PSVR vs PSVR 2: Should you upgrade?

After what seemed to be an eternity, CES 2022 saw Sony announce the specifications of the PSVR 2. Now we know it will cost $550 and drop on the 22nd of February 2023. This give us some important insight as of what to expect when PSVR 2 does finally hit the shelves. It can also help us answer the question if buying the original PSVR while it’s cheap will be worth it, or if you are better off waiting for the superior PSVR 2.

Spec comparison PSVR vs PSVR 2

Resolution

Six years is a long time in VR. Since the initial release of 2016, PSVR’s resolution is really starting to fall behind compared to newer headsets like the Oculus Quest 2. While it can still be fun for new users, extended gameplay on the PSVR have users often complaining about poor graphics and the screen door effect. The PSVR 2 looks extremely competitive here beating both the Oculus Quest 2 and the well loved Valve Index.

PSVR 2 will offer the same refresh rate as its predecessor – up to 120Hz with and a OLED panel. PSVR 2 has almost four times the pixel count which will give users a far sharper image and a much more immersive experience when playing their favorite VR games.

Field of view is with the PVSR 2 compared to the PSVR will be increasing from 100° to 110°.

Tracking

Inside-out tracking has become the new normal for popular VR headsets and it is a welcome step away from the original PSVR clunky and poor tracking system which required the use of an external camera. Tracking was always one of PSVRs biggest issues, many users reported the controllers drifting or shaking. PSVR 2 will utilize 4 cameras on the headset for controller tracking which should give users a much better experience.

PSVR 2 is making big moves with the release Eye tracking. This exclusive feature is not available on Meta’s Quest 2 or even the Valve index. This would enable users to generate inputs by looking in different directions, potentially making an VR and even more immersive environment in PSVR 2 games. It will be exciting to see how game developers will make use of this.

PSVR 2 Backwards compatibility

Sony’s upcoming VR headset, the PSVR 2, will not be backwards compatible with PSVR titles, according to the SVP of Platform Experience Hideaki Nishino. The new headset is “designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience”, said Nishino, but the lack of backwards compatibility has sparked a mixed reaction on social media. It is possible for developers to update their titles to the newer PSVR 2 software development kits, but additional work would be required to update games for the PSVR 2’s new control system.

All PSVR 2 Games: Confirmed Launch titles

• After the Fall
• Altair Breaker
• Before Your Eyes
• Cities VR
• Cosmonious High
• Creed Rise to Glory: Championship Edition
• The Dark Pictures: Switchback
• Demeo
• Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate
• Fantavision 202X
• Gran Turismo 7 (Exclusive)
• Horizon Call of the Mountain (exclusive)
• Job Simulator
• Jurassic World Aftermath
• Kayak VR: Mirage
• Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat!
• The Last Clockwinder
• The Light Brigade
• Moss 1 & 2 Remaster
• NFL Pro Era
• No Man’s Sky
• Pavlov VR
• Pistol Whip
• Puzzling Places
• Resident Evil Village
• Rez Infinite
• Song in the Smoke
• STAR WARS: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge
• Synth Riders
• The Tale of Onogoro
• Tentacular
• Tetris Effect
• Thumper
• The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: Ch. 2: Retribution
• Vacation Simulator
• What the Bat
• Zenith: The Last City

Controllers

Another point to PSVR 2. The original PS move controllers were a pain to use so we’re very excited to see Sony make upgrades in this area. PSVR 2 controllers will give users a better grip and be more accommodating to range of hand sizes. These controllers will have adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. The Controllers will also have an analog stick. This will hopefully make moving a lot more smooth compared to the point and click movement from the vast majority of PSVR games.

Price and release date

This is the only area that PSVR will take the cake. PSVR is available right now and has had a price drop with the following package available. PSVR 2 is set to launch at a price tag of $550 and is available for pre order now with most retailers.

• PSVR Marvel’s Iron Man Bundle: This includes 1x PSVR headset, 1x PlayStation Camera, 2x PlayStation Move Controllers, 1x Marvel’s Iron Man VR

Conclusion PSVR vs PSVR 2

For the vast majority of people we would highly recommend picking up one of the newer headsets like the standalone Oculus Quest 2 or waiting for the release of PSVR 2. That being said, if you’re itching to get into VR, aren’t a Meta Fan, don’t have a gaming PC and only have a PS4 it could be worth picking up a cheap PSVR on sale or second hand.