Is the PSVR2 worth it? This article tries to answer the question by looking at its specs, controllers, games and more. The image shows the PlayStation VR2 headset and Sense controllers.

Is the PSVR2 Worth It?

Is the PSVR2 worth it? This article tries to answer the question by looking at its specs, controllers, games and more. The image shows the PlayStation VR2 headset and Sense controllers.
Screenshot from PlayStation

Is the PSVR2 Worth It?

“Is the PSVR2 worth it?” and “Is the PSVR2 any good?” are some of the pressing questions echoed in the PlayStation and VR gaming community. Despite carrying a price tag that surpasses the PS5, the PSVR2 selling well since its debut in February 2023 indicates a high demand for its premium VR experience. In this article, we discuss the PSVR2’s specs and features to assess its value.

PSVR2 Headset
Display method: OLED
Panel resolution: 2000 x 2040 per eye
Panel refresh rate: 90Hz, 120Hz
Lens separation: Adjustable
Field of View: Approx. 110 degrees
Sensors: Motion sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)

Attachment sensor: IR proximity sensor
Cameras: 4 embedded cameras for headset and controller tracking

IR camera for eye tracking per eye
Feedback: Vibration on headset
Communication with PS5: USB Type-C®
Audio: Input: Built-in microphone

Output: Stereo headphone jack

PSVR2 Design Evolution

Sony’s PSVR2 is all about giving you a great gaming experience. While it has some looks from the original PSVR, there’re several modifications aimed at making your VR experience even better.

To tailor the fit for every individual, the headset is equipped with adjustable headband arms and a small wheel at the rear to tighten or loosen the strap. The wired earbuds plug in neatly into the audio jack on the headset. If hooking up systems with multiple cables is not your thing, you would be happy to know that with the PSVR2, you’ll only have to connect one USB Type-C cable to the front of your PS5.

Where your head rests against the headband, there is a rubberized cushion on the front and back. Wrapped around the lens is also a rubberized material that acts as a shield to keep outside light out.

With the PSVR2’s unique headband design, the screen sits comfortably atop your head, rather than pressed against your face. Want a clearer view? Just tweak the lens distance adjustment dial at the top to align the lens to the center of your eyes.

Down below the headset, you’ll find the power and settings buttons. There’s also a handy function button. Press that to get the See-through View which shows your surroundings in black and white. Need some quiet? This button also mutes your mic.

A scope adjustment button at the top moves the display closer or farther from you. And when you’re setting things up for the first time, the four front-facing cameras will map out your room and create a safe play space.

Head Strap Cover Set for PlayStation VR2
PSVR2 accessories: VR Cover Head Strap Cover Set for PlayStation VR2

PSVR2 Uncomfortable?

PSVR2 Accessories: Enhancing Comfort with VR Cover

Feeling a pinch on the forehead with the PSVR2? You’re not alone. Some gamers have mentioned a bit of discomfort there. But don’t worry, we’ve got just the thing for you: the Head Strap Cover Set for PlayStation VR2. Our support strap, designed to go across the top of the head, helps distribute the weight of the device more evenly, so there is less pressure on those sensitive areas. You can loosen the strap for more comfort or tighten it to keep that sweet spot, whatever feels right.

The set also includes absorbent cotton covers for the front and back of the headband. If you’re breaking a sweat during those epic gaming marathons, these VR covers come to the rescue by capturing drips quickly, ensuring your headset stays nice and clean. The covers can be easily removed and washed to maintain hygiene.

PSVR2 Sense Controllers
Buttons: Right - PS button, Options button, Action buttons (Circle / Cross), R1 button, R2 button, Right Stick / R3 button

Left - PS button, Create button, Action buttons (Triangle / Square), L1 button, L2 button, Left Stick / L3 button
Sensing/Tracking: Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer)

Capacitive sensor: Finger touch detection

IR LED: Position tracking
Feedback: Trigger effect (on R2/L2 button), haptic feedback (by single actuator per unit)
Port: USB Type-C®
Communication: Bluetooth® Ver5.1
Battery: Type: Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Intuitive Controllers: A Gamer’s Delight

The PSVR2 Sense controllers feel like an extension of your hands due to their advanced haptic feedback. The rings around the wrist have infrared lamps, and the headset uses these to track your hand movements, making every action precise.

Now, let’s talk buttons. Each controller has a thumbstick and a PlayStation button to access the Control Centre. On the left, you’ve got the Square, Triangle, and Create buttons. On the right, Circle, X, and Options. In the middle of the grip, there’s the L1 and R1 buttons. These sense your finger’s touch, letting you interact with games in a new way.

The adaptive triggers on the L2 and R2 buttons are game-changing. They enhance the immersion by letting you feel different levels of force depending on the type of interaction, from the tension of a bowstring, for example, to the weight of a door.

Display & Sensory Experience: Next-Level Immersion

The PSVR2’s OLED display makes everything look bright and sharp. It has 4K HDR, a wide 110-degree view, and a clear resolution of 2000×2040 for each eye. With smooth frame rates of 90/120Hz, you’re also less likely to feel dizzy in VR.

The PSVR2 definitely offers a deeper gaming experience with its Sense controllers, eye tracking, and headset feedback. For instance, the game can tell where you’re looking, so you might pick up an item just by staring at it. And with Sony’s Tempest 3D AudioTech and the headset’s vibrating motor, you don’t just play the game; you feel it.

Setting Up: A Breeze

Setting up the PSVR2 is simple. After you’ve plugged the headset into your PS5 via the USB-C port, follow the instructions to scan the room. If you want to move around in the game, make sure you have a 2×2 meter area clear. You’ll be asked to check your room’s lighting and then to wear the headset. Adjust it until the view is clear and centered. Once everything’s set, you’ll see the PlayStation menu. From there, you can start a PSVR2 game.

To connect the controllers to the PS5 in the initial set-up, use the included USB-C to Type-A cable. Then press the PlayStation button on the controllers to pair them up with the console.

PSVR2 Games

Old VR games port nicely on the new PSVR2 headset though as the PSVR2 isn’t backward-compatible with the original PSVR game library, it means a lot of titles aren’t supported. One new game that stands out is Horizon Call of the Mountain. It’s specially made for PSVR2 and shows off its top-notch tech. The game is beautiful to look at and the controllers and headset give real-feel feedback.

Other highly-rated games for PSVR2 include Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village, No Man’s Sky, The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners Chapter 2: Retribution, and Synapse. However, since many beloved VR games are exclusive to the original platform, some gamers are holding off on buying the new headset. On the bright side, more and more titles are being added to its library and several games are in development.

Should I Buy the PSVR2?

As many are wondering, “Should I buy the PSVR2?”, they are also waiting for Quest 3’s launch in fall before making a decision. Yet despite its significant cost and current limitations in game compatibility, the PSVR2 remains attractive due to its great features that give you an amazing VR experience that you can’t find anywhere else.