- New details have been revealed about Sony’s next-generation VR headset, the PS VR2.
- The PlayStation 5’s VR gaming add-on will release on 22nd February 2022 and cost over R10 000.
- Sony has also announced 11 new VR games coming to the system and is ramping up production of PS5s for the end of this year and for the next.
The virtual reality gaming wing of Sony’s PlayStation has revealed new details about the PlayStation (PS) VR2 system. The original PS VR system was launched in October 2016 and has sold over 5 million units as of January 2020.
According to an official blog post from Sony, the PS VR2 will be released on 22nd February 2023 with a recommended retail price of $549.99 which translates to around R10 061,85. Isabelle Tomatis, vice president, brand, hardware and peripherals at Sony, says that PS VR 2 is capable of “a groundbreaking sense of immersion.”
Standard editions of the device will come with the VR headset, PS VR2 Sense controllers and stereo headphones.
The add-on will also be launching with a Horizon-themed bundle, called the “PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle” going for $599.99, which includes a PlayStation Store voucher code for Horizon Call of the Mountain, VR headset, Sense controllers, and stereo headphones.
The PS VR2 is the virtual reality gaming add-on for the PlayStation 5 and the February release date coincides with Sony’s plans to increase production of PS5 systems for the end of the year and further.
In terms of updates upon the previous iteration of the system, PS VR2 comes with headset feedback, eye-tracking, and 3D audio with high-fidelity visuals in 4000×2040 HDR video format.
The visuals were among the most often mentioned criticisms of the original PS VR as it paled in comparison to the fidelity offered by other VR headsets in the market on release.
The new PS VR2 sense controllers have adaptive triggers and increased haptic feedback to increase immersion with compatible games. For Sony, comfort was top of mind.
“We’ve created the PS VR2 headset with comfort in mind, in a slightly slimmer and lighter design compared to our previous headset,” says Tomatis.
“We’ve also included an integrated vent for extra airflow, and a lens adjustment dial for a more customized feel. We hope players will enjoy this new design.”
To coincide with the launch date reveal, Sony has announced 11 new PS VR2 games. One of which is a pulse-pounding first-person shooter a la Call of Duty called Crossfire.
Pre-orders for the PS VR 22 are set to open on 15th November, but unfortunately for South Africa’s PlayStation fans, they will only be available in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
Sony says that in other markets, PS VR2 will be sold at participating retailers. Information will be provided through participating local retailers in these markets. As always we will let you know as soon as South African availability is announced.
[Images – Sony]
