anymore – refreshing or trying to sign in only gives me a 500 Internal Server Error.

On my first sign-in, I quickly saw my top games list, with Grand Theft Auto V at the top. However, when I tried to click on the next dataset, I got the “Uh oh” screen, then an error page, and finally a server error. It seems a rush of folks are trying to see their wrap-up. It is working for some users, according to posts on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), but the results are mixed.

Considering last year’s full crash, when PlayStation had to take the experience offline, this year is performing a bit better – though we’ll need to monitor it closely to see if the issues persist. I’ve been able to log back in and get a better look at the games I’ve played this year – 12 in total – but I still can’t get to the next slide.

PlayStation’s Wrap-Up 2025 announcement blog post teases that it’ll also share all your trophies earned, total hours spent playing, and detailed genre breakdowns. Even more interesting is the tease of insights tailored around the devices you use with your PlayStation, such as PSVR 2, your favorite DualSense controller – Icon Blue, anyone? – and the Portal handheld.

It is clear that some people have gotten in and are seeing a nice sharecard, with some classic PlayStation theming, that's ready for posting. Just check out this Reddit thread, where some users can't get the experience to load, and others are comparing notes on top games and total hours spent gaming. I wouldn't be surprised if the rush of folks trying to get their own PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 is causing all this instability.

I made it to the next screen, which showed off my genre, but then I hit another 500 error. After a few refreshes, it took me back to the main login screen. So if you're in the same boat, a lot of refreshes and patience might be the key.

You can try to log in and view your PlayStation Wrap-Up 2025 here, but be warned: it’s slow and may error out. Hopefully, PlayStation is on the case; we’ve reached out for an update.

In the meantime, let us know in the comments below whether the Wrap-Up experience is working for you – and share your most-played title of 2025.

For three years in a row, I find myself in November, with Black Friday deals imminent, and all I can think about is the PSVR 2. The headset is already cheaper than ever, and now that it basically comes bundled with Horizon: Call of the Mountain as standard, the whole package is becoming a lot more tempting in 2025.

I was an early adopter of PSVR, having picked one up at launch. And while I had a blast playing Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, and a genuinely revelatory experience with REZ: Infinite, I found myself using it less and less as the years rolled on. Mostly, there just weren’t many exclusives for it, and I had a lot of envy for players on other virtual reality (VR) platforms with games like Half-Life: Alyx. Still, the PSVR was my first real exposure to VR, and I definitely knew that it was a new way to play some truly outstanding titles.

A shaky launch

While the PSVR 2 fixed many of the complaints I had about its predecessor, it launched at an eye-watering price of $549.99 / £529.99 / AU$879.95. This new PS5 accessory costs more than the console itself and, like many, I simply could not justify the purchase. Almost three years after launch, the headset can be picked up with Horizon: Call of the Mountain for $399 / £399 / AU$619, and it’s even compatible with PCs thanks to the PSVR 2 PC adapter.

Much like how the PlayStation Portal has become more and more viable over time through new cloud streaming tech, the PSVR 2 seems to fit in an entirely different space than it did upon release. It’s not just the price cut that’s been on my mind lately, however, as I can’t seem to get one game out of my head.

Rock Hopping

No Man’s Sky has captivated me over the last few years, and its recent Corvette update, which added buildable ships that can house multiple players, has really gripped me. I’ve also now got a PS5 Pro, and it seems the stage is set for me to finally become the spacefaring VR gamer of my dreams.

The full No Man’s Sky experience is available on PSVR 2, and I can’t imagine how the huge scope of the game would look in a VR headset. I’m already playing every No Man’s Sky update on PS5 Pro, sometimes even moving it over to my Switch 2 for portable play. It would seem that PSVR 2 is the next piece in the puzzle, one that has seriously got me considering picking one up if it’s discounted for Black Friday.

Over the years, No Man’s Sky has added a number of major updates, and one that I think could be phenomenal in PSVR 2 is the changes to deep oceans. Now, planets can have sprawling seas, and with the help of a submersible, can be explored right down to the depths. I’ve always been fascinated by the oceans of No Man’s Sky, and now there’s fishing to keep me busy as well.

I’ve been exploring the galaxy of No Man’s Sky for years now, and while I’ve definitely not seen everything yet, PSVR 2 could add a new dimension to even the most unremarkable of planets. Seeing gigantic worms leaping into the sky, soaring through gas giants in a custom-built corvette spaceship; these are all experiences that will surely be completely otherworldly in VR.

Given that many of the best PS5 games have PSVR 2 functionality, I’d have a bunch of games to try on day one with my new headset. Gran Turismo 7 is said to be spectacular in VR, and Resident Evil 4 Remake can be played with the PSVR 2 with no additional purchase required. Having cut my VR teeth on Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, it’s clear that the series is a perfect fit for Sony’s latest VR headset.

I’ll be keeping an eye out for PSVR 2 Black Friday deals over the next couple of weeks, and if there are any discounts, I’ll absolutely be picking one up. Sony has already revealed its Black Friday discounts in the US, with a $100 saving on PSVR 2 set to drop soon. Hopefully, things will be as good on the UK side as I’m itching to explore the No Man’s Sky galaxy in wondrous VR visuals.

Keep an eye out for the best PSVR 2 deals via the widget below. I'll also be sure to cover any significant discounts in a separate article, so stay tuned.

Apple’s WWDC event detailed updates across its various software platforms, including visionOS 26 for its Apple Vision Pro headset, and two of the most exciting updates were spatial widgets and the news that PSVR 2 Sense controller support is on its way.

As Apple highlighted in its announcement, the new controller support will be very handy for VR game developers, as it will allow Vision Pro apps to use on a familiar control scheme that more closely matches that used by other platforms.

The Vision Pro’s 'look and pinch' mechanism may be intuitive for users, but it's very different to what other VR headsets use, which makes porting difficult.

However, setting aside arguments that this update is arguably too little too late for the Vision Pro platform, there’s currently a much bigger issue to address: you can’t currently buy the PSVR 2 controllers separately.

So if you want to be able to take advantage of this new Apple Vision Pro feature you’ll have to buy a whole new PSVR 2 VR headset bundle at $399.99 / £399.99 / AU$649.00.

That said, visionOS 26 isn’t launching right away, though it is already available in beta. Hopefully, by the time of its full release Sony will have made PSVR 2 Sense controllers available to buy on their own – something fans of its headset have been asking for since launch.

At the time of writing, though, there’s been no confirmation that this will be the case – and given some of the missteps both Apple and Sony have made with their headsets I can’t say I’d be surprised if the controllers remained exclusively part of the PSVR 2 bundle rather than ever being sold separately.

We’ll have to wait and see what happens on this front, but the silver lining to Apple opening up its visionOS platform to VR controllers is that we might see it launch its own handsets, or perhaps even launch the next Apple Vision headset with a pair.

Considering the rumors we've heard about Apple wanting to make its next headset more affordable, this would certainly be a smart decision, as eye-tracking (a key part of the Vision Pro's existing control scheme) doesn’t come cheap, and could be an easy feature to cull in order to cut costs.

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While I was thoroughly impressed with Sony's PlayStation VR 2 virtual reality headset, after putting it through its paces I’m sad to admit I’ve not used it in more than a year. The hardware is very slick and Horizon: Call of the Mountain is one immersive experience, but there’s been a lack of games to really pull me back into Sony’s VR world.

However, the recent PlayStation State of Play might just have me dusting off my PSVR 2. That’s because the game showcase featured Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow.

This is a VR game all about sneaking around infiltrating buildings and complexes in a pseudo medieval/Renaissance city to steal persons items.

The big hook is this is a Thief game, a series that gamers of a certain vintage will remember as the progenitor of salary games and immersive sims way back in 1998 with Thief: The Dark Project on PC. I am one such gamer, and absolutely love the quiet, smart exploring and pilfering the games offered; I think they even hold up today, mechanically speaking.

Thief was a smart game about knowing your environment and using tools to navigate it, such as noise arrows to distract guards, moss arrows to put a layer of soft flora on creaky wooden floors and, somewhat against traditional game logic, making areas darker rather than lighter as you creep through them.

While player character Garrett has a sword and a ‘blackjack’ club, he wasn’t designed for combat, with guards easily able to kill the thief. So the game was equally about running away as it was sneaking; if a guard caught you, Garrett’s nimble speed meant scarpering from the authorities was a totally legit tactic.

And I reckon this will translate really well into VR. While I’ve enjoyed faster paced games like Superhot in VR, I feel slower paced, more tactile experiences work better in virtual reality.

Having more time to scope out an area, delicately shifting ornaments and peeking behind walls, and shifting paintings to uncover hidden alcoves, as shown in the Thief VR trailer, looks to be a more immersive experience that lends itself to the PSVR 2 and its tech, such as foveated rendering and eye tracking.

I can also see the dynamic mechanics of Thief working equally well in VR; the feel of carefully drawing back a bowstring to unleash a rope arrow or reaching out with one’s real and virtual hand to pinch out a candle, all supported by the haptics and smart tracking of the PSVR 2’s controllers.

While I’d not say Thief was known for the most captivating storytelling, the series had some interesting plotlines. This time you’ll be put in the padded boots of Magpie, who looks like she’ll stumble across some more intriguing things than just some valuables to snatch. And I think seeing The City and its characters in VR will definitely help suck one into the story.

It’s been a while since I’ve felt excited by a VR game, but Thief VR: Legacy of Shadow has both caught my next-gen gaming attention and also tickled my nostalgia. We could seen a new dawn for PlayStation VR games grow out of the shadows some time this year.

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Ahead of its launch I had the chance to demo Hitman: World of Assassination on PSVR 2 – you can read all about why I think it’s excellent here – and while in Copenhagen I was also able to chat with IO Interactive’s Eskil Mohl (the title’s senior game designer) about the team’s approach to virtual reality, the Hitman series, and IO Interactive’s future with Project 007 and Project Fantasy.

Going into this new PSVR 2 port, Mohl explained there were several updates the team knew it had to make compared to the original PSVR and Steam VR versions of Hitman based on all of the fan feedback.

“Of course we knew we had to include ambidexterity so the left hand can do everything the right hand can do, manual reloading was also a must – it’s expected in VR. It’s maybe not going to be the biggest wow factor for players but with 200+ weapons in the game we knew it was going to be a huge task that we had to include.

“We wanted as much as possible to include touch and movement controls – so you have to manually use a key or breach a door with the crowbar – and we wanted you to change disguises in a way that wasn’t a button prompt – where you could manually rip-off the clothes and slam them on to you.”

These are only small interactions but they’re key to selling the immersive experience to players, and that’s why they’re common in other VR titles.

Though Hitman: World of Assassination on the PSVR 2 isn’t just an exercise in following the crowd. Eskil added that he also knew many players wanted Agent 47’s blend-in moments – where he pretends to be a chef, scientist, tourist, or one of so many other disguised personas – to be interactive, but the team went a different route.

“We took players back to a third-person view for a few reasons. When you blend in it’s usually because it’s very hectic. You’re hiding and you want to be able to look around and see where that threat is coming from. Also with all these disguises it’s fun for the player to actually see what their character looks like.

"Lastly it helps stabilize players, giving them a little break from the continuous first-person movement – which is great, but it can be intense, especially in a long session.”

Glitch, or a happy accident?

If you’ve ever taken a peek at Hitman’s speedrunning scene you’ll be aware of how many surprising exploits the trilogy is packed with. Pause buffering with a pistol can allow you to open otherwise inaccessible doors, shooting near guards in the right way can have them completely ignore you, and if you can find the right combination of a breakable violin and breaching charge you’ll be sent hundreds of feet into the air allowing you to make otherwise impossible sniper shots.

I asked Eskil if the team thought about trying to patch some of these unintended glitches in this port, but he explained that they could spend a lifetime patching exploits and still miss some in a game as big as theirs. Your most dedicated players will always find a way to break things, and when they do it’s actually really cool.

“So I think in Marrakesh there’s a key that you can’t reach unless you go to the other side of a table and start trespassing, but in VR you can just reach over and grab it. Is that an exploit? Yeah, but it felt good so we just left it in.”

But IOI didn’t want everything to feel easier in VR.

“When adding dual-wielding we were worried it would mess up the balance of the game. We didn’t want every mission to be solved by having a player run in guns blazing with two of the heavier machine guns. Because of manual reloading the game actually self balances, which we were glad about.

"But it can still be fun to try. In missions like Colorado I’ve tried going in, alerting guards by firing into the air, and see how long I can hold out.”

So, what's next?

As for IO Interactive’s future, as expected Eskil played things close to the chest.

He couldn’t go deep into the team’s upcoming Hitman: World of Assassination plans – in or out of VR with respect to future seasonal content – but Eskil noted that there are some bonus campaigns like Patient Zero and the The Sarajevo Six which aren’t yet in this VR port, though perhaps they’ll be added one day.

Of course, I took the chance to try and probe about the studio’s two upcoming projects Project 007, and the new Project Fantasy IP.

I had spotted a few black and white photos on the wall in a side office from the classic James Bond movies – featuring the iconic Aston Martin DB 5, and a headshot of Sean Connery (I think, it may have been a different Bond actor but I only got a quick look) – so I secretly hoped I might be able to pry something from the interview.

Alas, Eskil was on form and deflected my questions, but when I made my final gambit to jokingly ask about the possibility of Project 007 VR he chuckled and replied “Never say never.”

I’m not taking that as anything close to a confirmation, but with this latest attempt at VR IO Interactive has proven it knows what makes the medium work – so I for one would love to see them make more XR titles.

Hitman’s also an excellent showcase for other PlayStation game developers on how to adapt a flat game to PSVR 2, and I’d like to believe that other studios will try to copy IOI’s lead and maybe revitalize an otherwise floundering PSVR 2 market. Again, I won’t be holding my breath, but a VR enthusiast can dream can’t he?

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While the Hitman: World of Assassination trilogy has been a stand-out success across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC its transition from flat gaming to VR has been a tough ride. Exploring IO Interactive’s sandbox levels in virtual reality has its charm, graphics woes, lacking motion controls, and general bugginess have negatively impacted prior releases across PSVR, Steam, and recently the Meta Quest 3.

But fourth time’s the charm, so to speak, as with the latest Hitman: World of Assassination release on PSVR 2, IOI has seemingly cracked the VR formula – at least based on my experience in a roughly hour-and-a-half-long demo.

I’ve been looking for an excuse to get back into Hitman, this is it - it really could be the next best PSVR 2 game.

Getting to grips

My day started off smoothly. I was whisked away to Sapienza – a fictional Italian coastal town introduced in Hitman (2016) – with the goal of eliminating Silvio Caruso, Francesca De Santis, and the biological weapon they’ve created, with me taking out the human targets with an exploding golf ball and sniper rifle respectively.

Here I got to grips with developer IO Interactive’s ultimate take on what a VR Hitman should be. As expected you’re thrust into a first-person view, with this PSVR 2 interpretation featuring a suite of motion controls to replace the usual button prompts. Reloading a firearm is an involved process – you have to manually eject the empty cartridge, grab and insert a new one, then cock the pistol to be able to fire again – and to break into areas you aren’t allowed to enter you’ll need to pull out your lockpick, the stolen key card you swiped, or your trusty crowbar to physically crack open the barrier in your way.

The only time you don't have to manually do Agent 47’s job for him is when you’re blending in or climbing.

IO Interactive told me that while some players say they want to stay in first-person the whole time and perform 47’s blending-in techniques for themselves, that doesn’t work for the gameplay as a whole.

Blending in is a time for players to catch their breath, take stock of their situation, and watch out for people hunting them or those who could rumble their disguise – a third-person view facilitates this in a way a first-person one can’t, and from playing the game I can see what they mean. Climbing in third-person also has the added benefit that it’s less nauseating for many than the first-person alternative.

However the team has found ways to use VR in other ways to make this PSVR 2 version more than a simple port, such as with dual-wielding. Obvious applications are that you can go into a mission with dual-wielded guns blazing and forgo Agent 47’s ‘Silent Assassin’ reputation, but others include new takedown techniques.

With a blunt object in each hand, you can knock out two guards simultaneously, making it easier to sneak around undetected and complete a mission with that important Silent Assassin, Suit Only rating.

A whole world to explore

Speaking of Hitman: World of Assassination as 'just' a PSVR 2 port, this is the (almost) full-on World of Assination package but in VR.

Some missions have been cut (at least for now) such as the bonus Patient Zero campaign (I say for now, as the IOI team gave me the impression it wanted to bring these levels to VR eventually), Hitman 2’s sniper missions, and some of the more elaborate Elusive Targets – like the recent The Splitter mission featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Otherwise, everything’s there. In Sapienza, I was delighted to see the Kraken easter egg was still present – even if I didn’t quite have the time or aim to solve it – and in Berlin, I took on The Drop Elusive Target mission starring real-world DJ Dimitri Vegas.

I also noticed that everything ran fairly smoothly. Even on Berlin’s crowded dance floor and at Miami’s packed car race event I didn’t experience any noticeable stuttering. Graphics-wise it's a step down from what you’ll be used to on the PS5’s flat game, however, it didn’t look bad by any stretch – though I’ll want to test the game out further before passing a final judgment on the performance.

And returning to the Hitman PSVR 2 experience is something I can’t wait for. I love the Hitman trilogy and this PSVR 2 version has truly done it justice in a way I’m sure many players feel the other VR attempts haven’t quite managed to.

The full VR game releases on March 27 as a $9.99 / £8.99 add-on to the original PS5 game (which you’ll also need to own), and I’ll be one of the first in line.

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The PSVR 2 PC adapter may have launched a few months ago, but it's been incredibly difficult to find stock for in certain regions due to high demand. This PSVR 2 accessory allows owners of the PS5-compatible headset to also use it on PC with SteamVR.

If you've been searching for one for yourself, there's finally some good news as Amazon has the PSVR 2 PC adapter back in stock at its $59.99 retail price. As far as we can tell, this is the first time it's been restocked at the retail giant since launch. Unfortunately, the product isn't likely to arrive in time for Christmas (Amazon is currently estimating an early to mid-January delivery).

