PSVR 2 specs: what’s inside PlayStation VR 2?
Take a look at the PSVR 2 specs to find out what Sony's next-gen virtual reality headset has going for it
The PSVR 2 is Sony’s new-gen virtual reality headset that delivers a more immersive, better-looking, and enhanced VR experience. Matt came away pleased after going hands-on with the PSVR 2, while Adam had a mixed response when deciding whether the PSVR 2 is worth it.
The range of PSVR 2 games already available is impressive, although the PlayStation VR 2 really takes VR gaming to the next level because of its top-of-the-line hardware. Nearly every element of the original PSVR system has been improved to create a headset that’s a strong competitor to Meta’s dominating Quest devices, and will probably give the upcoming Meta Quest 3 a run for its money.
Now it’s out in the wild, we know exactly what the PSVR 2 has going for it. Featuring a sleeker design, a new set of controllers and brand-new innards, Sony’s next-gen headset has a lot to like. Here’s what’s inside.
PSVR 2 specs ⚙
The PSVR 2 spec sheet makes for pleasant reading. Its OLED HDR display supports a 4K resolution at up to 120Hz, which when paired with added vents, additional ergonomic adjustments, and cutting-edge scalp vibration, amounts to a big improvement over the first-generation PSVR. Here’s what’s inside the device:
📺 Display panel: OLED
🌟 Panel resolution: 2000 x 2040 per eye
⚙️ Chip: Custom MediaTek chipset
🌍 Refresh rate: 90Hz, 120Hz
👀 Field of View: 110 degrees
👁 Lens separation: Adjustable
📡 Sensors: Six-axis motion sensor (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer), IR proximity sensor
📷 Cameras: four internal cameras for headset and controller tracking, IR camera for eye tracking per eye
🙉 Feedback: Headset vibration
🔌 Connection: USB-C
🔊 Audio: Built-in microphone, stereo headphone jack
⚖ Weight: 560g
As the specs show, the PSVR 2 hasn’t shaken off all the shortfalls of its predecessor. The headset is still a wired device, although it connects to the PS5 using only a single USB cable rather than several. It’s also not backward compatible, so can’t play any games released for the original PSVR. That limits its library somewhat, although some of the best PSVR games have received free next-gen ports.
PSVR features 🙌
Besides the improvement in raw specs, the PSVR 2 sports a few new features that were absent from Sony’s first VR headset. While they won’t radically change your playing experience, they’re the kind of hefty enhancements that make using a new piece of immersive hardware that much smoother.
📷 Inside-out tracking: Using internal cameras embedded within the headset, the PSVR 2 can accurately track and follow the movements of your arms and body. It’s a nifty technique that saves you from having to set up an external camera to capture your play areas (as the first PSVR did). Inside-out tracking has become the norm among VR headsets and makes their set-up a lot quicker.
👁 Eye tracking: Itty-bitty trackers within the PSVR 2’s headset can detect the motion of your eyes, following exactly where on the screen you’re looking. It’s a handy feature that’s been integrated as an immersion tool into games like Horizon: Call of the Mountain, as characters turn their heads to look directly at you, as well as a way to navigate menus and select options.
🌲 See-through view: The PSVR 2 isn’t a mixed-reality headset, so can’t overlay images or tools onto the real-world environment, but does at least let you peek at your surroundings. With the press of a button, you can activate the device’s front cameras to look around. Handy if you’re trying to find your pair of Sense controllers or wiggle out of the headset’s cable that’s wrapped itself around your legs.
📽 Broadcasting: Not only is the PS5 camera one of the best PS5 accessories but it can also be used alongside the PSVR 2 to livestream your play sessions, superimposing a small image of you, headset on and controller in hand, in the corner of the video feed.
🏞 Customizable play area: To save you from bumping into furniture while you play, the PSVR 2 lets you customize your play area (the virtual boundaries in which you move). Using the front cameras to scan your surroundings, and the Sense controllers to mark a zone within it, you’ll be able to map out the boundaries of your space exactly. You’ll then be warned when you get too close to the edge.
🎞 Cinematic mode: Although you’ll be spending most of your time with the PSVR 2 gaming, the headset doubles as a virtual cinema. Switching to Cinematic Mode will let you display media content in 1080p HDR and up to 120Hz. Unfortunately, you can’t play 3D movies, so it won’t offer the same level of immersion as a VR game but is a handy way of casting movies from your PS5.
🕹 PS5 exclusivity: For all its next-gen features, PSVR 2 isn’t a standalone device. You’ll need to pair the headset with a PS5 to use it. And only a PS5 will do. PSVR 2 doesn’t work on PS4 and isn’t compatible with PC, either (but will be in the future). At least the PS5 stock shortage is finally over, so nabbing the console isn’t a logistical hassle, even if it does add an extra, hefty cost.
PSVR 2 Sense controller specs 🎮
Rather than reusing the outdated PlayStation Move controllers, the PSVR 2 pairs with Sony’s new Sense controllers. The orb-like handheld pads are freshly designed, bespoke controllers that come packaged alongside PSVR 2. They sport a bunch of new feedback features similar to those of the PS5’s DualSense. Check out the Sense controller’s features below:
🐾 Tracking: Six-axis motion sensing system, finger touch detector, IR position tracking
👊 Feedback: Trigger effect (on R2/L2 button), haptic feedback
🔌 Connection: USB-C
🦷 Communication: Bluetooth
Of all of that, the finger touch detector is the most novel. It lets the controller detect the position of your fingers without you having to press any buttons. The idea is that you can make more natural gestures with your hands while playing.
The PSVR 2 is no slouch. Priced at $549, it’s an expensive bit of kit but one that takes Sony’s foray into virtual reality up a notch. Packing heaps of new features, hardware improvements and already plenty of games, it has a lot to offer. Hopefully, Sony will deliver a lineup of compelling titles in the years to come.
Updated: April 22, 2024