PSVR is one of those platforms that revolutionized the gaming world. Since PS4 is the best seller of this generation for consoles, it made a lot of sense to add VR support to it and the price makes it one of the most accessible VR solutions on the market right now. With PSVR2 around the corner, is PSVR still worth buying 6 years after release? Let’s find out!
Update: 2nd Jan 2023: We no longer recommend buying the PSVR, for console VR gaming you should wait until Feb 2023 and pick up a PSVR 2. Alternatively, you could opt for a stand alone model like the Pico 4.
Verdict
Pros
- Very easy to use and comfortable
- Large, expanding game library of AAA titles
- Cheap compared to other headsets
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Tracking issues
- Build quality is not the best or more durable
- Terrible resolution in 2023
- PSV2 Coming out later this year
Resolution and Performance
The unit comes with a 5.7” OLED screen and full HD resolution, so 960×1080 per eye. Unlike other VR solutions this is a single screen. You get full 360 degree vision and you will have the world rendered at 120 FPS at all times. Reading small texts can be difficult, but you get used to that. While other units have better resolution nowadays, PSVR still remains to have minimal screen door effect compared to other PC VR Units.
Controllers
We found that the Move controllers are pretty average, they do bring a sense of immersion but don’t feel as good as other VR controllers. They don’t have the tracking responsiveness offered by Oculus, Valve Index or Vive, but they are indeed functional enough and that really matters in the end.
They also have the PSVR Aim controller, giving you a fully immersive experience for shooter games. The PSVR Aim controllers has been rated one of the top rated VR accessories across any unit.
Tracking
Tracking has fallen way behind the competition now. You will notice a bit of PSVR drift if you’re not centering the unit with the camera. In order to improve tracking you will have to set the headset flat on the floor for a little bit for adjustment purposes. Ideally you also want to avoid reflective surfaces and play in a loom that’s very well lit, but not super bright. And of course, the camera needs to be high enough. You may also run into a few difficulties when the controllers go behind your head – Think bow and arrow games.
Design and comfort
The interesting thing about PSVR is that you have full 3D audio and in-ear headphones, as well as a dedicated mic in the headset. So you can easily interact with people and talk with them without having a dedicated microphone. When it comes to comfort, the unit has a great halo head strap with plenty of cushioning. Whenever you put it on it doesn’t feel awkward and while playing you will rarely feel any pressure on your head.
PSVR Games
You can’t have a great VR platform without good games. The reality is that PSVR does have excellent VR games. You have Skyrim, as well as Borderlands 2 VR, Thumper, Dirt Rally, Arizona Sunshine, Transpose, Superhot VR, Firewall Zero Hour, Astro Bot Rescue Mission, Wipeout Omega Collection, Resident Evil 7 and many others.
It’s rather clear that there’s no shortage of PSVR games. Some of them are full games with a VR components, others are just proof of concept or shorter games. Either way, there’s definitely something for everyone here and you will be pretty happy with your purchase as a whole.
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Conclusion – Is PSVR worth buying
Is PSVR still worth buying in 2023? If you already own a PS4 and are not upgrading to a PS5 anytime soon, prices are down under $300 nowadays and you can also get it with a lot of extra games as a package.
However for the vast majority of users we would urge you to go for either the PSVR 2 or a stand alone headset.