UK buyers have it even better; they can save £10 on the PSVR 2 PC adapter with this Currys deal that takes it down to just £39.99 (was £49.99). If that runs out of stock, it's also available at Argos at its £49.99 retail price.

PSVR 2 PC adapter is back in stock

Sony's PSVR 2 was exclusively compatible with PS5 for roughly a year and a half since its early 2023 launch, but thankfully, this was remedied with a firmware update that gave it SteamVR compatibility. However, to be able to use PSVR 2 on PC, owners of the headset also have to purchase Sony's adapter.

That is a little irksome given that it costs almost as much as a full-priced PS5 game, but nonetheless a worthwhile investment for those who wish to explore the vast SteamVR library without shelling out for some of the other best VR headsets like Meta Quest 3 or Valve Index.

Not in the US or the UK? Check the list below to find stock for the PSVR 2 PC adapter in your region.

One of this year's most bombastic Black Friday deals is somehow still available at Amazon, and it's absolutely perfect if you own a PS5 or PS5 Pro.

Right now you can grab the PSVR 2 Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle for just $349 (was $599.99) at Amazon. Unfortunately the deal has sold out at Amazon UK at its discounted price, but you can still grab it for just £349.99 (was £569.99) at PS Direct.

It almost goes without saying, but this is an absolutely incredible deal that nets you one of the best VR headsets out there – and one of its best games – for $250.99 / £220 off. This is also a great option if you were searching for a last-minute gaming gift as, depending on your area and delivery choices, Amazon states that it can still arrive before Christmas.

Today's best PSVR 2 deal

This is just a ridiculously good deal on the PSVR 2, a headset that we awarded four and a half out of five stars in our review. It has brilliant image quality, is easy to set up, and delivers highly comfortable, responsive VR gaming.

We rate it among the best VR headsets out there and that's before you consider today's discount. If getting the headset down to a lowest-ever price wasn't enough, this deal even includes a free copy of a fantastic PVSR 2 game for you to try right out of the box.

If you want to compare prices in your region, or live outside the US or UK, then check out the best deals near you below.

• The Apple Vision Pro could soon support Sony's PSVR 2 controllers
• Apple and Sony are currently in talks to make it happen, rumors suggest
• The benefits could go beyond gaming and and include visionOS apps

The Apple Vision Pro hasn't really taken off in the way the tech giant had hoped, and one reason could be its lackluster gaming support. Right now, you must control games with just your hands and in-air gestures, which is far from ideal in titles where precision and accuracy are key.

That could all change in the near future, though, as Apple is reportedly in talks with Sony to make its PlayStation VR2 controllers compatible with the Vision Pro. That would give Apple fans a much better way to interact with games while using the advanced virtual reality (VR) headset.

In his weekly Power On newsletter, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has claimed that Apple and Sony are currently in talks to bring the PlayStation VR2 controllers to the Vision Pro. The two companies originally planned to announce the deal “weeks ago,” Gurman says, but the rollout has reportedly been postponed for the time being.

If Vision Pro users are able to connect Sony’s PlayStation VR2 controllers to Apple’s headset, it could finally help the Vision Pro compete with some of the best VR headsets on the market in terms of gaming features. That could fix a major weakness currently facing Apple’s flagship device.

Benefits beyond gaming

It’s not just Sony that Apple is in talks with – Gurman also states that Apple has spoken with game developers about integrating support for Sony’s controllers into their Vision Pro games.

Many games made for Apple’s headset already support standard PlayStation and Xbox controllers, but these devices are designed for living room gaming, not VR headsets. Adding compatibility with the PlayStation VR2 controllers, on the other hand, would add a much more VR-friendly option for gamers.

The benefits of adding hand controller support could be felt beyond gaming. Thanks to the increased accuracy that these controllers bring, anyone doing precise work using the Vision Pro headset – such as editing photos and videos – would benefit from the new control method. And Gurman says Sony’s controllers could also be used to navigate Apple’s visionOS operating system, which some users might prefer to Apple’s current eye- and hand-tracking method.

Funnily enough, Sony recently announced that the PlayStation VR2 would be getting support for hand tracking, presenting a sort of mirror image of what’s apparently happening with the Vision Pro.

Sony has never sold the PlayStation VR2 controllers as standalone units, and they have always been included with the PlayStation VR2 headset. That means Sony would need to start producing and packaging them on their own, but Gurman believes this is only a “hiccup” in the process rather than a major issue.

With work apparently well underway on bringing Sony’s controllers to the Vision Pro, we could soon see a solution to one of the main problems holding Apple’s headset back. Whether it’s enough to turn it into a mainstream success, though, remains to be seen.

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• Sony has announced PSVR 2 hand tracking
• But it's done so at a booth at the Siggraph Asia show, and seemingly nowhere else
• It's already in the PS5 SDK, so keep an eye out for hand tracking coming to your favorite PSVR 2 titles

Sony has dropped a major update for the PlayStation VR 2 headset: hand tracking. But oddly it announced the feature in the most low-key way it could – via a written description on a booth at a tech show.

At the Siggraph 2024 Asia computer graphics and interactive tech expo in Tokyo, attendees can experience PSVR 2 without using any kind of controller, with a video of the demo (see below) showing a player shooting water jets from their fingers to take out flying monsters. And as long as your hands are in view of the headsets’ cameras it will be able to track them in virtual reality.

According to UploadVR, a description posted on the booth explains that hand tracking is available with “the latest SDK of PlayStation 5” which means that game devs could start incorporating hand tracking into their games right now. The description adds that the tracking rate is at a smooth 60fps with low latency.

There's also a brief mention of the hand tracking feature buried in an overview of Sony's demos and announcements at Siggraph 2024.

Now we wait for updates

While controllers can’t always be replaced in VR experiences – their buttons provide quick access to features that would be clunky to incorporate otherwise – for games that could rely on hand tracking there’s nothing quite like the immersion it provides.

Hand tracking is also so much more intuitive to VR and gaming newcomers – it’s a lot easier to reach out and grasp something than to perform even simple button movements. It’s frankly a major feature announcement, and I’m shocked that Sony hasn’t made a bigger deal of hand tracking’s arrival.

It will require developers to incorporate the updated SDK into their software, but if any third-party games and apps already support hand tracking on headsets that support the feature (like Meta's Quests) then it hopefully shouldn't take much time or effort to port hand-tracking to the PSVR 2 version.

So if you decided to pick up a PSVR 2 headset over Black Friday while it was $250-off (or you own one already) be on the lookout for some hand tracking updates to your favorite titles in the coming months – and hopefully we'll see not just updates, but also some brand-new VR experiences.

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Now that it's Cyber Monday, I get to yell about how PSVR 2 is still 40% off at PlayStation Direct and other participating retailers. This is my favorite PS5 deal of the year with barely anything else from PlayStation's sales event coming close to flooring me in quite the same way.

The PSVR 2 Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle is still the star of the show here, being offered at the same discounted price as just the headset on its own. It is currently down to just $349.99 (was $599.99) at PS Direct in the US and £349.99 (was £569.99) in the UK.

You can of course opt for the headset on its own, and that might be a good option if the bundle runs out of stock, or if you're simply not fussed about the Horizon game. At PlayStation Direct, the PSVR 2 by itself is just $349.99 (was $549.99) in the US and £349.99 (was £529.99) in the UK. US shoppers can also head to Best Buy and Walmart, while UK folks have EE, Argos, and Currys as alternatives.

Today's best PSVR 2 deals

PlayStation had announced last month that it would be kicking off its deals early. And they've largely stuck around for Cyber Monday, which is great to see. In more good news, PlayStation Direct is hosting these PSVR 2 discounts until January 3, 2025 (or until stocks dries up, of course), so there's time yet to make a decision.

That being said, if you've been weighing the pros and cons of buying PSVR 2 at this discounted price, it may be in your best interest to buy the headset before the deal runs its course. PSVR 2, despite being one of the best VR headsets, is a niche product; we don't know if and/or when the headset will receive another discount like this one.

Lastly, if you're not in the US or the UK, have a look at the list below for all the best Cyber Monday deals on PSVR 2 in your region.

Finally, PSVR 2 is down to a price I can actually recommend thanks to this stellar Black Friday PS5 deal which knocks a massive 40% off its typically eye-watering retail price.

What's especially fascinating is that the PSVR 2 bundle that includes Horizon: Call of the Mountain is down to the exact same price as the headset by itself. So for me, this is the headlining deal. It takes the bundle down to just $349.99 (was $599.99) at PS Direct in the US and £349.99 (was £569.99) in the UK.

Opting for the headset on its own is an option, too, and a decent fallback should the bundle go out of stock. At PlayStation Direct, PSVR 2 by itself is just $349.99 (was $549.99) in the US and £349.99 (was £529.99) in the UK. US shoppers can also head to Walmart, and Best Buy for the discount, or EE, Argos, and Currys in the UK. In both cases, what we have here is quite frankly one of the best Black Friday PS5 deals ever conceived.

If you've ever been remotely interested in owning PSVR 2, but understandably turned your nose up at the sticker price, then this is the time to act. As it's such a steep discount, we genuinely don't know how long stock will last. Not to mention if such an impressive price plummet will ever return - Sony could well be looking to sell through the remainder of its stock, as PSVR 2 was never a hardware hit the same way that the PlayStation Portal and PS5 Pro have been.

Today's best PSVR 2 deals

PlayStation recently announced that it would be kicking off its Black Friday PS5 deals with a bang. It confirmed via the PlayStation Blog that it would be dropping the PSVR 2's price for the period by up to 40%. Now that it's here, I still can't quite believe it's real. Not that I'd expect Sony to lie; it's just extremely rare for the company to apply such drastic discounts to its PlayStation hardware.

PSVR 2 is certainly one of the best VR headsets on the market today and your sole option for console-based VR. It's just always been an extremely difficult product to recommend due to its sky-high price tag. And while the odd crumb of a discount has been applied here and there, it's usually even more expensive than the PS5 console itself. Wild.

There's a ton of value here if you're a PS Plus subscriber, too, as PSVR 2 games have also now been added to its monthly pool of free game offerings. Now's a great time to subscribe for the first time, too, as Sony is also discounting 12-month subscriptions for Essential, Extra and Premium PS Plus tiers. You can check your regional prices there simply by turning on your console and heading to the PS Plus tab on your home dashboard.

Lastly, if you're not in the US or the UK, have a look at the list below for all the best deals on PSVR 2 in your region.

• PlayStation has officially announced its Black Friday 2024 sales, deals, and discounts
• They begin tomorrow (November 22) and end on Cyber Monday
• There will be big discounts for PSVR 2, DualSense controllers, PS Plus, and more

PlayStation's official Black Friday sales are starting soon, and it's arguably the company's best yet especially if you're in the market for a certain VR headset.

Announced via the official PlayStation Blog, its Black Friday sales kick off tomorrow (November 22) and will last all the way up to Cyber Monday on December 2. They'll include a wide range of savings on hardware, software, and even PS Plus subscription time. The deals also seem to line up with a Dealabs post from reliable leaker billbil-kun which went up a few days ago.

The bulk of hardware deals will be available to browse and purchase at PlayStation Direct and a number of participating retailers. That'll likely include Amazon as well as Best Buy and Walmart in the US as well as Argos and potentially Currys in the UK.

Undoubtedly the headline discount here is for PSVR 2, which the blog post confirms will receive up to a massive 40% off. If that includes the Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle then it'll be unmissable for PlayStation stalwarts who've yet to pick up the headset for themselves.

There's also going to be up to 25% off DualSense Wireless Controller colorways, the PlayStation Pulse Elite headset, Pulse Explore buds, and even PS5 console covers. Naturally, the PlayStation Store on console will also host a tirade of excellent savings on video games. It'll likely be the best time of year to purchase some of the best PS5 games for much, much less.

PS Plus is also set to receive a huge 30% discount on 12-month memberships - massive news for anyone who's wanted to get into that Premium tier for less. Existing members can also save up to 30% when upgrading their PS Plus tier from Essential to Extra, or Extra to Premium.

At TechRadar Gaming, we'll be keeping you updated with all the best Black Friday PS5 deals and Black Friday PS5 Pro deals as they happen. We have a feeling that PSVR 2 will absolutely fly off the shelves now that it'll be available at a significantly reduced price. So be sure to keep PlayStation Direct and your favorite retailers bookmarked if you want to get your hands on one.

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• The details of Sony's Black Friday deals have reportedly leaked
• The PS5 Slim and PSVR 2 seem set to receive major price cuts in Europe
• There's no official confirmation these deals will be available worldwide

The upcoming Black Friday PS5 deals by Sony may have leaked with the latest details pointing towards not only a huge discount on the PlayStation 5 Slim but also a meaty price cut for the PSVR 2 accessory.

According to known leaker ‘billbil-kun’ at French-language blog Dealabs Magazine the PS5 Slim will receive a discount of at least €75 in Europe. This takes the price of the standard PS5 Slim console down from €549.99 to €475.99 in the region. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition will then apparently receive the same price cut, taking it from €449.99 to €374.99.

These discounts will also be available on the newly revealed PS5 Slim Cobalt Star Bundle - which contains a few bonus in-game items for Fortnite. Of course, there’s no telling whether this deal will be available in the US or UK but there are some promising signs. Most importantly, it roughly lines up with a now removed trailer posted by Sony that announced a $70 discount on the PS5 Slim over Black Friday.

The same leaker also claimed that the PSVR 2 will receive a significant discount, taking the price of the headset down to just €399.99 from €599.99. The PSVR 2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle will also be available for that €399.99 price, which is a pretty exceptional deal as it usually retails for €649.99. This could be the final push that many shoppers need to pick up one of the best VR headsets on the market.

The savings are reportedly set to begin on November 22, but it is worth once again reiterating that there has yet to be any official confirmation from Sony that similar discounts will be available worldwide.

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Mojang Studios has announced that Minecraft will no longer support PlayStation VR next year.

Hidden within Minecraft's most recent patch notes, the developer confirmed that as of March 2025, updates will no longer apply to the PSVR version of the game (via VGC).

"Our ability to support PlayStation VR has come to an end, and will no longer be supported in updates after March of 2025," Mojang said.

"After you receive the final update, you will still receive updates on your PlayStation and be able to play without PlayStation VR."

Mojang continues, saying that users can still keep playing and building in their saved worlds and that Marketplace purchases, including Tokens, will continue to be available.

However, players will no longer be able to use their PlayStation VR with Minecraft "as it will no longer be supported in the latest updates."

It also looks like the studio has officially removed the Minecraft VR webpage as navigating to it will now result in an error message.

Last week, Mojang confirmed that it is currently working on a native PS5 version of Minecraft, but it's unclear if it has plans to port the popular survival sandbox game over to the PlayStation VR2.

Additionally, Minecraft will receive more frequent content drops in the future instead of providing one free update during the summer.

"A number of free game drops throughout the year" will be released in its place, with Mojang confirming it will now be focusing on "long-term initiatives to ensure we can continue to evolve Minecraft long into the future".

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PSVR 2 owners will be in good hands with the PS5 Pro it seems, as was confirmed by Sony's Mark Cerny.

Chatting to Cnet, the PS5 Pro's lead system architect confirmed that because of the mid-gen console's improved GPU, PSVR 2 games should benefit greatly. Cerny specifically outlines improvements to resolution and the use of "Sony's AI upscaling that will work with all VR games." Presumably, this means that PS5 Pro's bespoke PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (or PSSR for short) as outlined in the PS5 Pro specs will play a part here.

Cerny didn't mention any specific PSVR 2 games here or during the PS5 Pro Technical Presentation, though it's easy to imagine marquee titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, and Resident Evil 4 VR all benefiting from the upgraded console.

It's something of a relief to see that PSVR 2 hasn't been forgotten in the PS5 Pro mix. And rightly so; that's a $549 / £529 VR headset and what's about to be a $699.99 / £699.99 console. If I'm investing that much into the PlayStation 5 ecosystem, I'd hope that all the devices benefit each other when it comes to performance improvements.

As for the PSVR 2 specs, the headset supports a per-panel resolution of 2,000 x 2,040. Could PS5 Pro's AI-powered upscaling boost that closer to 4K? That remains to be seen, but definitely seems doable given the console's substantial leap in power.

PS5 Pro launches on November 7, with PS5 Pro pre-orders opening up on September 26. You'll be able to place one most reliably at PlayStation Direct, but it's likely there will be stock at other big box retailers too.

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Sorry, PSVR 2 owners. It looks like Astro Bot won't be getting any support for the VR headset.

This was confirmed in an interview with the upcoming game's creative director, Nicolas Doucet. MinnMax's Ben Hanson posed the question as to whether Astro Bot will make it to PSVR 2, to which Doucet replied: "no chance," adding that "it would be a different game."

While this is probably not the answer many PSVR 2 owners would've wanted to hear, it's understandable. Astro Bot: Rescue Mission for the original PlayStation VR was designed from the ground up for the headset, meaning many of its gameplay elements could only work in VR. Much like Astro's Playroom before it, Team Asobi seems set on developing the best console experience that it can.

In better news, Doucet doesn't shut down the possibility of a PC version of Astro Bot somewhere down the line. When asked if he has a message for PC players who'd like to play the game, Doucet replies: "Well, we want to hear from you. Absolutely, we want to hear from you." Not a concrete yes, then, but at least the door is open there.

Astro Bot is slated to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on September 6. A full-fledged 3D platformer that celebrates PlayStation's rich history while also making full use of the DualSense wireless controller's functionality. 

The game is also set to feature more than 150 PlayStation character cameos. Like previous games in the series, such as Astro's Playroom, we're expecting plenty of deep cuts here - which has us excited.

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One of the very best virtual reality (VR) games has gone on sale and it's the perfect opportunity for any PSVR 2 owners to snap it up given the imminent launch of the peripheral’s PC adapter. 

