PlayStation have shared pictures and more details of their upcoming VR headset, the PSVR 2. Beyond the pictures, there are few additional details compared to what the PS5 Manufacturer had already shared in January.

PSVR2 – what’s new

The original PSVR was one of the “good” Virtual Reality headsets of the previous generation, and definitely helped making VR relevant again in the world of gaming. However it suffered from several shortcomings that we hope the next gen of headsets will solve.

Compared to the original PSVR, at a first glance the PSVR2 has a new, “rounder” design, and so do the new “sense” controllers which will probably replace the PS Move. The PSVR2 keeps some features of the PSVR, such as the location of the headphone jack, and the adjustable headband.

Looking into details, PSVR2 will be slightly lighter (good), offer a lens adjustment dial to help optimize the view, and have an internal motor for head haptic feedback (this one was already disclosed last month).

These new disclosed features come in addition to PSVR2 specifications PlayStation had already shared in January:

• Visual Fidelity: For a high-fidelity visual experience, PS VR2 offers 4K HDR, 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering. With an OLED display, players can expect a display resolution of 2000×2040 per eye and smooth frame rates of 90/120Hz.
• Headset-based Controller Tracking: With inside-out tracking, PS VR2 tracks you and your controller through integrated cameras embedded in the VR headset. Your movements and the direction you look at are reflected in-game without the need for an external camera.
• New Sensory Features: PS VR2 Sense Technology combines eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio, and the innovative PS VR2 Sense controller to create an incredibly deep feeling of immersion. Headset feedback is a new sensory feature that amplifies the sensations of in-game actions from the player. It’s created by a single built-in motor with vibrations that add an intelligent tactile element, bringing players closer to the gameplay experience. For example, gamers can feel a character’s elevated pulse during tense moments, the rush of objects passing close to the character’s head, or the thrust of a vehicle as the character speeds forward. Additionally, PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech makes sounds in the player’s surroundings come alive, adding to this new level of immersion.
• Eye Tracking: With eye tracking, PS VR2 detects the motion of your eyes, so a simple look in a specific direction can create an additional input for the game character. This allows players to interact more intuitively in new and lifelike ways, allowing for a heightened emotional response and enhanced expression that provide a new level of realism in gaming.

PlayStation VR2 Specifications

PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers Specifications

PSVR2 – Impressions

I had 3 issues with the original PSVR that have prevented me from enjoying it as more than a gimmick so far:

1. it’s cumbersome to install and plug in, with an additional processing unit, lots of cables, etc…
2. It’s connected to the console with long, potentially fragile cables, that often get in the way as you play,
3. it makes me seasick after 20 minutes of gameplay (and I know not everyone is affected by that, but I also know this impacts enough people to be mentioned).

I don’t care that much for the new “circular” design mumbo jumbo on the PSVR, or how slick the controllers look like. As a matter of fact, there’s one thing I’m pretty much guaranteed to not see when I play PSVR, it’s the PSVR headset itself. Make it light and ergonomic, yes please, but I don’t care that much for what it looks like. Just my personal opinion, of course.

The “single cord setup” will answer my point 1, setup, and might ensure the device gets out of its box more often than my current PSVR does. I’m also hoping that the improved resolution and the lens adjustment dial will help with motion sickness. Unfortunately it seems the refresh rate will be the same as for the original PSVR, so I’m worried motion sickness will still be a significant problem for people like me.

Last but not least, I know it was a pipe dream to hope for PSVR2 to be entirely wireless, but the cable will be a problem for me. The PSVR cable, even if it’s not always “in the way” makes it presence felt constantly, like someone pulling on your shirt to get your attention, and that can be distracting from the experience. Generations of gamers (myself included) have played with wired controllers, so I’m certainly nitpicking, but I don’t think I’d ever get back to wired controllers today, and I can’t wait for PSVR (3? 4?) to be a wireless version. I understand that the cost/technology required to do this in a consumer product isn’t there yet (My understanding is that the occulus go is “ok” but would not be enough for the quality we expect out of PS5, correct me if I’m wrong as I haven’t tried it).

As it stands, PSVR2 looks like a nice “evolution” on the original PSVR, but not a groundbreaking revolution, at least to me. I’ll be waiting to see reviews, in particular relating to motion sickness, to see if it’s worth getting it.

Source: Playstation blog