Despite some news that Sony has decreased its attention on virtual reality, the upcoming PSVR 2 will feature some novel innovations such as in-headset haptics, improved controllers, inside-out tracking, and a superior visual experience. Below is everything you need to know about the much-awaited PSVR 2.
As of now, we haven’t received an official release date from Sony. However, what we know is that at CES in January 2022, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) confirmed that PSVR 2 was in the works and planned for release.
To extrapolate, it is likely that we will be seeing a release of the PSVR 2 in Q1 2023 with a promotional push in the Fall of this year. There are three reasons for this.
To generate enough hype around its release, SIE will begin to release promotional material around its upcoming PSVR 2 and its features in Q3 and Q4 of this year with a release window of Q1 2023. This is further grounded to build confidence that Sony cares about virtual reality, after its UK VR studio closure.
Echoing the shortage of PlayStation 5, it is likely that PSVR 2 will experience similar supply chain issues and component shortages, delaying its release.
The respected Ming-Chi Kuo, has indicated that a Q1 2023 launch window is likely for the PSVR 2.
We can expect an incredible visual fidelity owing to an immersive 110 degrees diagonal field of view, combined with a crisp 4K resolution from its two OLED displays. The display engines will likely use RGB Stripe, as opposed to PenTile Matrix(TM). The reason is that PSVR opted for RGB stripe, and the visual experience was improved as a result.
Additionally, PSVR 2 will feature Tobii-run foveated rendering, optimizing the visual experience based on where the wearer looks, improving performance, and greatly increasing screen fidelity.
However, it will be interesting to see how the choice of Fresnel lenses for PSVR 2, as opposed to the Aspherical lenses of the original PSVR, will impact the visual experience.
One of the key improvements between PSVR and PSVR 2 is that the new VR headset will feature inside-out tracking. This increases the freedom of the wearer in gaming experiences and makes the PSVR 2 much more portable.
For full gaming immersion, PSVR 2 will have haptic feedback within the headset. This marks the first time a headset features built-in haptics as, for now, an external accessory only enables this. Speaking of haptics.
Designed from the success and blueprint of the successful PS DualSense controllers, the new PSVR 2 orb-like controllers will feature the impressive capacitive touch, trigger resistance, and dynamic haptic feedback to increase immersion.
PSVR 2 is speculated to release in Q1 2023 and will feature some impressive new features. A few are inside-out tracking for better portability, a crisper visual experience, and novel in-headset haptics.
With the PSVR 2, Sony looks to solidify its place as a key player in the virtual reality gaming market, and it will be interesting to see how PSVR 2 will be received. In the meantime, PlayStation 5 supports the original PSVR, so to alleviate the wait, I will be playing some PSVR games.