Half Life: Alyx is currently available at a massive 66% discount on Steam, taking the price all the way down to just $20.39 / £16.99. Although it has gone on sale at this price in the past, this is still the biggest discount that the game has received on the platform and is an excellent deal on the whole. The title currently sits right at the top of our guide to the best VR games and is easily one of the biggest reasons to consider getting into PC VR gaming.  

In fact, the game has even appeared in marketing material for the PSVR 2 PC adapter which is set to launch tomorrow (August 7) for $59.99 / £49.99. As its name would suggest, the adapter, which requires a separate DisplayPort cable and application to use, enables the PSVR 2 headset and PSVR 2 Sense controllers to function with VR games and apps on Steam.

Even if you don’t own a PSVR 2, Half-Life: Alyx is still well worth experiencing - especially at this reduced price. Released in 2020, it's the very latest entry in the long-running Half-Life franchise and offers a simply unparalleled level of immersion and interactivity in a VR space. It features a fantastically gripping story and brilliant combat that takes full advantage of VR movement.

There’s even support for mods through the Steam Workshop, giving you plenty of user created levels and scenarios to explore after the credits have rolled. I recently played through the game on a Meta Quest 2 headset using a third-party Link Cable and had an absolutely phenomenal time, so it comes highly recommended by me.

The Half-Life: Alyx store page states that this discount will be available until August 19, so be sure to make your purchase before that date.

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I'll admit, I had to double-take when this deal was brought to my attention. But the PSVR 2 has finally, finally, received a substantial discount at Amazon. If you've held off on the VR headset until now, or were perhaps waiting on its upcoming Steam compatibility, then now is the time to jump in while stocks last.

Right now, the PSVR 2 is on sale at Amazon for just £349 (was £529.99). It goes without saying that this is an all-time record-low for Sony's PS5 (and soon to be PC) compatible VR headset. Furthermore, a bundle that includes the headset and a digital copy of Horizon: Call of the Mountain, has also dropped to just £389 (was £569.99) at Amazon.

This current discount makes the PSVR 2 actually cheaper than the Meta Quest 3 (which retails at £479.99 for its 128GB model) for the first time ever. Better yet, this seems to be a promotion from Sony's end, as the headset has also been discounted at Game where it's currently £350 and ShopTo where it's a slightly pricier £364.85.

Today's best PSVR 2 deals (No, I can't believe I'm writing this, either)

The PSVR 2 is a great console-based VR headset, but one that has sadly remained largely inaccessible to the average consumer thanks to its eye-watering sticker price that has it even more expensive than the PS5 console itself. At this record-low price, though, it's a far more compelling option.

That's especially so given that PSVR 2 is set to receive SteamVR support on August 7, making hundreds of VR games on Steam accessible on Sony's headset for the first time. You will need the PSVR 2 PC adapter for this (which costs a separate £49.99), but this current PSVR 2 discount definitely takes some of the sting out of the extra cost for PC compatibility.

In our four-and-a-half star PSVR 2 review, we praised its superb image quality and blissful ease of setup, especially when compared to the original, cable-heavy PlayStation VR device. And if you do decide to take advantage of this deal, you may want to browse our guides to the best PSVR 2 games and best PSVR 2 accessories to kick off your VR journey in the best way possible.

Not in the UK? Check the list below for all the best PSVR 2 rates in your region.

The PSVR 2 app Steam page is now live, signaling the imminent arrival of SteamVR support for Sony's headset.

The appearance of the Steam page, as well as the app's August 6 launch date, lines up with what was detailed in Sony's announcement of the PSVR 2 PC adapter back in June. In that official PlayStation Blog post, Sony confirmed that the adapter (which costs $59.99 / £49.99) will release when PC support for PSVR 2 rolls out on August 7.

It seems that you'll need to have the PSVR 2 app in addition to the PC adapter in order to perform first-time setup for the headset on Steam. The app also allows setup of the PSVR 2's Sense controllers, confirming that they will be compatible with SteamVR titles.

The Steam page also notes that PSVR 2 owners will be able to perform firmware updates through the app, indicating that Sony will continue to support the headset for the foreseeable future. You'll also be able to set your play area and screen brightness through the app.

It appears that the app will also be needed in general, beyond the initial setup. The Steam page notes: "To play VR games and apps on Steam with PlayStation VR2, PlayStation VR2 App needs to be installed on your PC. Keep the app installed even after initial setup is complete."

Beyond this, there's no indication that the PSVR 2 app will offer any additional functionality beyond initial setup, firmware updates and general SteamVR compatibility. So those expecting to fine tune their VR experience with the app may be disappointed here. 

It's also worth noting that, according to the app's system requirements, you'll need around 700MB of free space on your PC. That shouldn't be an issue for most players, but worth keeping in mind, nonetheless.

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It's being reported that Sony is drastically scaling back its funding for PSVR 2 as well as first-party VR games for the headset.

The report comes from Android Central, where it's claimed that sources close to the outlet are suggesting that Sony is "making deep cuts" to VR game funding internally. Additionally, a second source told Android Central that just a couple of PSVR 2 games are in the works at Sony. What those games are, or if they'll ever even be released, remains to be seen.

Sony is releasing a PSVR 2 PC adapter this August, which will allow owners of the VR headset to hook it up to a PC for compatibility with SteamVR titles. It'll cost $59.99 / £49.99, and it's great that Sony is offering an option to expand PSVR 2 compatibility, but the announcement of the accessory did seem to cast a dark cloud over the headset's future.

When PSVR 2 launched early in 2023, it did get off to a promising start with a solid launch line-up including Horizon: Call of the Mountain, and eventual support for Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil 4's exceptional remake. The recent addition of PSVR 2 games to the PS Plus Premium catalog is also great for headset owners looking for new games without spending too much cash.

However, the PSVR 2's eye-watering price tag of $549.99 / £529.99 was never going to sit well with most consumers, especially given it was even more expensive than the PS5 console itself. It's far from the most expensive VR headset on the market, of course, but when even Meta Quest 3 undercuts it and is far more versatile thanks to its wireless, standalone nature, it makes Sony's headset a very tough sell even for PS5 owners.

It'll be a shame if the reports are true and Sony really is looking to cease active support for PSVR 2. The silver lining could be that a permanent price drop will be in its future - this could allow the brand to at least sell through the stock and give more PS5 owners the chance to try out what is a genuinely excellent headset.

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Sony's Days of Play sale ends tonight! It's your last chance to pick up some cheap PlayStation 5 hardware so don't let it slip if you've been eyeing something up.

The yearly sale brings the price of consoles and peripherals crashing down, and it's often the best time of year, away from retailer events like Prime Day and Black Friday to save money.

The headlines are that the PS5 Slim can be had for a record low of $449 right now at Amazon - it's down to £431 in the UK at Amazon - and the PSVR 2 has $100 off and is now just $449 at Amazon and a mere £430 in the UK. If you're shopping in the UK you can also get a DualSense Wireless Controller for just £44.99 at Amazon.

We've collected a bunch of the best PS5 deals below that cover consoles, PSVR 2, and accessories - just note that not everyone is mirrored in both regions, sadly.

Today's best Days of Play PS5 deals - PS5 consoles

Today's best Days of Play PS5 deals - PSVR 2

These deals look live in both the US and UK right now and you'll find the best links for both regions below.

Today's best Days of Play PS5 deals - Peripherals

Unfortunately, it's only the UK that has seen the DualSense's price crash with the Days of Play event so the below deals lead with those links - but you'll still find the best US prices here too.

Today's best Days of Play PS5 deals - Headsets & earbuds

The UK has the best deals when it comes to PlayStation-specific audio peripherals too, so we've led with those links for Brits first, but still included the best US prices where possible. Folks in the US do have access to some nice deals on the Inzone headsets though...

Today's best Days of Play PS5 deals - PS Plus

And once more, it's Currys in the UK leading the way on PS Plus deals and cheap PS store credit deals. The same discounts aren't rectified in the US but we've included some easy links for readers located there nonetheless.

If you're not in the US or UK or want to keep your options open with a bird's eye view at prices on PS5 gear, then check out our automatically-updating price checker below which will present that latest and lowest prices wherever you are in the world.

Sony has just revealed the PSVR 2 PC adapter, which will allow owners of the PlayStation 5 VR headset to hook it up to a gaming PC and thus have access to SteamVR's vast library of games.

Announced via an official PlayStation Blog post, the PSVR 2 PC adapter will be made available for purchase when PC support for the VR headset rolls out on August 7. The adapter will cost $59.99 / £49.99 and will be available to purchase either from PlayStation Direct or select retailers which have yet to be announced.

Sony notes that the adapter requires a DisplayPort cable, compatible with DisplayPort 1.4, which is not included with the adapter itself. Once the adapter and DisplayPort cable have been secured, you'll need to hook them up to your PC and PSVR 2 headset, then download the SteamVR and PSVR 2 apps on Steam. After an initial setup via these apps, you should be good to go.

Sony has also outlined the minimum system requirements for using your PSVR 2 headset on PC. Refer to the list below to see if your setup meets the outlined specifications:

• Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit / Windows 11 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-7600 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (Zen 2 or later architecture is required)
• RAM: 8GB or more
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or later (Turing or later architecture is required)-NVIDIA RTX series-AMD Radeon RX 5500XT or later / AMD Radeon RX 6500XT or later
• DisplayPort: DisplayPort 1.4
• USB: Direct connection only
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 or later

If you own a PSVR 2, and have since become frustrated with the slow software release schedule on PS5, then this adapter seems like a good way to expand your library with access to loads of SteamVR titles, including the critically acclaimed Half-Life: Alyx.

That said, the $59.99 / £49.99 price tag is fairly steep, and may leave some folks feeling sour especially after dropping $549.99 / £529.99 on the PSVR 2 headset itself. It is available at $100 off right now, thanks to a rare price drop as part of PlayStation's Days of Play celebration, but this sale is only live until June 12.

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Sony's Days of Play sale has finally brought a deep price cut on PSVR 2 hardware. We've long thought that the peripheral's lofty price tag was just too much to ask for many folks, even those tempted, but now there's a proper price cut at long last.

Cutting to it: there is a $100 discount on the PSVR 2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle right now, taking it down to just $499.99 (was $599.99) at Amazon. There's also the same amount off the standard hardware pack, which is now just $449.99 (was $549.99) at Amazon.

This is never-before-seen territory for both variants of the virtual reality headset, and given the actual quality bit of hardware it is, might be enough of a discount to pull you in.

Lowest-ever prices on the PSVR 2

Given there's also word of a PC adapter for PSVR 2 coming soon this purchase could see you get one of the best VR headsets for two platforms soon enough.

While we've been left a little deflated by the quality of PSVR 2's first year and a bit, we're still huge fans of it as a piece of innovative and quality gaming hardware. In our full PSVR 2 review, hardware editor Rhys Wood said that "Sony has nailed virtual reality on its second try" and that it "sets the bar high for future console-based virtual reality headsets". He did lament the price tag, but hopefully we'll soon start seeing more deals like the above on the headset as Sony attempts to shift more units of the PS5 accessory. 

If you're not in the US or UK and want to see the lowest prices and deals on the  PSVR 2 in your region, check out our auto-updating price-finding tech below.

A new certification from the Korean Radio Research Agency, a national regulatory body that oversees radio and communications equipment, suggests that Sony has created a PC adapter for the PSVR 2.

As spotted by virtual reality (VR) influencer Brad Lynch, the certification pertains to a product that is manufactured by a regional subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment and is called the “PlayStationVR2 PC adapter.” Although this could be anything, the name would heavily suggest that it is an adapter designed to enable the PSVR 2 VR headset, which was originally designed for the PlayStation 5, to work with a PC.

This discovery comes off the back of the official confirmation that the PVSR 2 was being tested to support PC games back in February this year. The adapter will presumably enable the PSVR 2 to work with certain PC games on platforms such as Steam in a similar fashion to other VR headsets.

The idea that a PC adapter could be arriving soon is a bit of a glimmer of hope in what has otherwise been a pretty disappointing year for PSVR 2 owners. Beyond a few excellent launch titles like Horizon: Call of the Mountain, the pricey headset has received few desirable games and has largely been outclassed in terms of library variety and general versatility by much cheaper alternatives like the Meta Quest 3. 

PC support would allow existing owners to squeeze a little more value out of their headsets, potentially granting access to many of the best VR games on PC like Half-Life: Alyx. 

Although the peripheral has undeniably been let down on the software front, we were very pleased with the PSVR 2 back when it launched and still consider it to be on of the best VR headsets right now. We awarded the headset four and a half out of five stars in our PSVR 2 review, lavishing praise on the incredibly straightforward setup process, excellent level of responsiveness, comfortable design, and brilliant visual fidelity. 

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PlayStation's Days of Play event is bringing a whole bunch of PSVR 2 games to PS Plus Premium next month. On top of that, the service will debut a PS2 classics catalog starting with a trio of titles.

The news comes from an official PlayStation Blog post that went live today (May 28), detailing what PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 owners can expect from the Days of Play event which begins on May 29. The event kicks off with a variety of themed PS Plus avatars that subscribers can download from the official PS Plus web page.

From June 6, PS Plus Premium subscribers will be able to download full versions of five PSVR 2 games at no extra cost. These are Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Walkabout Mini Golf, Synth Riders, Before Your Eyes, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Chapters 1 & 2 (crikey, that's a mouthful). Of course, these will only be playable if you own a PSVR 2 headset.

Furthermore, Sony will debut a PS2 classics catalog on June 11, also for PS Plus Premium subscribers. There will only be three games available at launch: Tomb Raider Legend, Star Wars: The Clone Wars as well as the first Sly Cooper game. Hopefully, we'll see a greater volume of native PS2 games reach the service from here on out; I'm personally holding out hope for Ridge Racer 5 and Dynasty Warriors 3.

PS Plus Premium is the priciest option in Sony's three-tier subscription service, currently costing $17.99 / £13.49 per month or $159.99 / £119.99 annually. It's a pretty steep price compared to other online subscription services, but these latest additions should go a fair way to adding some much-needed value to PS Plus.

Elsewhere, the Days of Play event will also bring some discounts to PlayStation hardware so stay tuned for deals and price cuts on some top gear.

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Sony has reportedly halted production on new PSVR 2 units until the current backlog of headsets has sold through.

The news comes according to a new Bloomberg report, which suggests that PSVR 2 sales have declined each quarter since its launch in February of last year. Especially notable are the Q4 2023 sales figures, which show Sony selling roughly 325,000 units. That's a fraction of the 1.3 million headset sales from Meta, though this is likely due to the launch of Meta Quest 3 on top of the consistently strong sales of the Meta Quest 2.

Yijia Zhai, analyst at financial group Macquarie, made a statement to Bloomberg addressing why PSVR 2 could be struggling as much as it is: "The high price of VR hardware acts as the main hurdle for its expansion," says Zhai. "Currently, there are limited games that support VR devices, and that will also lead to lack of motivation for players to purchase VR hardware. This limited content also has a reason – the development cost for VR games is substantially higher than normal titles."

The news comes shortly after PlayStation laid off roughly 8% of its global staff, which included the closure of London Studios and "reductions" at Horizon: Call of the Mountain developer Firesprite; both studios heavily involved with PSVR 2 development.

Additionally, plans have been announced to bring PC support to PSVR 2, though we're yet to see this come to fruition. Ideally, this planned PC support will be coupled with a price drop for the expensive VR headset, which Sony has been stubborn to discount since launch.

Also likely, and much bleaker, is the idea that PC support could be Sony's way of wrapping up support for PSVR 2; refocusing its efforts on PS5 and future hardware like a potential PS5 Pro and, of course, PlayStation 6. But in the meantime, if Sony wants to sell through its current batch of PSVR 2 units, a substantial price drop does seem like it'll be on the cards.

Own a PSVR 2? Be sure to check out our guides to the best PSVR 2 games and best PSVR 2 accessories to ensure you're getting the best experience possible before PC support comes to the device.

The best Zombie VR games are ideal for anyone looking to put themselves in the middle of some post-apocalyptic action. As much as we love the best zombie games, especially given just how many gory yet glorious titles there are to get to grips with now, zombie VR games offer an immersive experience like never before. 

Zombies in VR are an even more exciting proposition than they were in 2D, as is the way with most of the best VR games. In the past, you had to rely on shifting camera angles to get a good view of the rotting hordes. Now, it's up to you: fail to move your head to see where they're coming from and you'll end up the next victim of the undead. 

Plus, with the scale of VR headsets we now have on offer, such as the PSVR 2, the Meta Quest 3, and the HTC Vive, you've got more opportunities than ever to sink yourself into the best zombie VR games on offer. We've distilled the choices available down to a few games well worth playing if you're looking for a hair-raising, death-defying adventure in VR. 

Best zombie VR games

• Available on: Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, Oculus Quest 2

The Walking Dead: Saints And Sinners puts you directly into the shoes of someone desperately trying to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world. Between scavenging through the flooded ruins of New Orleans, you'll have to go toe to toe with the undead, all while making decisions that drastically affect both yourself and any remaining survivors. 

To keep combat exciting, you'll have access to a huge range of melee, ranged, and makeshift weapons, alongside any objects you find and can realistically wield in an attempt to protect yourself. But, although you may find yourself with an arsenal at your disposal, that doesn't mean you'll be an equal match to the undead. Combat will still be tense regardless of how handy you are with a weapon, which makes for an unforgettable experience and one that has to be on any best zombie VR games list. 

• Available on: Meta Quest, HTC Vive

Death Horizon: Reloaded puts you into a scientific research lab that initially seems like a deceptively quiet place, but before long you'll find yourself furiously fighting against hoards of oncoming enemies. As you defend yourself against the onslaught, you'll also have to navigate the lab for ladders to scale, and anything to throw to delay your inevitable fate. 

Not only are the undead your biggest threat in this game, but so is the environment. You're told to never really stop moving, darting in and out of rooms looking for an escape, because if you do the result is pretty unsavory. Use the lab to find tools and objects to hurl at the zombies, because it could be the only thing between life and death. This makes for an incredibly tense experience, but an entertaining one nonetheless, and well worth its place in the best zombie VR games discussion.

