The word “amazing” is frequently used, but virtual reality truly deserves it: you won’t believe how brilliantly it works until you see it for yourself. The software has been slow to catch up to the potential of VR headsets, but the technology itself is mindblowing because of the way it allows us to interact with virtual worlds as if we’re actually there – something that had only been a dream until the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive were released earlier this year. It’s amazing that Sony’s PlayStation VR headset will let many more people to have these transformative experiences by decreasing the financial barrier to entry with only a few compromises.
PlayStation VR was released in 2016, and it held the record for the longest time as the best-selling VR headset ever sold. Why pay for a high-performance, PC-tethered headgear like the Oculus Rift S or HTC Vive Pro 2 when you can connect something into the console under your TV?
Sony reported in January 2020 that it has sold more than five million PSVR systems(opens in new tab), after previously announcing 21.9 million VR games and apps sold alongside the headset. Even without sales, the PlayStation VR has become a game-changing piece of gear in more ways than one. Sony will continue to improve its VR services in the next years, and PSVR 2 is not far away. However, anyone who has the original PSVR may still acquire a free adaptor to use on the new console.
Though the PlayStation VR is only $399.99, that pricing is deceptive because it is largely worthless without the $59.99 PlayStation Camera, which is offered separately. Furthermore, several of the launch games require or employ one or two motion-tracked PlayStation Move controllers, which must be purchased separately for between $20 and $30 apiece. Bundles (such as the one on which this review is based) with the whole set are available for $499.99, which is still a significant savings.
The HTC Vive costs $799.99 with its two Lighthouse sensors and motion controllers; the Oculus Rift costs $599.99 with one sensor and an Xbox One controller (and accompanying wireless dongle), but Oculus will soon sell its Touch controllers for an unknown price that is expected to be in the $200 range. So, when combined with the fact that it connects to a $299.99 PlayStation 4 rather than a $700 or more gaming PC, the PlayStation VR is by far the cheapest option for good-quality VR with motion control.
PlayStation VR review: Design
The PSVR’s visual style was clearly inspired by the PS4. The sleek rounded form complements the black and white color scheme. When the LED sensor illuminates, the visual appeal of the headset is stunning. When activated, the PSVR displays a cool light show between the headset and Move Controller LEDs – especially if people are watching while someone is playing in the dark.
For a variety of reasons, the PSVR is one of the most comfortable VR devices available from Meta, HTC, and HP. For starters, it’s only.2 pounds heavier than the Meta Quest 2 despite feeling just as light. There is an excellent weight balance all around, making it easy to move your head freely. The PSVR does not have a strap like most VR headsets and instead has a circular band that rests on top of the head.
Users can push and drag the headset toward or away from their face by pushing a button on top of the faceplate and tightening it with a crank on the back of the band. The cushions on the forehead and behind the head are both soft and pleasant. However, years of use have resulted in some degradation on the cushions of my unit.
A 3.5mm headset jack with perforations to hold the accompanying earbuds is located on the bracelet. It’s a wonderful addition that keeps the look consistent while also keeping your headphones from dangling or getting in the way when gaming. Audiophiles seeking better audio can also connect their preferred earbuds, headphones, or gaming headset.
PlayStation VR review: Comfort
And Sony is taking virtual reality very seriously. The best PlayStation VR games that have been released, as well as those that are still to be released, have provided good evidence that it is committed to VR development. To top it all off, a redesigned headset was introduced in late 2017 that addressed the original headset’s lack of HDR passthrough, as well as improved audio and comfort. Sony’s VR equipment has a promising future. To that purpose, most PlayStation VR games will advise you to stay in one of two positions: seated or standing up and motionless. Sitting down may be more pleasant if you’re prone to motion sickness, but certain games are clearly better played on your feet.
PlayStation VR review: Performance
To make matters even more confusing, you’ll have to decide whether to purchase the more powerful PlayStation 4 Pro console when it becomes out in November. The Pro is meant to boost PSVR’s frame rate and image quality, but we haven’t been able to test it ourselves and Sony is still assuring that PSVR will operate properly with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Slim.
However, it is not in the same league as PSVR. Mobile headsets lack features like positional tracking, which can help reduce motion sickness and offer up new gameplay possibilities, and they can’t compete with PSVR’s comfort levels or graphical capabilities. They are not inherently a worse type of virtual reality, but they are quite different.
PlayStation VR review: Price
The answer is self-evident: expense. The Oculus Rift costs £550, while the HTC Vive costs £770 after Brexit. Both require a PC worth at least £1000. Ouch. You’d be correct if you assumed Sony had to make some concessions to get that pricing. The business has made no secret of the PS VR’s specifications, which are unsurprisingly lower than those of more expensive options, and no one believes a PS4 is as powerful as a £1000+ PC. In short, we expected a lesser resolution experience and were willing to forgive Sony for it given the price point.
Conclusion
Even with the PlayStation VR 2 on the horizon, the PlayStation VR remains an excellent entry point into VR for PlayStation 4 and 5 users. First-party exclusives, like the consoles themselves, are the true stars of the show, with amazing games like Blood & Truth and Marvel’s Iron Man. The headset’s excellent third-party games also demonstrate that it can compete with the more popular Quest 2. Aside from VR gaming, cinematic mode is a fantastic tool for emulating game play and movie viewing on a theater-sized screen.
Just keep in mind that this gadget was designed with the outdated PS4 in mind, so there are some hardware restrictions compared to many of the top VR headsets. Also, with the PSVR2 on the way, PS5 users may want to reconsider getting one, given that the PSVR now lacks software to take advantage of the more powerful technology. PS4 customers who are still locked in the previous console generation may be able to extend the life of their old machines using PSVR. Others might be better off waiting for the next iteration.