• Available on: PSVR 2

Arizona Sunshine 2 is easily one of the best zombie VR games from recent years. It's got fluid combat, and a huge variety of weapons at your disposal to keep things exciting, alongside dark but witty humor to help connect you to its protagonist. Gorgeous visuals and environments are yours to spill blood onto, and you won't be short of possibilities to do so with just how gory this game gets. 

For anyone who enjoyed the first Arizona Sunshine game, this is a game well worth picking up. In addition, you'll be able to share the experience since AS2 supports 2-player co-op, which may be the difference between life and death in this apocalyptic setting. Or, you can join up to three other players in 4-player co-op Horde mode. 

• Available on: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro

Resident Evil 4 VR is an absolute classic in the survival horror genre, so if you're looking for something with a little more substance than a shoot-em-up, then this one is well worth checking out. Although a lot of the best zombie VR games do boast a storyline, the narrative of RE4 feels a lot more in-depth. In VR, you're taken even closer to the characters of the game, which makes the tension almost palpable as you explore. 

For those who have already played Resident Evil 4 outside of VR, you'll be able to pick up on some unique VR interactions exclusive to the experience, too. Plus, with an update offering a wave-based game mode, you'll be able to engross yourself in the action more than ever. 

The Brookhaven Experiment is a must-play for frantic survival shooter enthusiasts. You have to rely on the weapons and tools around you as your only defense against frightening waves of monsters, not necessarily just zombies. Because of the variety of monsters coming your way, The Brookhaven Experiment keeps you on your toes at every possible opportunity and is sure to terrify you along the way.

Realistic pistol aiming and firing, alongside a lot of player interaction with the monsters, make this game all the more immersive, which is exactly what you want from one of the best zombie VR games. With situational horror too, you won't have to constantly worry about being jumped and scared, but when it does happen it only adds to the experience. 

Best zombie VR games - Frequently Asked Questions

How we made our list of the best zombie VR games

Here at TechRadar Gaming (TRG) we've spent a lot of time testing different VR headsets and games. We're also well-versed in what makes a great zombie or horror game, so we know which titles are worth playing. As a result, we are incredibly confident in our ability to offer fantastic recommendations to you, guaranteeing a zombie-slaying experience you will love. 

We've got a guide to the best FPS games if you're looking for another slice of high-stakes action. 

The best PlayStation VR deals are worth keeping an eye out for, especially now the PSVR 2 is on the cards. Although Sony's VR tech is impressive, it holds an eye-watering price tag that more than likely turns the average consumer away. 

But before you invest in either the PSVR or the PSVR 2, it's entirely down to which console you own. If you have a PS5, then we highly recommend Sony's latest headset. However, if you have a PS4 and are eager to try out the original hardware for yourself, then any remaining PSVR deals could be better value for money. 

There's also the option to look out for Oculus Quest 2 deals instead if you really want to escape to the virtual realm and get a more future-proofed device. Our guide to all the cheap VR headset deals is also on hand if you want to spend a little less.

PSVR 2 deals and bundles

The PlayStation VR 2 costs $549.99 / £529.99 / €599.99. This standard package includes the PSVR 2 headset, PSVR 2 Sense controllers, and stereo headphones. For a player looking for a little more, there's also a PlayStation VR 2 – Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle that comes with all of the above and a download code for one of the headline PSVR games, Horizon Call of the Mountain, for $599.99 / £569.99 / €649.99.

However, honestly, PSVR 2 deals and bundles are hard to come by right now. We've enlisted the help of our price-finding tech below to point you in the latest, lowest prices on the kit no matter where you are though, so this is the place to be for the latest deals.

PSVR 1 deals and bundles

While PSVR 2 is actually available to buy, the older PSVR 1 isn't being made anymore so being able to spot a new one at retailers is much like seeing a unicorn. However, if there is one out there, our price-finding tech below will find it, and we've also included the latest prices on PSVR 1 accessories in the round-up below too, in case you're coming to it late and want to kit out the original set.

PlayStation VR deals - FAQs

The PlayStation VR was an impressive piece of kit when it originally launched, and while it still has a place in many players' hearts, there's no denying it's starting to show its age in today's digital world. That said, there are still a lot of redeemable factors to keep it relevant. 

As of January 2020, Sony revealed it had shifted more than five million PSVR systems after previously confirming 21.9 million VR games and apps sold alongside the headset. But even removing sales from the equation, the PlayStation VR has become a game-changing piece of hardware in more ways than one. 

Sony's continuing to boost its VR offerings over the coming years, especially with the launch of the PSVR2. But in the meantime, anyone using the original PSVR can still get a free adapter to use on the new console. Otherwise, here's what you need to know about the original PSVR.

PlayStation VR and barriers to VR

But let's not get ahead of ourselves, the current PlayStation VR headset brings the world of virtual reality to your console in a big way. And what really sets it apart from the rest is that it does so without the cost most often associated with rival higher-end VR headsets, like the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. 

Because although these higher-end headsets cost more to run, you also need a pricey gaming PC that can power them, which is a huge barrier to entry for most people. Here's what you need to know about PSVR.

For this reason (and many more, as we'll get into) the PlayStation VR virtual reality headset is still going strong nearly six years after its initial release. That has changed as VR companies venture into more affordable products, like the Oculus Quest 2, but PSVR is still one of the best VR headsets for your money. 

And Sony is certainly serious about virtual reality. We've had solid evidence that it's committed to VR development by the best PlayStation VR games that released, and those yet to come. To cap it all off, a revised headset released in late 2017, which addressed the original headset's lack of HDR-passthrough, plus better audio and improved comfort. The future's bright for Sony's VR gear.

PlayStation VR versus the rest

For now at least, the PlayStation VR is truly different to anything else on the market. While Oculus Rift has closed in on the cost disparity, the PSVR only requires a PS4 console to run, not an expensive PC setup. The Oculus Go doesn't offer the immersive gaming quality the PSVR does. Different story for Oculus Quest 2, though. Go was a good VR intro for many — it's now discontinued — but it doesn't match up.

When you think about it, it really is remarkable that the affordable PSVR solution is as capable as it is. It has its problems, but by and large the PlayStation VR proves that not only is console VR viable, it's actually enjoyable, too.

We've now tried dozens of games on the PlayStation VR console, from Rocksteady's impressive (but short) Batman: Arkham VR, to the laugh-out-loud funny Job Simulator, to the tear-jerking Wayward Sky and even gun-peripheral-toting horror game Farpoint VR. Some of these titles were more fun than others, obviously, but all of them made the same point: PSVR doesn't suck. 

Before we go on talking about PlayStation VR's finer points (and foibles), let's get the basics out of the way.

At launch, the PlayStation VR headset had a slightly confusing sales proposition. With the package re-using existing PlayStation peripherals such as the PlayStation Move controllers and PlayStation Camera, the PSVR headset itself was sold separately in some instances, despite the other components being vital parts of getting everything up-and-running.

If you didn't already own the PlayStation Camera or Move Motion Controllers, the PSVR Launch Day bundle was the better bet, but now we're further down the line the bundles – and the messaging around exactly what components you'll need – are much better.

You used to be able to find the PlayStation VR Mega Pack bundle for £199.99 in the UK. That includes the headset, camera, plus five games: Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, Everybody's Golf VR, Moss, Blood & Truth, plus PlayStation VR Worlds. Many great games for your money there but you'd have to get PS Move Controllers separately though. Sadly, that and other PSVR bundles are no longer being stocked in the UK.

As for the US, there's other options like the PSVR Iron Man VR bundle, which, as you'd expect, includes Iron Man VR. Retailing for $199.99 instead as of November 2022, you've only got the one game included, but this also features two PS Move controllers, so there's other value to this option.

Besides the PlayStation VR unit itself and the PlayStation Camera, all you'll need is a PS4 (either the Slim version, the three-year-old original or the ultra-powerful PS4 Pro will do), a PS4 DualShock 4 controller and a 6-foot-by-10-foot play space that's well lit, but not too bright. 

Setting up PlayStation VR can be done in minutes and the provided instructions offer a clear visual guide to get you up and running.

How does PSVR work?

Like other virtual reality headsets on the market, PlayStation VR has the arduous task of completely immersing you in a video game by producing two images simultaneously and then sending them to a headset a few feet away. But unlike competing devices (which require expensive graphics cards to get the job done), PS VR can do it using only the PlayStation 4's built-in GPU.

It achieves this by using the PlayStation Camera to track nine different points of light on the headset, plus the lights on either the Move controllers or on the DualShock 4, depending on which game you're playing. It's surprisingly accurate given the fact that it's only using a single camera to track what's happening... but it's not foolproof by any stretch of the imagination. 

We'll cover performance in detail in a minute, but be prepared for the camera to lose track of the controllers. A lot. Because Sony only uses one camera instead of two, it's harder for PlayStation VR to track you if you get up and walk around than it is for a system like the HTC Vive, which can offer true room-scale VR.

If you decide to get up and wander around, the PSVR can follow you to an extent, but don't expect to take more than a few steps in any direction without a warning from the system that you're straying too far away. 

To that end, most PlayStation VR games can recommend that you stay in one of two positions, either sitting down or standing up and stationary. If you're prone to motion sickness, sitting down might be a bit more comfortable, but certain games are definitely better played on your feet.

Depending on where and how you angle your camera, switching between standing and sitting might not be so easy, so it's best to find an angle that covers the majority of the room in case you want to switch from one to the other without having to get up, move the camera and recalibrate. But let's back up. Up until now, the words "VR" and "virtual reality" have been thrown around a lot without much explanation.

VR has existed in one form or another for decades, but the modern version of the technology is more immersive and less nausea-inducing than it's ever been. In more or less words, virtual reality is just that – a virtual world that gives you the experience of being somewhere else in a different time, at a different place – sometimes as far as an alien world, all without ever leaving your home.

And yes, it's just as cool as it sounds.

PlayStation VR specs

PlayStation VR specs

If you want to be specific about it, PlayStation VR can handle 1080p games on its 920 x RGB x 1080 OLED display at either 90Hz (meaning that the image refreshes itself 90 times per second) or at 120Hz depending on the VR game or application.

And for those concerned about latency, Sony says that PlayStation VR's response rate is locked in at around 18ms – which is about 0.002 seconds faster than the highest acceptable latency before you would notice the lag in VR.

Those numbers are great, but they're matched by both the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. The one advantage Sony has that neither Oculus nor HTC can claim is that it's actually a world-class game publisher. While the other two have been trying to create connections with developers over the past few years, Sony already has them.

As a result, the best PlayStation VR games list is being constantly updated with excellent fresh experiences, with plenty more arriving all the time. From shooters to puzzlers, platformers to narrative adventures, there's variety and depth to PSVR's growing gaming catalogue.

PlayStation VR on PS4 Pro

There's also another piece of hardware to consider when looking at buying a PlayStation VR, and that's Sony's brand-new, ultra-powered PS4 Pro. With additional processing power, the PS4 Pro is capable of creating an even more immersive virtual reality experience for the games that support it.

The improvements PS4 Pro promises can take many forms – from more detailed textures to better draw distances, and even a small reduction in graininess. The advantages differ from game-to-game, and the PS4 Pro is currently setup to only support games where the developer has enabled "Pro Mode", a hardware boosting technology that tells the PS4 to use extra processing power.

While writing the PS4 Pro review, we got the chance to try the upgraded hardware with the PlayStation VR and the results were noticeable, if a bit underwhelming in reality. 

There's definitely a distinct difference between PS4 and PS4 Pro versions of VR games. However, it's probably not one that can be spotted by the unwitting non-techie – it's something that you can only spot if you're paying close attention to how certain textures look in-game or how objects look in the distance. 

Lag felt less prevalent on the Pro system, though in all fairness, it wasn't something we felt was a major problem while using the standard issue console. Whether the minor improvements are worth paying extra for the more powerful hardware is ultimately a decision we'll leave up to you; however, it's our opinion that you can get by with a standard PS4 just fine.

To read about PlayStation VR's games, performance and design in more detail, head on over to the next page.

• Best PlayStation VR games: the PSVR games you need to play

PlayStation VR isn't a wild reimagining of the VR headset, but it's one of the most attractive efforts that we've seen so far.

The head-mounted display (HMD) screams minimalism with a tag team of black and white matte plastic touches. Its final iteration is interspersed with seven front-facing blue lights that the PlayStation Camera picks up to track your location and head movement. For games that require you to turn around, Sony stuck two more blue lights on the back of the strip bringing the total number of trackable lights to nine.

All said, it's a pretty elegant and accurate head-tracking solution. PSVR looks good and, thankfully, also yields comfort, which is a crucial box that not enough VR headsets can tick. Sony went for a "halo" shape for PSVR with a single white matte strap that wraps around your head seamlessly, coming together in the back, and can be adjusted to your liking. 

The inside of the strap has a thick cushion with a rubber finish that holds your head gently in place. Once the headset is on, you can adjust the visor forwards and backwards to help bring items on the screen in focus.

The PSVR's secret to comfort is that it hangs all of its weight at the top of your dome, putting less pressure on the bridge of the nose and the forehead. Where other headsets start to feel heavy after an hour or so of use, I felt that I could wear Sony's for hours on end without getting that all-too-familiar neck fatigue.

To seal out the light, Sony has installed a rubber flap that encircles the visor. While they're moderately effective at blocking out the incoming light on your left and right, the way the headset in constructed leaves a massive gap in between your nose and the headset, which allows light into the screen and can be pretty distracting when you're trying to lose yourself in the virtual world.

Although the headset technically fits over a pair of glasses, this tends to worsen the light-leakage problem. It's annoying, but not necessarily a deal breaker.

Inside the PlayStation VR headset

Inside the headset is a 5.7-inch OLED screen with a 1920 x RGB x 1080 resolution. The PlayStation VR offers a 100-degree field of view, a 120Hz refresh rate and latency less than 18ms, which means that it's less nausea-inducing than previous versions of the headset that had a higher latency and a slower refresh rate.

The PSVR's control scheme utilizes a combination of head movements made with the HMD, along with the PlayStation Move controllers and DualShock 4 controller that you may or may not be familiar with. The Move controllers had their first run when they were introduced alongside a few Wii-like titles on the PlayStation 3, and while they worked well there, it wasn't until PSVR that we saw a true purpose for them.

The wands felt a little half-baked on the PS3, or at least as if they existed solely to have a hand in motion-controlled gaming, but they feel right at home with PSVR. Other games with more complex control schemes – like a game called RIGS that we'll discuss in a minute – will use the DualShock 4 wireless controller that comes shipped with the PS4.

If it hasn't already been made explicitly clear up to now, I'll break the most disheartening news to you now: the PSVR is not a wireless headset. While the Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard can get everything they need from your mobile device, PlayStation VR will need to be tethered to your system at all times.

The cord, which runs from the headset to PlayStation VR's processing unit and then to the PS4 itself, has an in-line control unit close to the headset that allows you to turn the headset on and off or raise and lower the volume. This is also where you'll find a headphone jack that accepts anything from a pair of high-end Sennheisers to cheap earbuds.

Sony ships every headset with pair of tiny white earbuds, but these are just about the worst options for experiencing VR – they're hollow-sounding, uncomfortable and prone to falling out. For my week with the PlayStation VR I chose to use a pair of Creative Sound Blaster H5's due to their padding and excellent sound quality, but really any decent pair of wired over-ear headphones will do.

The final piece of the design puzzle is the Processor Unit briefly mentioned above. Sony has made it clear on numerous occasions (sometimes via email, cough) that this unit is not responsible in any way for additional graphics processing and it's worth echoing that point here.

Measuring in at 5.6 x 1.4 x 5.6 inches (W × H × L), the unit's sole responsibility is to assist the PS4 with 3D audio processing, HDMI cable management, Cinematic Mode, and the Social Screen TV output. We'll cover what those last two modes are in a minute, but I felt this was as good a time as any to point out the black box's existence in case you have any objections to another small box on your media shelf.

PSVR performance and content library

If I had to summarize the PlayStation VR's performance in a single word, I'd opt to use "surprising". VR competitors like Oculus and HTC have set the bar quite high for how a good VR experience should look and feel – which, considering these two options require a seriously powerful gaming rig that costs two or three times as much as PSVR, makes sense.

With HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, I knew what I was getting. I was running the headsets off my own top-of-the-line PC, that had the power to play most games on their maximum settings. With PlayStation VR, however, I was a little less sure everything would work out.

But, as it turns out, the PS4 is more than capable of displaying two surprisingly crisp images – they may not offer the most amazing, mind-blowing fidelity, but are more than adequate for the vast majority of games. (Of the titles I tried, all of them worked as advertised, but I noticed that many of them stuck with simple graphics rather than going for the real-life look.)

Similarly head-tracking was nearly as precise on PSVR as it was on either the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, with the only minor caveat being that the system would lose the Touch controllers from time-to-time, merely due the fact that the tracking space is so much more confined.

Despite having a smaller field of view than the Oculus Rift by about 10 degrees (110 vs 100), the PlayStation VR – surprisingly – rarely made me feel nauseated, due in no small part to the 18ms latency that made experiences mostly smooth without discernible lag or judder. I remember a time where its field of view was a major sticking point for me, but now the worst is that the PSVR occasionally feels like viewing the world through a pair of goggles. 

As for the games themselves, we've been impressed with what the PlayStation VR provides. Batman: Arkham VR, Battlezone, Star Wars: X-Wing VR and Job Simulator are excellent bite-sized experiences. Meanwhile Resident Evil VII is playable in its entirety in virtual reality, which is probably one of the longest virtual reality experiences to date. 

Beat Saber has also become one of the strongest selling titles on the platform. The pace of releases is showing no sign of slowing any time soon, as the argument for buying PSVR gets stronger each year.

Experiences vary in levity from casual, playroom escapades to hyper-intense combat and even horror games. The system and its specs lend themselves to more light-hearted fare rather than the fast-paced, high-intensity ones, and while the latter are passable they're prone to making you feel more nauseated than impressed (RIGS, I'm looking in your direction).

Thankfully, VR isn't the solitary experience TVs and movies make it out to be. Friends and family can watch you as you game thanks to Social Screen TV – which displays a 2D version of what players are seeing in 3D on your TV – while some titles, like Battlezone, actually support online multiplayer.

Another neat feature is Cinematic Mode, which allows you to watch 2D content inside the VR helmet. Cinematic mode doesn't transform 2D content into 3D content, but it does allow you watch your favorite shows from Netflix and YouTube – or even play 2D PS4 titles – on a super-sized virtual screen.

Speaking of movies and TV shows, there are currently a number of short VR cinematic experiences on the PlayStation Store that are worth checking out. They're not Oculus Studios quality, but I did find myself laughing aloud when I watched Invasion!, and had a tear in my eye by the end of Allumette.

A recent update also allows the headset to view not only 360-degree videos on YouTube, but also to watch any 3D Blu-ray discs you have lying around - so you shouldn't be lacking for video content. 

However these experiences, both games and movies, are never what I'd consider realistic – trust me, you'll never forget you're in virtual reality if that's your concern. Some character models have jagged edges to them and even the best animators can only do so much with the technology.

At this stage at least it's easy to tell the virtual world from the real one and, for some people, that might make PlayStation VR come off as more of a novelty like Nintendo Wii, rather than the ground-breaking innovation that I see it as.

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I mention it in every VR review I write, so I apologize if you've read this before, but it's important to point out that VR can make even a seasoned gamer weak in the knees if you play it for too long.

Sony recommends taking breaks every 15 minutes or so, and stopping immediately if you start to feel dizzy. I'll add onto that by saying that you should slowly acclimate yourself to virtual reality rather than jump headfirst into it. Start by playing a game for a few minutes, ideally using the Move motion controllers while seated. As you feel more comfortable, you can increase the time spent in the virtual world without coming up for air, and choose to stand to get the full immersive experience.

PSVR: motion sickness in VR

I'll also admit that the first time I tried VR, I felt very sick, and only after using virtual reality headset over multiple occasions could I finally overcome this feeling and start to actually enjoy VR.

My body, like yours, isn't used to feeling disconnected to the visual stimuli it's receiving. Even if you game for hours and hours per day, you still are sitting in the real world, periodically removing your gaze from the television to look at your cellphone or interact with another human being. In virtual reality, the only things you see are the screen and the objects on it, yet you can't physically interact with them. This leads to the feeling of disconnection and resulting nausea.

The other interesting symptom I had after extended use was a pretty awful headache. It might've been due to the lack of sleep I went through while writing this review (you're welcome by the way) or the fact that I put myself on a strict media diet of eight hours of VR a day for a week straight, but most nights I went to bed with puffed eyes and throbbing sensation right above my temple.

There are others who I've spoken to who have felt similarly without testing it for hours on end and with a better sleep regiment, and some friends who felt just fine playing longer on less sleep. This is a definite "your miles may vary" situation, but I just thought it was worth mentioning in case you get your own unit and feel similarly.

I'll end this section on a high-note: PlayStation VR is one of the better VR systems I've had the pleasure of using. Because it has motion controllers and offers enough playspace for you to stand up when you get tired of sitting, it's actually less likely to make you feel nauseated and achy than, say, the Oculus Rift or Samsung Gear VR might.

• PSVR 2 games: what we expect to play on PlayStation VR 2

PlayStation VR is inspiring. As a whole it's incredible, even if there are some hang ups here and there. After trying it for yourself you'll want to experience something like BioShock Infinite or GTA 5 in VR, and the first few demos and games will give you a little sneak peek of what every game could be like five years from now.

PlayStation VR is an affordable introduction to quality VR – "quality" being the operative word there. Many of the experiences aren't as crisp or as immersive as the ones found on Oculus and Vive but, for a system that uses a PS4 instead of an expensive gaming rig, I'm not complaining.

With the potential for prior ownership of some necessary components, Sony is probably making the right move by reducing the cost for those who already own the Move and Camera peripherals, but for those who show up expecting to pay $400 / €399 / £349 / AUD$549 might not appreciate the fine print of potential extra expenses outside of the bundles.

The other irksome aspect is the hole near the bridge of the unit that lets light into the screen. You might not have ever gotten completely lost in the virtual world even if it had been an airtight seal, but there's no quicker way to feel less immersed than looking down and seeing your living room floor.

But these are minor faux pas and aren't worth getting too upset about. PlayStation VR is so far a surprisingly good product, easily in the top three headsets made thus far (and probably squeezing into the top two when you factor in price).

Whether you decide on the PlayStation VR over Oculus or HTC should likely come down to the following – your budget, your platform of preference and the amount of real-world living space you're willing to sacrifice to play semi-realistic video games in virtual reality.

If you already own a PS4, PSVR is the most logical and affordable option. It offers hand tracking through the Move motion controllers, a decent library of games right out of the gate and an unbeatable price tag.

That being said, if you have a lot of extra room and are looking for an even more immersive experience where money's no object, I recommend forgoing PSVR for an HTC Vive, if only because of the room-scale immersion and slightly higher-fidelity graphics on a high-end PC.

Lastly, if you've got the PC already but are limited on space and would have to buy both a PS4 and PlayStation VR in order to embark on this VR venture, I'd recommend choosing Oculus.

PSVR: we liked

Despite their failings from time to time, I really appreciated that Sony found a use for the PlayStation Move motion controllers. They feel like a natural fit for VR.

The PlayStation VR headset itself is also particularly sleek and comfortable. The white and black exterior looks like something out of Ready Player One or Star Trek, and can be worn for hours without the all-too-familiar neck pain that I've felt while using other VR hardware.

Finally, I think the games on PSVR are surprisingly fun. Batman: Arkham VR is a fantastic visual showcase for the hardware, while Wayward Sky offered an emotional experience wrapped in the guise of an indie launch title.

PSVR: we disliked

PlayStation VR is a tethered experience that encourages you to sit down rather than stand up. While the HTC Vive unlocks a massive maximum tracking area of 15 x 15 feet, Sony confines you to a 6-foot-by-10-foot space.

That wouldn't be so terrible if the Sony Camera did a better job picking up where, exactly, the Move motion controllers are. However, as it stands, the camera seems to constantly lose sight of the glowing gamepads even when you're well within the playspace.

Between the spotty motion controller tracking and small gap along the bottom edge of the facemask that lets light in, it's hard to feel fully immersed in games, and that can be a problem.

PSVR: final verdict

For one minute, forget the finer details and focus on the bigger picture. In three short years, Sony took PlayStation VR from the ground floor of development to an industry-leading product. 

PlayStation VR is a wholly new platform that embodies so much of what made the original PlayStation so great – it's innovative, smart and easy-to-use. It's also affordable and already has a growing catalogue of must-play titles. The PSVR may not be the complete package yet – and in some ways fails to live up to the high bar set by the HTC Vive – but, for $100 less than an Oculus Rift, I'm not complaining.

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I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time with PSVR 2, thanks to new games such as Horizon: Call of the Mountain and some stellar ports, such as Kayak VR and Tetris Effect. Free VR updates for existing titles on launch day for Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil Village add a delicious layer of icing on the cake, too.

Having great games is one thing, but even many of the best VR headsets fail to make them user-friendly or foolproof, either through design or necessity. Excellent headsets like Valve Index require the setup of additional cameras to work properly, which can strictly define your play space; a problem if you don’t have much room to begin with. Similarly, the original PlayStation VR was a pain to set up, with several wires and an adapter box needed to function.

My favorite thing about PSVR 2 is that it sidesteps these frustrations entirely. And while an expensive piece of kit, its simple setup helps it to feel like a convenient peripheral for your PS5, rather than a burden that requires a heavy helping of real estate.

No fuss

Unlike its cumbersome predecessor, PSVR 2’s setup is blissfully simple. It’s one USB-C cable into your PS5 and you’re golden. No extra boxes or adapters, no delicately placing cameras just right like they’re the safety flags in a tight game of Minesweeper. 

Some VR headsets have gone a step better by being entirely wireless, and that kind of convenience can’t be beaten. Headsets like Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4 don’t require connection to another PC or console. The PSVR 2 does require you to hook it up to your PS5, but the single wire setup is a damn sight better than what we had to deal with on PS4 with Sony’s first foray into VR.

Sony has done a great job with the initial PSVR 2 setup process, too, as it keeps first-time VR users in mind. The setup walks you through concepts like defining a play area and how to properly affix the headset to your head for maximum comfort and immersion.

On top of that, PSVR 2’s setup phase introduces users to the passthrough camera function, which enables a view of your surroundings without needing to take the headset off. This is brilliant for locating the device’s bespoke Sense controllers and making final checks to your play space without having to go through the trouble of removing the headset and risk upsetting your sweet spot.

Lastly comes a feature that you don’t see on many contemporary VR headsets:eye tracking. The PSVR 2 setup does an excellent job of introducing the concept, and walking you through a simple calibration process where you direct a pointer with your eyes, training the headset to your movements. It works amazingly well, and enhances games like Rez Infinite where you can target and lock onto enemies with your eyes.

Simplicity creates longevity

The PSVR 2’s simplicity might not seem like a big deal, but it’s the headset’s ease that will keep me coming back to it time and again. I think about how the convenience of the Nintendo Switch’s portability makes it very easy just to pick up and play for a bite-sized session. You take it out of the dock and you’re good to go. There’s an incentive to play there, knowing I’ll be loading into one of the best Nintendo Switch games in a matter of seconds.

That same ease of access is there with PSVR 2, albeit in a slightly different form. Knowing I can plug the thing in as easily as I would a wired controller encourages me to hop in for a quick VR session without worrying about extra wires and the like.

The PSVR 2 quick menu feeds into this, too, and is accessible via the PS5 dashboard. With this, you can very quickly adjust your play area if you fancy something a bit more active like Horizon’s frantic rock clambering. Or, adjust headset calibration if you feel something is slightly out of alignment.

It’s nice to have a console-based VR headset that puts convenience first. As PSVR 2’s really the only headset in town on that front at present, it sets a high standard for others wanting to bring similar hardware beyond the realm of PC. Now, as VR tech improves and we start seeing more frequent and affordable headsets, I hope creators of these devices will take a leaf from Sony’s book on PSVR 2.

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PSVR 2 is available now, and if you're keen on buying one for yourself, we've detailed everything you need to know about the headset to inform your purchase, from the launch games, to the specs, how much you can expect to pay in your region, and more.

We can tell you from our own experience that PSVR 2 is a vast improvement over the original PSVR. It's easily one of the best VR headsets on the market, and one of the best PS5 accessories for anyone looking to experience some of the best PSVR 2 games, some of which are exclusive to Sony's proprietary headset.

If you want to know exactly what makes Sony's new headset so special then our full PSVR 2 review has all the expertly tested information you're after. If that convinces you to pick it up, check out our where to buy PSVR 2 hub for all the latest availability.

PSVR 2: Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next generation of PlayStation VR
• When did it launch? February 22, 2023
• How much does it cost? $549.99 / €599.99 / £529.99 / AU$858

PSVR 2: Hardware

The PSVR 2 headset promised a huge leap forward over the original PlayStation VR. Sure enough, PSVR 2 takes advantage of the PS5's more powerful hardware, and has a significantly higher resolution display for each eye as well. Faster refresh rates, a wider field of view, and improved tracking and input are also all here.

PSVR 2 specs rumors previously indicated that the headset will include an OLED display that boasts a total resolution of 4000 X 2040 pixels - that’s 2000 X 2040 per eye and just slightly more than the Oculus Quest 2. Also rumored were a 110-degree field of view and foveated rendering (a technique that uses gaze tracking to render only certain parts of the image), and sensory features in the headset itself. 

Sony later confirmed that PSVR 2 offers 4K resolution, HDR, a 110-degree field of view, foveated rendering, and frame rates of 90 to 120Hz. The release version of PSVR 2 also includes inside-out tracking, which means it'll track you and your controller through integrated cameras embedded in the headset. Your movements and the direction you look will be reflected in-game, without the need for an external camera.

The new sensory features of PSVR 2 combine eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio, and the PSVR 2 Sense controller to create a deeper feeling of immersion. A single built-in motor in the headset will add an additional tactile element, which can replicate the player's pulse during tense moments, or the rush of objects passing by a player's head.

Eye tracking should be a particularly pleasing addition for VR enthusiasts, which lets PSVR 2 track the motion of your eyes. Simply look in a specific direction and the headset will create an additional input for your game character. This results in a more intuitive and natural experience. PSVR 2 also isn't wireless, but only requires one cable between the headset and the console to use.

PSVR 2: release date

PSVR 2 arrived on February 22 and is currently available to buy through PlayStation Direct in the US and the UK as well as other territories. Big box retailers also carry stock for the console in all regions, so you've got a lot of choice as to who you shop with.

PSVR 2: price

PSVR 2 costs $549 / £529 / AU$879. For context, that's more than the PS5 console itself, even after Sony's recent price hike. Right now, the PS5 currently retails at $499.99 / £479.99 / AU$799.95, or $399.99 / £389.99 / AU$649.95 for the PS5 Digital Edition.

It doesn't compare favorably with its biggest VR competitor, Meta's Oculus Quest 2, which currently sells for $399.99 / £399.99 / AU$630. However, this price tag makes a lot more sense when you consider Sony's using premium tech. For comparison, a “premium” VR headset currently on the market is the HTC Vive Pro, which retails for $800, £800, or around AU$1,045.

It's also more expensive than the original PSVR at launch, which originally retailed at $499 (£399, about AU$650). These days, you can find that retailing for around $200 / £259 / AU$420, but it's worth remembering that the PSVR Starter bundle has gone through several price reductions and is over six years old. 

PSVR 2: controllers

The PSVR 2 Sense controllers received a significant performance and design upgrade. A pair of Sense controllers cost $49 / £39 (around AU$70), though a pair does come bundled with the headset.

These new controllers drop the classic PS Move controller design from the original PSVR. Instead, these favor a more typical approach seen in modern VR controllers, like Oculus Quest 2's Touch controllers. The PSVR 2 controllers feature baton-like handles with a plastic orb around them. They also have the same adaptive trigger features found in the DualSense Wireless Controller. This allows for differing tensions on any given in-game action.

They also feature haptic feedback and finger touch detection, letting a game know where your digits are resting without having to press a button. Speaking on PlayStation Blog, Hideaki Nishino, head of platform planning and management at PlayStation, said these features mean you’ll be able “to make more natural gestures with your hands during gameplay.”

PSVR 2: specs

Sony originally revealed the full specs of the PSVR 2 at CES 2022. Here's a breakdown of Sony's PSVR 2 specs:

Sony has added a vent to the PSVR 2 to make playing in the headset a more comfortable experience. 

"One of the areas I wanted to focus on first was the idea of creating a vent in the headset to let air out, similar to the vents on the PS5 console that allows airflow," senior art director Yujin Morisawa wrote in a blog post. "Our engineers came up with this idea as a good way to allow ventilation and avoid having the lens fog up while players are immersed in their VR games".

The PSVR 2 is also slightly lighter, thanks to a slimmer design. Both those features make it more comfortable to play in VR for longer.

PSVR 2: news and rumors

Backwards compatible?

Unfortunately, PSVR 2 is not backwards compatible with first-gen PSVR titles, as confirmed by Sony's Hideaki Nishino in an episode of the Official PlayStation Podcast. While you can still download these games to your PS5, you'll only be able to play them with the original PSVR headset. That's a shame for those who were looking to sell their PSVR towards the new device, and we hope a backwards compatibility patch comes further down the line.

PSVR 2 games are now available for pre-order

Alongside headset pre-orders, PSVR 2 games have begun appearing in the 'Coming Soon' section of the PlayStation Store, too. Interestingly, none of these games are being sold for the £70 / $70 price tag we've seen for big releases these last few years. The most expensive one is, unsurprisingly, Horizon Call of the Mountain at £60 / $60, with the rest coming in at much lower prices.

Sony reportedly producing two million PSVR 2 headsets for launch

A report from Bloomberg suggested Sony planned to produce two million PSVR 2 headsets by March 2023. Citing “people familiar with the matter,” mass production reportedly began last month and that it hasn't faced supply chain bottlenecks like the PS5 has. When asked for comment, Bloomberg confirms Sony declined to respond.

June 2022 State of Play reveals four new PSVR 2 games

Sony's State of Play conference delivered for VR fans, showcasing four new PSVR 2 games. Alongside our first look at Horizon Call of the Mountain gameplay, the following confirmed games are: Resident Evil 4 remake, Resident Evil Village, No Man's Sky, and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution. Basically, we hope you like zombies.

Epic reveal Unreal Engine 5 projects for PSVR 2

During its 'The State of Unreal' 2022 event, Epic Games revealed that several games are utilising Unreal Engine 5 for Sony's upcoming headset. While we don't know which games that includes, noted VR developers like nDreams were spotted among studios supporting this new engine.

Is Sony making inroads to social VR?

A trademark application, submitted in July 2021, suggests Sony might be considering bringing back its PlayStation Home service – an ill-fated social hangout space that was on the PlayStation 3.

Part chatroom, part Sims-like design app, PlayStation Home was closed in 2015. But the trademark hints at its return and, given the rise of social VR spaces, we wouldn’t be surprised if this is going to play a big part in Sony’s move into social gaming and virtual reality in the future.

It looks like Sony will be scaling back its sales projections for the PSVR 2, along with unit production, in the wake of underwhelming pre-order performance.

Pre-launch statistics for PSVR 2 haven't quite met Sony's expectations which, as Bloomberg reports, initially sat at a lofty 2 million units available worldwide throughout its launch quarter. Sony was clearly betting big on its latest VR peripheral, then.

Now, though, according to an as-of-yet unnamed supply partner, Sony has set a more realistic expectation of shipping 1.5 million units throughout the upcoming financial year (April 2023 - March 2024). For context, Sony's sold roughly 30 million PS5 consoles as of December 2022, suggesting Sony expected one in 15 PS5 owners to purchase the VR headset.

Back to the virtual drawing board

So what's with the lukewarm pre-release reception for the PSVR 2 from consumers? For starters, you only need to look at the headset's price. At $549 / £529, it's even more expensive than the PS5 itself. No matter how you slice it, that's a bad look for anyone considering buying some of the best PS5 accessories.

And while Sony has confirmed a large launch line-up of games for PSVR 2, with over 20 games available on day one, there's a distinct lack of attention-grabbing killer apps to put the VR headset in any kind of anticipated standing. At least among potential buyers who don't have much disposable income.

It's a problem VR has struggled with for years. Yes, occasional standouts exist in the likes of Half-Life: Alyx and Resident Evil 4 VR, but by and large, the lofty costs of even the best VR headsets make it a very niche corner of gaming. A lack of backwards compatibility hurts PSVR 2's case even more, with players unable to bring their existing PSVR libraries to the new headset.

I feel this rings true for PSVR 2 as well. Most PS5 owners simply aren't going to be lining up to drop another half-grand on a peripheral that, while very promising in the specs department, isn't offering a library of games nearly as convincing as the best PS5 games.

It looks to me like Sony may have grossly overestimated PSVR 2's appeal if reports of it scaling back its sales projections pre-launch are true. And that $549 / £529 price tag stings all the more amidst an ongoing cost of living crisis that has no end in sight. 

I'm all for PSVR 2 existing, if only to begin expanding the number of console-based VR headsets available. But Sony, much as we saw with the DualSense Edge, has certainly fumbled the pricing.

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Sony’s new VR headset, the PSVR 2, is launching very soon. And if you regularly played games on the original PSVR headset, you might be wondering: is PSVR 2 backwards compatible?

PSVR 2 is the successor to Sony’s well-received PSVR headset, which originally launched back in 2016 for PS4 consoles. The PSVR 2 has been developed with the current-gen PS5 in mind, and that means there’ll be a litany of new VR exclusives we’ll be considering for our best VR games list.

Naturally, experiences like Horizon: Call of the Mountain and Resident Evil 4’s VR component will dominate much of the conversation when it comes to PSVR 2’s software lineup. But you may find yourself wondering what’s to become of your existing PSVR game library? Read on to find out if the new PSVR 2 headset is backwards compatible.

PSVR 2: is it backwards compatible?

The unfortunate truth is that if you own the original PSVR headset, you’ll probably want to keep a hold of it if you’re ever planning on revisiting older VR games. That’s right: PSVR games cannot be played on the PSVR 2 headset. This also means that, unsurprisingly, PSVR 2 exclusive games can’t be played with the first iteration of Sony’s VR hardware.

It’s worth noting, though, that PSVR games are themselves backwards compatible on PS5, and can be downloaded and played on the current-gen machine. You’ll just need to make sure that you have the original headset hooked up to the PS5 in order to play them. 

So if you’ve got a hankering to play PSVR hits like Resident Evil 7, Tetris Effect or Rez Infinite, it may be in your best interests to keep your PSVR around. There’s always the possibility that some of the best PSVR games will receive PSVR 2 compatibility updates somewhere down the line. But given the age of these releases, this doesn’t seem too likely in most cases.

PSVR 2: Why isn’t it backwards compatible?

We have some idea as to why the PSVR 2 isn’t backwards compatible with PSVR games, thanks to Sony’s senior vice president of platform experience, Hideaki Nishino. During a September 2022 episode of the Official PlayStation Podcast, Nishino spoke on PSVR 2’s lack of backwards compatibility.

“PSVR games are not compatible with PSVR 2 because PSVR 2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience,” states Nishino. “PSVR 2 has much more advanced features like all new controllers with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers and inside-out tracking, eye tracking in the headset, and 3D audio all coming together of course. So this means developing PSVR 2 requires a whole different approach from the original PSVR.”

PSVR 2 is undoubtedly an upgrade over the original model, and many of its best games will be designed with its wireless Sense controllers in mind. And while we understand that Sony may wish to start a clean slate with PSVR 2, we’re not confident in Nishino’s explanation being an adequate reason as to why older games can’t be played on the device.

The original PSVR was compatible with more standard controllers like the DualShock 4. And in many cases, it was the best controller choice depending on the game you were playing. Now, PS4 games can be played on PS5 via backwards compatibility, and can be done so with the DualSense pad, albeit without bespoke extras like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

The decision to exclude backwards compatibility on PSVR 2 will be a knock to many, especially given its $549.99 / £529.99 / AU$858 price tag. It’s something that isn’t an issue with contemporary PC headsets like Oculus Quest 2. Games developed for that headset don’t suddenly become incompatible with the Quest Pro, for example.

Will PSVR 2 get backwards compatibility in future?

The software focus for PSVR 2 will be on its library of exclusive games. But there’s also a good variety of titles coming to PSVR 2 from PC headsets. A number of VR games are also seeing remasters on PSVR 2, like Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge and No Man’s Sky.

For the time being, it seems that remasters and re-releases will be your best bet for playing older PSVR titles on the new headset. But of course, we’d love to see true backwards compatibility come to the headset should the demand exist for it.

PSVR 2 compatibility could do wonders for these older games. PSVR 2 sports a panel resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye – massive improvement over the first headset’s 960 x 1080. It means that games that once had a rather visually soupy look on PSVR (looking at you, Skyrim VR) could appear much sharper – and thus more playable – on PSVR 2.

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It's official: Gran Turismo 7 is getting PSVR 2 support when the headset launches next month.

Announced by Sony at its CES 2023 press conference, the PS5's premiere racing sim will receive VR support when PSVR 2 launches on February 22. Best of all, the update is being treated similarly to the game's frequent content drops, being added to the game at no extra cost.

The announcement, presented by Sony Interactive Entertainment president Jim Ryan, was accompanied by a short clip of Gran Turismo 7 running on PSVR 2. The game appears to run smoothly, matching the headset's 90 - 120Hz panel refresh rate.

That said, it's unclear what graphical compromises developer Polyphony Digital will implement to meet PSVR 2's 2000 x 2040 (per eye) panel resolution. But we expect the game to receive a hit to overall visual fidelity to maintain smooth performance. Hopefully, not by too much.

Yellow flag warning

I'm equally excited and nervous about Gran Turismo 7's PSVR 2 support. I'm happy it's a free upgrade and has the potential to be a remarkably immersive racing experience.

On the flip side, racing is an extremely difficult thing to get right in VR. Frequent turns, jostles, and camera movements make VR gameplay practically impenetrable to those who easily suffer from motion sickness. And god help you if you misjudge a corner and spin off course.

But issues with my own constitution aside, I'm mostly nervous about the amount of content that'll be VR-ready in Gran Turismo 7. The series does have previous when it comes to VR, with Gran Turismo Sport offering a mode for the original PSVR headset.

It wasn't great. GT Sport's VR mode felt more like a proof of concept, offering just a handful of tracks and cars to race against AI opponents. A half-hearted "yeah, we can probably do this."

I'd love for GT7's VR support to encompass most aspects of the game. The bulk of single-player content should be accounted for, including the Café and those moreish Menu Book racing objectives. Access to the online Sport mode in VR would be a plus, too, and perhaps even an overhauled showroom to allow PSVR 2 players to get up close and personal with their favorite motors.

There's a ton of potential here for Gran Turismo 7's PSVR 2 support to instantly make it one of the best VR games on the market. So here's hoping Polyphony decides to go the extra mile to create an experience that isn't a simple afterthought.

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Sony PlayStation's PSVR 2 officially has a release date, six years after the launch of the console giant's first virtual reality headset,. And its arrival is not far off, with Sony’s ambitious new VR headset hitting the market on February 23, 2023. For most, however, any excitement for the VR 2’s release date has likely been quickly evaporated at the sight of the headset’s exorbitant price.

Priced at $549.99 / £529.99 / AU$859, the PSVR 2 is set to cost more than the PS5 console itself, which is a little unfathomable at a time when the global economy is suffering from a cost of living crisis and the probability of a recession looming large. Still, as eye-wateringly high as the price tag is, it's not entirely unexpected. 

Much like the initial PSVR, the PSVR sequel will launch as a VR headset roughly in the lower mid-range of pricing for such headsets. Far cheaper than the recently released Meta Quest Pro for example, yet more expensive than the slightly older Oculus (Meta) Quest 2.

The price comparison between the PSVR 2’s and the Meta Quest Pro is probably more significant in my point of view, given that both are launching into the same economic climate at high price points. The PSVR 2 is less of a financial blow by comparison to the Quest Pro, but customers will still be treading carefully regardless. Even so, the PSVR 2's capabilities stack up extraordinarily well against its Meta rival, arguably justifying its high cost.

Panel resolution for the PSVR 2 comes in at a very solid 2000 x 2040 per eye, compared to 1800 x 1920 in the Quest Pro at three times the price. Sony’s upcoming headset also looks to have the Quest Pro beat for field of view and panel refresh rate. And it offers more cameras to help position sensing, which makes up for having fewer motion sensors than its competitor.

What I'm arguing here is that the PSVR 2, at its price point, actually has plenty to offer and punches above its weight in a way that makes Meta’s top-range model look rather overpriced by comparison.

Still, there’s no escaping the fact that the PSVR 2 will be releasing at a time and with a price where a vast majority of consumers – even those who might otherwise have been anticipating the PSVR 2’s release – sadly won’t be able to consider it as an option. And this is even before acknowledging that production of the PSVR 2 is likely already running at a loss for Sony.

PSVR 2, show me the games!

Any loss worn by Sony would have been made up for by future game sales tied to its new headset – such has always been the way with console economics – but this amounts to a bet that Sony can never fully guarantee will pay off. And signs appear to suggest that it may not. 

It can be reasonably predicted that sales numbers for the PSVR 2 will be modest at best thanks to its price turning off consumers in the present climate. So Sony’s bet rests entirely on what it can offer consumers in terms of compelling VR titles that keep them happy for the months and years ahead. A headline-grabbing game or two exclusive to Sony’s new headset in the early phase, in theory, could achieve this.

In a briefing to investors earlier this year, Sony promised 20 such game releases. Alongside the news of its release date and price, the gaming giant gave us a look at 11 of these. So are any of them the ‘killer apps’ PSVR 2 needs to get an early foothold? Valve’s Half-Life: Alyx sold a lot of PC VR HMDs – and that’s the sort of compelling must-have title the PSVR 2 will need.

The answer, of course, is entirely subjective. But based only on what we've been shown thus far, I’d argue that there’s no ‘must-have’ title coming out of the gates at launch.

Take The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR, for example – one of the handful of games shown off by PlayStation recently. Coming from Supermassive Games, the developers of the Dark Pictures Anthology series and previous PSVR horror title Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, Switchback VR sets you up on a rollercoaster ride through a series of horror events, spooks and scares. Sound familiar? It should, because that also describes Until Dawn: Rush of Blood. And does Switchback VR at least look noticeably better than its predecessor? No, not really.

Some of the other announced releases look a little bit more promising, albeit still a little unconvincing. Crossfire: Sierra Squad looks like a fun, frenetic FPS experience and, for a VR game, has eye-catching visuals. However, it doesn’t exactly stand out as the kind of must-have game anyone might willingly part with hard-earned cash just to be able to access. That’s also true of fellow announcement The Light Brigade, which doesn’t necessarily look bad so much as it just looks… OK.

Other titles incoming to the PSVR 2 but already accessible to those with older VR headsets, Meta Quest 2 included, were also announced – such as Pistol Whip and After The Fall. The inclusion of these in its showcase stands out as a bizarre choice by Sony, given this might drive gamers to consider existing VR headsets at cheaper prices.

Where to from here?

Ultimately, many gamers hoping to find a reason to justify spending big bucks on the PSVR 2 headset amidst a struggling economic climate may not be persuaded – at this stage at least. That spells potential danger for the PSVR 2’s impending launch in February.

While the current tough conditions are beyond its control, Sony will nevertheless go the distance and do everything possible to get the PSVR 2 onto as many heads as possible. The hardware is very impressive, and the actual value is also extremely strong when stacked up against PC equivalents – with PSVR being technically superior to most of them, in addition to being roughly half the price. The smart play for gamers would be to wait a little longer, hoping for a price drop and more compelling titles before taking the plunge. 

And for Sony, it will absolutely be aware of the need to deliver the games and convincing incentives for gamers to willingly bear the price of the PSVR 2. A device like the PSVR 2 represents an immense engineering and marketing investment, and gaming history is littered with stories of similar cases where a great device has lacked compelling software and failed, even without the added factor of a likely recession becoming involved. 

Still, the PSVR 2 is an impressive piece of hardware capable of providing a unique point of difference to its competitors in the virtual reality space, with the potential to take VR gaming further into the future. 

It only remains to be seen if Sony will introduce the right tools to help its headset weather the storm that now awaits it. 

• Interested to learn more about what to expect from the PSVR 2? Read up on everything we know so far

PSVR 2, the next iteration of PlayStation’s VR headset, will release in the first few months of next year.

Sony announced that PlayStation VR 2 will release in “early 2023” in a post on Twitter. Although no specific date was mentioned, that release window likely spans the first three months of next year.

There’s still no word on PSVR 2’s launch price. The original PlayStation VR’s starter bundle was released for $499 / £399 / AU$650, although has gradually reduced in price over the last few years. But with the Oculus Quest 2 receiving a price bump last month due to increased manufacturing costs, the PSVR 2 might launch with a similarly inflated price tag. 

Through the looking glass

Hopes are high for PSVR 2, with Sony promising big hardware improvements on its predecessor. The headset will feature an OLED display capable of 4K resolutions, up to 120hz refresh rate, and a 110-degree field of vision. Inside-out motion tracking means you won’t need to rely on a separate camera to track your movements, while foveated rendering will better track the movements of your eye.

It also looks to have a healthier launch slate than the PSVR, releasing alongside 20 new games spanning a range of genres. While we don’t know what all the PSVR 2 games will be, we do know that Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, and Among Us will be among them. 

Other rumors hint that PSVR 2 will be backward compatible, letting you dip into your existing library of PSVR games right from the off. Combined with its sleek design, Sony’s new-and-improved VR system sounds like it will build off its predecessor in all the key ways.

Not that there aren’t other issues to bear in mind. The headset will be wired – a significant compromise next to the wireless Oculus Quest 2 – and you’ll also need to tether it to a PS5. Given the ongoing stock shortages of Sony’s new-gen console, that’s a significant limiting factor.

With small-time VR manufacturer Pico also looking to launch a new headset in Western markets in the future, Sony and Meta might find themselves up against tough, cheaper competition in the future. 

• This is why Redfall is Arkane Austin's ‘most ambitious title’

The first non-promotional picture of Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 has been released, showing us just how streamlined the upcoming VR headset really is.

Developer Bit Planet Games uploaded a picture of a PSVR 2 system on Twitter. Although the studio was quick to delete the post, likely for breaking an internal NDA with Sony, the picture has since been reuploaded to Reddit.

It shows the headset alongside two PSVR 2 controllers – Sense controllers, which have been designed to replace the original system’s Move gamepads. It also shows two opaque plastic bags, which look about the right size to contain a USB charging cable or controller wrist straps.

first_real_picture_of_ps_vr2_mirror_because from r/PSVR

Slim and slender

Although the picture itself doesn’t show the VR headset in action, it certainly clarifies the direction Sony is taking with the upcoming system. PSVR 2 looks just as slim and streamlined as its predecessor, and a very portable package.

The Sense controllers might be bulkier than the PlayStation Move batons, but they’re by no means large. Even their plastic wraparound orbs look fairly slender, and the headset itself appears no bigger than the original PSVR despite its stronger specs.

The PSVR 2 is lighter than its predecessor, though, and expected to weigh less than 600g. That puts it slightly above the Oculus Quest 2 (now called the Meta Quest 2) which comes in at half a kilo, but way below the 800g Valve Index.

All of that means the PSVR 2 looks like a nicely mobile VR console with a small form factor. That’s good news for anyone who plans on moving the system around their home, or was worried Sony would replicate the gargantuan size of the PS5. Add in the rumors that it’ll be backwards compatible and things are looking up for the PSVR 2.

• God of War Ragnarok rumors are getting out of hand – here's what's really going on

We don't know the PSVR 2 release date just yet, but according to one analyst, mass production is expected to start soon with an early 2023 release planned. 

Discussing PSVR 2 in a Twitter thread, TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Sony's new VR headset will enter production soon. He claimed, “My latest supply chain check suggests that the assembler and several component providers of PSVR 2 will start mass production with about 1.5M units shipments in [the second half of] 2022.”

Continuing on, Kuo states that Sony "may launch it in [Q1] 2023, depending on the development schedule of PSVR 2 game titles." Beyond this, Kuo otherwise discusses the upcoming launch titles, hardware upgrades, and Sony's suppliers. You can find the full thread below. 

However, it's worth noting that Kuo's predictions haven't always been completely accurate. Last June, he claimed PSVR 2 would launch in April 2022, a release window that has now passed. He also predicted Oculus Quest 3 and Apple VR may arrive this year, though neither headset has been officially confirmed at this time.

When will PSVR 2 launch?

Right now, we just don't know when Sony's anticipated headset is launching. Previous reports from Bloomberg suggested a Holiday 2022 release (between November and December), but we've also seen rumors that PSVR 2 won't launch until 2023. But with PS5 stock still hard to come by, no thanks to the global chip shortage, it seems sensible to bet on a 2023 release

However, this week may finally offer an official release window. Sony is broadcasting a new State of Play conference on June 2. Half of that seems to be focused on third-party publishers, but it also confirmed we'll get a "sneak peek at several games in development for PlayStation VR2." Hopefully, we'll finally learn when we can experience this new headset.

• Excited for PSVR 2's release? There's over 20 launch games planned

If you're thinking of picking up a PSVR 2 at launch, there's good news. Sony has confirmed its next-gen virtual reality headset will launch with more than 20 games. 

Offering first-party and third-party games for PSVR 2, which was confirmed during an investor relations briefing, there will seemingly be plenty to play at launch. 

Unfortunately though, if you're hoping for fresh reveals, you won't find them here. Sony didn't name-drop any new releases, but the presentation slide does include Horizon Call of the Mountain, which was widely assumed to be a launch game.

Speaking within this briefing (thanks, VGC), PlayStation boss Jim Ryan stated: "Right now, there is a considerable amount of money being spent on partnerships with independent and other third-party developers to secure a considerable pipeline of attractive VR content at the launch of PlayStation VR2."

Elaborating further, Ryan confirmed, “That energy, that effort and that money will continue to grow as the installed base of PlayStation VR 2 headset grows also.” Otherwise, this briefing outlined Sony's ambitions for PC gaming, investment plans into new and existing IPs, alongside growth plans for the remaining financial year. 

Which games can we expect on PSVR 2? 

We've not had many confirmed PSVR 2 games yet, though reveals are slowly increasing. Back in January, Sony unveiled Horizon Call of the Mountain as the first PSVR 2 game during CES 2022. Developed by Guerrilla Games and Firesprite, you won't play as Aloy in this VR spin-off, but you'll meet her alongside other returning characters.

Since then, reveals have been sparse, though we know Among Us VR is coming to both PSVR and PSVR 2. Coatsink recently announced it's publishing a Jurassic World-themed survival horror game at launch, codenamed "Jaffa". Having previously released Jurassic World Aftermath on Oculus Quest, this was more of a stealth game than horror, so we're not expecting a port.

Otherwise, there are a few unannounced games from Fast Travel Games, nDreams, and First Contact Entertainment that we're aware of. We'd speculate Sony is preparing a big PSVR 2 presentation to showcase these new games, but when it'll be is anyone's guess. Still, given the slow drip-feed of PSVR 2 information we've recently had, here's hoping it won't be too much longer. 

• Jurassic World: Aftermath brings stealthy dino horror to Oculus Quest 2

The latest entry in Codemasters’ annual Formula 1 series, F1 22, will be the first to offer VR support to players on PC – but PlayStation owners holding out hope for the same compatibility in the future should temper their expectations. 

In an exclusive interview with TechRadar, the game’s Senior Creative Director, Lee Mather, revealed that Codemasters has “no plans at this time” to add VR support for either Playstation VR or the in-development PSVR 2.

“We’ve been investigating VR for some time and we want to bring it to our F1 game without compromise,” Mather said. “We have partnered with a team who has worked on other Codemasters’ titles and it has taken several years to get us to this point where we know we can deliver a premium experience for our players.”

F1 22 is scheduled for release on July 1 across PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC. At the game’s official unveiling in April, Codemasters announced that only PC players would be able to race in VR at launch, but it wasn’t clear whether the developer intended to offer PlayStation VR users the same functionality later down the line. 

Now, though, we know that console players may have to wait until F1 2023 for the pleasure.

The current list of VR headsets compatible with F1 2022 on PC are as follows:

• Value Index
• Oculus Quest 2 (with Link Cable)
• Oculus Rift S
• HTC Vive
• HTC Vive Cosmos

Impressively, the option to play in VR on PC will be available in all F1 22 modes, and those choosing to do so will also be able to race against non-VR players, too. 

What’s more, Codemasters has implemented several features to ensure that driving at speeds of more than 200mph in VR feels as realistic as possible. The game will use binaural audio, for instance, to simulate the sensation of 3D race sounds, while rain droplets and grime will also build up on players' virtual visors.

The experience won’t be quite as sickening as is it in reality, mind. “Due to the speed and severity of an F1 car’s movement, we must ensure significant impacts aren’t overly jarring for a player,” Senior Creative Director Mather told us. “We don’t want them to feel queasy.”

Introducing the new era of Formula 1 

As disappointed as PlayStation VR owners might be to hear that VR support isn’t coming to consoles any time soon, there’s still plenty to get excited about with F1 22.

Alongside co-op multiplayer and the usual roster of updates, Formula 1’s newest location, the Miami International Autodrome, makes its debut in the upcoming game. You can check it out via the recently released footage below: 

F1 22 also introduces a new adaptive AI system for “less experienced players” that’ll adjust the pace of AI cars depending on your performance – if you’ve never played an F1 game before, trust us when we say this feature is a welcome one.  

Elsewhere, Codemasters has added a customizable hub – dubbed F1 Life – that lets players collect supercars, clothing and accessories (think of it as the driving sim equivalent of a shiny apartment in GTA V), while both the Formula 2 and My Team modes return with their own set of upgrades. 

F1 22 is available to pre-order now for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC. It's scheduled for release on July 1, 2022.

• F1 2022 VR support sounds like a genuinely terrifying experience
  

If you’ve been patiently waiting for Sony to announce a PSVR 2 pre-order date, there’s a strong chance we might hear more about the upcoming virtual reality headset soon.

Prominent insider Tom Henderson shared on Twitter that Sony has begun sending out emails titled “Introducing PlayStation VR2”, which could indicate a PSVR 2 State of Play or showcase event is on the way. 

Henderson noted that both Greg Miller of Kinda Funny and GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb have heard similar rumblings when it comes to PSVR 2, further strengthening the possibility that Sony is indeed planning to give gamers a much-needed deep dive into its new VR headset.

A PSVR 2 State of Play would make sense considering that select developers have already been hands-on with PSVR 2 at GDC 2022 and that dev units have supposedly been sent out to certain studios.

PlayStation VR2 has been tipped to release towards the end of 2022, supply issues permitting. Considering that we still haven’t seen the headset in action, only screenshots of the controllers and the device itself, it makes sense that Sony will hold an event that will give us a proper look at what we can expect. It could also be the ideal opportunity for Sony to announce a PSVR 2 pre-order date and release date ahead of time.

But is it too soon for PSVR 2?

VR headsets are more popular than ever right now, thanks in part to the success of the Oculus Quest 2 – or Meta Quest 2 as it’s now known. A growing number of companies are also investing in VR and the Metaverse, which means there’s certainly more demand for PSVR 2 than there was when Sony made its first foray into VR in 2016.

However, the biggest barrier to entry right now for PSVR 2 isn’t convincing people of the wonders of virtual reality, it’s the fact that PS5 consoles are still hard to come by. The continuing PS5 supply issues have resulted in a slump in sales and momentum for Sony’s console, as more readily available hardware like the Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch outsold the PS5 in the US during March. 

If Sony can’t rectify its PS5 supply problems, then PSVR 2 sales will inevitably suffer as result. The larger the install base the PS5 has, the more chance the PlayStation VR2 will have at being successful. It’s an expensive peripheral after all.

Sony will, of course, have to ensure there’s plenty of enticing software to encourage people to pick up its new device in the first place. We already know that a VR spin-off game based on Horizon Forbidden West is on the way, and we expect popular titles could have VR modes added, similar to what we saw with the original PSVR.

If a PSVR 2 State of Play is announced, we hope that Sony will provide a comprehensive overview of the headset, controllers, and games we can expect. More importantly, though, we’ll be waiting to hear that all-important price point and PSVR 2 pre-order date. 

• PSVR 2 vs Oculus Quest 2: which headset is right for you?

Even though PSVR 2 isn’t even out yet, I’m convinced that Sony already has a killer app for its virtual reality headset in Gran Turismo 7.

Polyphony Digital’s racing sim is an absolute delight, and I’ve been tearing up the tracks, completing license tests, and collecting cars like they’re going out of fashion ever since its release. I’ve even enjoyed the more casual modes like Music Rally, which has introduced me to the marvelous work of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and their ‘Hooked On Classics’ albums. 

But what makes GT7 so appealing is how it showcases almost every element of what the PS5 can do. It really brings the console’s feature set to the fore, like the best SSD for PS5 that eliminates practically all load times, the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make you feel like you’re in the driver’s seat, and even the game’s 3D audio, which sounds simply phenomenal when the rain is crashing down all around you. (The PS5 DualSense can also turn into an extremely convincing steering wheel using the Six-Axis gyro if you haven’t given that a try yet.)

All these things combined help deliver a truly immersive racing experience, and it’s helped make Gran Turismo 7 one of the best games I’ve played on PS5 to date. But then it struck me: Sony has the potential to make it even better.

Buckle up 

Cue PSVR 2. Sony’s next-gen virtual reality headset is scheduled to arrive at the end of this year (supply issues permitting), and I think it could be a match made in heaven for Gran Turismo 7, and developer Polyphony already had previous experience to prove this to be true.

I’d love to see the game support the new virtual reality headset, as the prospect of being able to get a true sense of what it feels like while at the wheel of some of the world’s finest cars has me giddy with excitement.

We already know that Sony’s dabbled with virtual reality in Gran Turismo before – GT Sport had PSVR support, after all – but it was extremely limited due to the humble power of the PS4 and the technical limitations of the headset itself. You could only race against a single AI opponent or view car models in a showroom environment, and the low-resolution display and downgraded graphics took a lot of the sheen off GT Sport’s otherwise impressive visuals.

That doesn’t have to be the case for PSVR 2 and GT7, though. Not only is the PS5 far more powerful than the PS4, but the PSVR 2’s high-end specs completely destroy those of the original headset: 4K resolution per eye, 120Hz refresh rate, eye-tracking, a wider field of view, and a ventilation port to keep you cool during the final stretch of the Nürburgring. The new headset even has a rumble motor built-in, which I’m sure could be used in a variety of interesting ways.

Reality check 

In theory, Gran Turismo 7 could deliver an incredible virtual reality experience, then. But I also think that making an existing PS5 title VR compatible has more chance of attracting people to Sony’s new headset, than a game that’s been created solely with virtual reality in mind, like Horizon Call of the Wild.

If people are already enjoying GT7, like me, and want to take things to the next level, I feel like there’s more chance of them picking up PSVR 2 than being convinced by a game they’ve never played, and one that can only be enjoyed using the headset. 

Gran Turismo is also Sony’s best-selling IP of all time, selling upwards of 80 million units. It means the racing sim has an extremely broad appeal which, if the PSVR 2 is to be successful, is a must.

There’s a clear potential for Gran Turismo 7 to become the killer app to showcase just how great PSVR 2 can be, and I hope Sony and Polyphony are in agreement to build upon the tentative steps took in GT Sport to deliver a genuinely excellent virtual reality showcase. I mean, who wouldn’t want to feel like they’re behind the wheel of a Bugatti Veyron, or dare we say a Willys Jeep?

• Five Gran Turismo 7 settings you need to change right now

The PSVR 2, the next VR headset from Sony, is expected to launch in late 2022. But how will this new headset compare to the Japanese tech giant’s first foray into virtual reality, the PlayStation VR headset?

The PlayStation VR2 – as we now know it’s officially called – will be a dramatic improvement over the original PSVR’s specs. Sony says it will provide a more immersive experience, which will allow players to escape into game worlds like never before. Considering the original PSVR already felt immersive – especially for those trying VR for the first time – this is certainly exciting. 

But if you already own the PSVR, which was released in October 2016, how is Sony’s next-gen virtual reality headset likely to stack up against its predecessor? We don’t have all of the details about the PSVR 2 yet, but below we’ll compare them based on everything we’ve found out so far. That way you can decide whether PSVR 2 will be worth the upgrade when it’s released later this year.

PSVR 2 vs PSVR: price and release date 

Sony hasn’t revealed the price of the PSVR 2 yet, but we can refer to the original PlayStation VR’s launch for a vague idea of where the next-gen headset might fall when it comes to price.

The original price for a full PSVR bundle was $499 (£399, about AU$650); however, that’s considerably more than consumers may want to pay, especially if they have already shelled out on a PS5 which is $499 (£449 / AU$795).

The price of the PSVR has dropped considerably since its release, and the starter bundle now retails for $200 / £259 / AU$420. This is slightly cheaper than the price of the hugely popular Oculus Quest 2 which typically sells for £299 / $299 / AU$479, but that’s not a surprise considering the age of Sony’s headset.

With the PSVR 2 set to boast impressive specs, we’re not expecting to see Sony’s new headset drop below the initial $499 price tag from 2016, and expect it may fall into a higher bracket than the previous model.

PSVR 2 vs PSVR: design and features 

After many months of waiting, Sony finally revealed what the PSVR 2 headset will look like - and it's very similar to the PSVR's original design. It promises to be lighter, slimmer and includes a ventilation port to keep you cool when gaming. We still don't have the exact dimensions of the headset just yet, but Sony has said it's a touch lighter than the PSVR, which was approximately 600 grams.

The PSVR 2 comes with two new controllers, the PlayStation VR2 Sense, which includes adaptive trigger and haptic feedback support. It also uses a 4K HDR OLED panel, with a resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye. The refresh rate is 90Hz - 120Hz, with a field of view of 110 degrees, as well as foveated rendering. 

The new sensory features of PSVR 2, as Sony dubs it, combine eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio, and the PSVR 2 Sense controller to create a deeper feeling of immersion. A built-in motor in the headset will add an additional tactile element, that can replicate your character’s pulse during tense moments, or the rush of objects passing by your head. There's also a lens adjustment dial and the option to adjust the scope area so it sits closer or further away from your face.

Sony’s new virtual reality headset will thankfully reduce the number of wires, with PSVR 2 only requiring a single cable, but sadly it isn’t wireless like the Oculus Quest 2. It’s also unclear whether the PSVR 2 will include a breaker box like the original, but we're hoping it connects directly to the PS5 this time around.

PSVR 2 vs PSVR: specs 

PSVR 2, as you might expect, is far more capable than the original headset, and is also being powered by the PS5. Sony shared the full specs of the PlayStation VR2 at CES 2022, which you can find below. 

Compare the PSVR 2 specs to the original PSVR, and it’s clear that Sony’s new headset is a generational leap over Sony’s first effort. The panel resolution is, in particular, drastically lower than PSVR 2’s, which thankfully is greatly improved. You can see the PSVR’s full specs below. 

PSVR 2 vs PSVR: games 

Sony has already revealed the first game for PSVR 2, Horizon Call of the Mountain, which sees Guerilla Games’ popular Horizon series get its own VR spin-off. A number of games are in development for Sony’s new headset, too, and we’d expect to see many of the most popular VR games, like Beat Saber, get upgraded versions that take advantage of the PlayStation VR2 and PS5’s more powerful hardware.

It’s worth noting that the older PSVR headset is backward compatible with the PS5 if you request a free adaptor from Sony. If you’re not bothered about having the latest specs, then, it could be worth picking up the last-gen version on the cheap to see whether virtual reality, in general, is something you enjoy and sample previous releases. 

We don’t know whether the PSVR 2 will let you play older PSVR games on it, but we sincerely hope that it is indeed backward capability. It’s almost certain you won’t be able to play PSVR 2 specific games on the PlayStation VR, though.

PSVR 2 vs PSVR: verdict 

It’s clear that Sony’s PSVR 2 is a big step up from the original device, then, but whether or not it will capture a large enough audience is another thing, especially as PlayStation 5 consoles are still incredibly hard to buy. PSVR wasn’t exactly a massively popular add-on, selling around 6 million units in total, though it was clearly successful enough to continue with its journey into virtual reality. 

The PSVR 2 will certainly appeal to those who are already on board with VR, and with an impressive specs list and some clever features, Sony’s second attempt to make virtual reality more mainstream could pay off.

• PS5 vs PS5 Digital Edition: what's the difference?

The best VR games intend to take your gaming experience one step further, bringing the dream of stepping into your favorite games to life. But, with the number of titles on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time and energy, so we've pulled together the best of the best so you know which adventures in VR are worth embarking on.

VR technology is becoming better, too – headsets are becoming more ergonomic, and developers continuously improve reaction times and measures against nausea so that your time playing feels smooth and you can concentrate on having fun. Because of this, VR gaming is becoming more accessible to a wider audience, making it even more important to be playing the best games on the platform.

By now there are not only a lot of games to choose from, but also different headsets to consider – if you haven’t made your choice yet, let us help you find the best VR headset with our definitive list. Whether you’re playing on a Meta Quest 3, Valve Index, or PSVR 2 headset, this list has games for any kind of VR platform.

The 18 best VR games to play in 2026

Hitman World of Assassination is a PSVR 2-only add on to the base game. It's the most successful VR adaptation of Hitman yet, with a bunch of new mechanics that completely change how you interact with the world. For one, you can dual wield weapons and items, allowing you to incapacitate two guards at once, and giving you an edge in combat.

If you've played Hitman World of Assassination before, you know the score here, but it's worth reiterating just how much VR adds to the experience, making it well worth a revisit. You'll have access to the three main games, all DLC as well as some extras like the excellent Freelancer Mode.

Available on: PSVR 2, PC, Quest 3

If you're looking for a survival horror to play in VR, you're pretty spoiled for choice across the board. One of the best we've played for a long time is Alien: Rogue Incursion, which serves as a more-action packed offering when compared to the excellent Alien Isolation. What Rogue Incursion thrives at is environmental design, with every beep, boop and snarling roar lovingly recreated from the movies. As you inch your way through dark halls and claustrophobic vents, you'll be constantly checking for any hint of movement in the corners of your vision.

In general, Alien: Rogue Incursion is a fairly strait forward survival horror game, but in fully embracing its source material, it often soars above other scary games on the platform. If you're an Alien fan, there's plenty to dig into, in the form of nods and Easter Eggs, audio files and data logs.

Available on: Meta Quest 3

Batman: Arkham Shadow landed exclusively on Meta Quest 3, and while this does provide a barrier to entry, it's well worth seeking out. Serving as a sequel to Arkham: Origins, this fully fledged VR title sees players donning the cape once more, though this time around there's a new flow to the combat. You'll swing in real time, landing punches, blocking and dodging as you slowly dispatch enemies. There's stealth too, which is a real highlight in VR.

The first person perspective isn't new to the Arkham series, but in Arkham Shadow it definitely helps make character interactions stand out. The story is a dark and twisted affair that stars a lesser known villain, and there's plenty of collectibles to track down as well. Give this one a go, as it's currently the Meta Quest 3's main must-play game.

Available on: PSVR2, PSVR, Meta Quest (all headsets), HTC Vive, Oculus

Thumper came out all the way back in 2016, and it certainly made a huge impression when it landed. All these years later, it's still one of the most unique games you can play on VR, even if it is, at its core, just a rhythm game. By offering up an original and genuinely bombastic soundtrack, Thumper has heaps of personality, matching its weighty, beat-based gameplay perfectly.

You can pick up Thumper for very cheap these days, and you absolutely should. Stick some headphones, and buckle up for a white-knuckle ride set to pounding drums and veering synths.

Available on: PSVR

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is a milestone game in VR's now over a decade-long journey. It's perhaps the best example of how the new medium can add fresh twists on existing genres. 3D platforming is one such genre, one that, for all intents and purposes, had been stagnating. With Astro Bot Rescue Mission, a new perspective is added, and you, the player, are a part of the action, using your giant body to break walls and guide Astro through levels.

While being available on more platforms would certainly have gotten this game higher up on our list, we really can't recommend Astro Bot Rescue Mission enough. It's charming, genuinely clever, and proof that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.

Platforms: PSVR 2

For fans of the best zombie games, Arizona Sunshine 2 is a must-play. You'll need to optimize the tactile gunplay the game offers while facing off with hoards of the undead, making for a fast-paced frenzy of zombie slaying. It's intense, but the gameplay feels so fluid that you can really lose yourself in its content. Plus, you can pet the dog - and that's always a good sign.

In addition, the environment of Arizona Sunshine 2 is enough to sell it alone. As you'd expect from one of the best VR games, a solid setting helps enhance the experience, which Arizona Sunshine 2 definitely delivers.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PSVR

Dance Dance Revolution meets Star Wars, Guitar Hero meets Tron; that’s the best way to describe Beat Saber. This rhythm game has players slashing around glowing sabers to the beat of a musical track. It challenges players to keep up with the tune while cutting through colored blocks and dodging obstacles.

This game was one of the first VR titles to hit mainstream notoriety, because it looks so much fun to play, and it’s still one of the best VR games today thanks to an impressive library of DLC tracks that expand the song selection. Hooking up external headphones (our list of the best headphones can help you there) is a must so you can enjoy tracks from Billie Eilish, Skrillex, and Beat Saber's genre mixtapes to the fullest extent.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift

I Expect You to Die 2 is the perfect James Bond simulator, putting you into the shoes of a bonafide international superspy on a mission to take down a criminal organization no matter what convoluted traps stand in your way.

During this escape room-like experience, you’ll have to deflect hidden lasers, avoid heat-seeking missiles, and serve drinks so you can thwart the criminal mastermind before their plan comes together. The traps can leave you feeling more like Austin Powers than 007, but even when you fail the game is full of humor to keep you entertained. With its delightful characters – including the brilliant voice acting of Wil Wheaton – and spy-cliché story, I Expect You To Die 2 delivers a VR experience that will have you feeling like a super spy.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PSVR

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is the new Mario Party, at least in the sense that it will make your friends hate you. Developed by Steel Crate Games, this game requires careful attention from a recommended 2 to 6 players. While one player works to defuse a bomb, the others have to provide clear instructions on how to do so, but neither team can see what the other is looking at.

Demanding some intense cooperation from your peers, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a fun game with the right group of people, and one of the best VR games thanks to how well it translates.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2

A lot of the best VR games are somewhat frantic, but they don't always have to be. Lost Recipes is a wonderfully relaxing cooking simulator that's a great pick whether you've been playing games for as long as you can remember or are a complete newbie. Each level tasks you with creating a historically accurate dish using a variety of cooking methods and ingredients to please a ghost NPC who is guiding you through the process. It's a weird, yet excellent, blend of Assassin's Creed Nexus VR and Cooking Mama in VR.

Schell Games combines elements of these games with approachable VR gameplay, charming NPCs, and highly detailed VR object interaction to create a concoction that is greater than the sum of its parts. Because of this, Lost Recipes is an excellent entry point into the world of VR gaming, that will also entertain experienced users with its meditative gameplay and historical tidbits.

Platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, PSVR

No Man's Sky took a while to iron out its kinks, but now it is a game like no other. In VR, no game comes this close to what it could feel like to explore actual alien planets, and that alone deserves a spot among the best VR games.

Fight aliens, build your base, or explore planets – the freedom in No Man's Sky can feel daunting, but it's also exhilarating. Traversing and discovering its generated worlds is already one epic adventure many gamers would gladly immerse in. However, Hello Games has taken it to the next level by making No Man’s Sky’s VR experience better than most other developers have on their games.

Platform: Meta Quest 2

Resident Evil 4 VR is an incredible remake of the classic survival horror game for the Meta Quest 2 platform. Armed with nothing but a knife, handgun, and the tools you can scavenge on the way, you’ll have to fend off parasite-infected brutes and monsters on your mission to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter.

Thanks to the great array of comfort options available, this is a game that will leave you frightened instead of queasy. The immersive controls are awesome, too: you’ll really feel like Leon S. Kennedy as you stare down a horde of angry villagers trying to tear you limb from limb – it’s enough to get your heart racing. it would make sense that one of the best survival horror games would also make one of the best VR games.

If you own a PSVR headset, why not try out Resident Evil 7: Biohazard? This game features a lot of what’s great about Resident Evil 4 in VR, facing you off against equally terrifying odds as you try to escape the ranch of the wicked Baker family.

Platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index,PSVR

At this point, Skyrim should need no introduction as a game that's been rereleased more times than we can count. This time, it’s come to the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR, and, in doing so, it offers one of the biggest adventure games we’ve ever seen in VR.

Not only do you get to re-live the entire base game of Skyrim in VR, but the game includes the Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn DLC as well. Even if Skyrim VR isn’t one of the best VR games on a technical level, with its dated graphics (that can be improved with mods) and slightly rough translation to VR, it’s still an adventure easily worth diving into – especially if you're an Elder Scrolls fan.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, PSVR

Super addictive first-person shooter Superhot has come a long way since its humble beginnings one of the best free web browser games in 2013. It's found its natural home on VR headsets, where it makes the most of 360-degree tracking by having enemies flank you from all sides.

Because time moves in slow motion when you do, Superhot VR benefits from the flexibility of a bigger play space. As the difficulty ramps up, you'll need every inch of cover to dodge incoming fire, bullet-time style, while crushing faceless enemies using guns, shurikens, and – most satisfyingly –your clenched fists.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, PSVR

It's hard to put the Tetris Effect experience into words. Fundamentally, you’re playing a regular game of Tetris, except that the environments you're playing in change - it's trippy as heck.

Each level has its own distinct flavor, with music and visuals tailored to its theme. For example, you can play an underwater level and hear soothing underwater noises, while sparkling whales float around your head.

It's a psychedelic and hypnotic experience, and one that everyone should have the privilege to play especially if you're looking for one of the best VR games that gives you a more meditative VR experience to enjoy.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index

Walkabout Mini Golf is an excellent golfing simulator, offering you eight varied courses (plus DLC) set in unique locations from a pirate cove to outer space.

Its expertly crafted golfing mechanics make it feel like you're playing the real thing – and whether you're a more cautious or brazen golfer you'll find that your playstyle will be perfectly translated into this virtual world.

While it might not be the most mind-blowing offering on this list Walkabout Mini Golf is no less deserving of its place here – it is without a doubt one of the best VR games we've played and you should absolutely give it a try.

Platforms: Meta Quest 2

If you're after a competitive multiplayer shooter set in VR, then look no further than Wands Alliances: it's quite possibly the best example of the genre on Quest 2. As a member of either The Ministry or The Watchers, you and two teammates will do battle on the streets of a steampunk London as you use your spells and unique abilities to arm or disable a magical explosive – or eliminate your opponents.

The magical tricks at your disposal and the way they are used in combat both offensively and defensively make this so much more than a reskinned Call of Duty, and the tactical movement gives Wands Alliances an almost chess-like quality. It can be a lot to take in, but you'll be eased into the game gently thanks to an in-depth, yet quick tutorial. Wands Alliances is a must-play VR game that everyone with a Meta Quest 2 headset should play.

Platforms: SteamVR

Half-Life Alyx wasn't quite the game many had been expecting when it was announced, but it more than proved itself upon launch. The thing is, Half-Life and VR is a marriage made in heaven, with the new platform giving the developers more space to innovate and try out new types of mechanics. Playing it is genuinely transformative, as you peak from cover, manipulate objects from afar, and get into tense shootouts.

Absolutely worth trying if you have a headset to play it on. Here's hoping it's ported to be a bit more widely available though, as many simple don't have the hardware to run it.

Best VR Games: FAQs

How we made our best VR games list

The team at TechRadar Gaming spend a lot of time testing out the best VR titles, and with hundreds of hours spent across different headsets, so we know exactly which titles are worth recommending.

Our experience with VR gaming, alongside the time we have spent within the games themselves, mean we have opinions you can really trust when it comes to recommendations.

With Sony’s PSVR 2 virtual reality headset for PS5 headlining the company’s big CES 2022 showcase, you’d be forgiven for thinking the device’s release is near. However, it’s still yet to get a release date, and the reason may sit with the headset’s eye-tracking technology.

It appears that Sony has yet to finalise a deal with an eye-tracking technology partner – though it appears to have one in its sights.

In a statement published on Monday and spotted by VGC, eye-tracking specialists Tobii AB, the “global leader in eye-tracking and pioneer of attention computing” said that it is “currently in negotiation with Sony Interactive Entertainment to be the eye-tracking technology provider in SIE’s new VR headset, PlayStation VR2″.

Crucially, those negotiations do not appear to be finalized, according to Tobii, as it states it will not be commenting on the financial details of any deal as “negotiations are ongoing”.

The price of progress

Tobii has long been a player in the eye-tracking space, working on everything from arcade machines to modules that allow for eye-control in PC games. Its Eye Tracker 5, for example, works with around 160 PC titles, and works incredibly well – players can use the device to control camera movements, use items and track targets. It’s particularly useful as an additional input control option for those with accessibility issues.

But it comes at a price. The Eye Tracker 5 sells for about $230 / £230, by itself. Should Sony be opting for similar technology in its headset, that could dramatically increase the price of PSVR 2 - the original PSVR, for instance, cost $399 / £349 at launch without any eye-tracking support built in. Keep in mind the PSVR 2’s other proposed advanced specifications – a 4K HDR OLED display, 120Hz max refresh rate, improved controllers – will have to be factored into that final price, too.

Sony will have the advantage of manufacturing at scale, something that a niche device manufacturer like Tobii won’t have access to, which will drive the cost down, as well as the usual subsidizing factors – much of Sony’s hopes for profit will come from ongoing software sales.

But to achieve big software sales numbers requires scale, and with Sony still struggling to meet demand for the console itself, it may not be able to make the usual assumptions as to the wider popularity of its updated VR software catalog.

Regardless, the eye-tracking technology is arguably the key next-gen factor in the PSVR 2, more so than the improved display or even controllers. It’s the glue that ties everything special about the new hardware proposition together, offering a more comfortable in-headset viewing experience, as well as enabling accurate foveated rendering – the ability to realistically mimic peripheral vision by dropping the resolution of any in-game element that is outside of the player’s focus point. That’s a key element of driving such a high-resolution display at high refresh rates, taking the burden off the PS5’s processing ceiling by dialing back the detail on everything but what the player is actively engaged with.

• How PSVR 2 could change your perception of virtual reality with just one feature

While we’ve still yet to see the PlayStation VR 2 headset, aka the PSVR 2, in the flesh, this week saw Sony confirm the key specs for its PS5 virtual reality device at CES 2022. But one key feature of the PS5 add-on was notable for its absence: there was no mention of backwards compatibility with original PSVR titles.

Sony instead focussed on the new features of the headset - its 4K HDR OLED display, 110-degree field of view, 90Hz / 120Hz refresh rates and “new sensory features” including haptic feedback in the VR device.

When pushed for clarification on PSVR 2’s backwards compatibility status by games journalist Stephen Totilo, Sony’s public relations representative merely stated that “they have nothing further to announce at the moment.” 

But with backwards compatibility such an easy PR win for the upcoming headset, you’d be forgiven for worrying about the reasoning not to discuss it as soon as possible in the headset’s hype cycle.

It’s unusual, given the fanfare and gratitude-filled reception Sony received from players when it confirmed that the PS5 would be backwards compatible with 99.9% of PS4 titles. You'd imagine that Sony would have been, as a result, equally bullish about confirming backwards compatibility support for PSVR 2 as early as possible, which points to a worrying conclusion that the PSVR 2 is not backwards compatible at all.

Making PSVR 2 backwards compatibility happen

Certainly, there are a number of key differences that will need to be considered for backwards compatibility to be possible. 

First of all, Sony would need to decide how to scale the lower-resolution games to a higher-end new display unit. On top of that, the tracking system used by the original PSVR used an external camera and on-headset lighting to help track player movements, while PSVR 2 uses inside out tracking – something that would require further development work to be compatible on the new headset. 

And finally, the new Sense controllers seem drastically different to that of the wand-like PS Move controllers PSVR 1 relied upon, not to mention the differences between the DualShock 4 and DualSense pads.

These aren’t insurmountable differences, but it certainly doesn’t seem as though the two systems and the legacy software will be compatible right out of the box. An investment in further development patches seems certainly necessary if backwards compatibility is at all possible, but how many developers will make or be encouraged to make that investment is uncertain.

Even PSVR-compatible games that have already received PS5 upgrades, like Hitman 3 and No Man’s Sky, have seen their PS5 versions of the game drop support for the original PSVR. 

Players instead have to download the PS4 versions of the game onto their new consoles in order to access PSVR functionality. Whether or not that’s to facilitate a PS5 / PSVR 2 version later down the line remains to be seen, but Sony’s cross-generation approach to VR is already causing headaches. Indeed, to even use the original headset on the new generation console hardware, a player has to first order a PSVR adapter for the newer machine, as it doesn’t natively support the VR device through its onboard ports. Some PSVR titles, such as Robinson: The Journey, isn't compatible with PS5 in any manner whatsoever.

Legacy libraries

When it comes to hardware changes for other virtual reality software libraries, the transition has been less painful. Mostly that’s down to the fact that, all-in-one headsets like the Oculus Quest 2 aside, the majority of virtual reality play takes place on PC. 

Here, for the most part, game libraries can be carried over from one headset to another with relative ease, with key platforms like Steam VR and Oculus VR being supported by a large number of headsets. In the instances where compatibility between PC VR headsets and titles isn’t available, a hardcore modding community often has been able to find workarounds or fixes to make most software compatible with most PC VR hardware.

But with the case of PSVR, it’s very much part of Sony’s walled eco-system. Your PSVR library can’t be magicked over to a PC - though there are of course many multi-platform VR titles, owning them for PSVR and PC would require a separate purchase. And in the case of top drawer PSVR exclusives like Astro Bot: Rescue Mission, Farpoint or Blood and Truth, these titles (currently) just aren’t available anywhere else. 

Will Sony patch these games for PS5 and PSVR 2? That’s possible, but Sony’s hit-and-miss approach to paid-for next-gen upgrades from PS4 to PS5 software may mean that loyal PSVR fans may still have to pay a stipend for access to any potential upgrade that may come.

As it stands then, original PSVR owners, those whose investment has made this PSVR 2 device possible, will be left holding onto the PS4 consoles and ageing PSVR hardware in order to play their existing VR catalogues. Sony would do well to reassure its most ardent VR fans that that won’t be the case, or run the risk of alienating those most likely to dip into its next-generation of VR hardware.

• PSVR 2: everything you need to know

PSVR 2 was announced by Sony at CES 2022 last night, bringing a much-needed update to the headset for the PS5. During the announcement, improvements were discussed around the headset compared to its predecessor, and one key addition stood out - foveated rendering. 

It’s a term that’ll likely be new for those not deep in the virtual reality scene. It’s not an entirely new concept, but the PSVR 2 will be the most mainstream device utilising it to date. This could potentially open up wider implementation across future VR devices if it proves to be a useful feature. 

However, bringing it back to basics, let’s answer the question you are likely here to get an answer for - What is Foveated Rendering? 

One of the key benefits of this is that it helps manage hardware resources in games. It’s much like a lesser-version of frustum culling (here’s an example from Horizon: Zero Dawn), which is a developer technique used where a game ceases to render objects that the player is not looking at. 

What does Foveated Rendering mean for PSVR 2?

Without getting hands-on with the headset, it’s not clear exactly how accurate for or perceptible Foveated Rendering is going to be to the average PlayStation player. However, the most likely outcome is going to be that this will likely be a tool more beneficial to developers than what would be immediately obvious to players. Namely, this will be a way to optimise experiences by delegating resources better.

One of VR’s eternal problems is that it’s demanding of hardware. That’s going to be no different for the PSVR 2 which is aiming for a 4K experience. Each eye will have a 2000×2040 screen with framerates up to 90/120Hz. On top of that, the headset will likely be outputting an image to a regular 4K TV for viewers outside of the headset to enjoy too. The bottom line is that is quite the demand. 

Foveated Rendering will allow the PS5 to try to ease some of that demand. By lessening the rendering on objects that aren’t being focused on, it frees up more space for the console to breathe and allocate elsewhere.

That translates to a user in the form of better performance or more impressive experiences that would have been impossible without the visual trick. There are still questions around the process, of course though. Perhaps the biggest will come down to the delay between a player looking at something in-game and the headset responding. It’s not something we will know until users get hands-on. 

That said, this appears to be a smart investment from Sony. Console VR is often going to be a game of resource management for developers, and this looks like it might be a powerful tool at their disposal. In the end, it should allow the headset and gaming experiences to be pushed a little further which is always exciting. 

With the most mainstream gaming VR experience adopting the technology, it will be interesting to see if the broader VR industry will invest further in it.

• The best VR headsets