Sony’s PSVR2 had about the worst launch a gaming accessory could. It was overly expensive, had few games, and the popularity of VR was fading quickly. Because of those factors, I was not about to shell out more than $500 to buy one at release. Now, before going any further, let me say that I owned the first PSVR and I loved it. However, I got it about a year after release at a hefty discount.
Once I heard a sequel was in the works, I was thrilled. I even put the money on the side to buy it as soon as it came out. Unfortunately, the lack of games turned me off. Instead, I used that money to buy a Steam Deck, which was a good choice. But the PSVR2 sale at the end of 2024 was too irresistible to pass up.
Why I Finally Bought a PSVR2
I’ve wanted to play Horizon Call of the Mountain since it came out. So, when I saw the PSVR2 was going on sale through the holidays I decided to purchase one. Well, I would have if I hadn’t received it as a gift before I could make it to the store.
While the PSVR2 was still very expensive, the bundle with Horizon felt like a reasonable deal. However, that sentiment really didn’t last long, but more on that later. The real reason that I wanted a PSVR2 over other headsets is that playing in VR on the PlayStation 4 was much easier than messing with a PC. With that said, I do like that the PSVR2 works with PC through the use of an adapter.
Unboxing and First Impressions
As with most video game devices these days, the packaging was great. However, my first impression of the device was not as impressive. When I picked up the headset I couldn’t believe how “cheap” it felt. In all honesty, I can’t complain too much because the cheapness is likely a byproduct of making a light VR headset.
The padding was very good, and I like how the earbuds connect to the headset. One minor complaint is that I wish the cable had a volume button like the original. What I don’t miss is the mess of cables across my living room. Another thing I don’t miss is the clunk controller. The PSVR2 controllers are similar to other VR controllers on the market.
Setup and User Experience
My favorite thing about the PSVR2 is that it connects to the PlayStation 5 with a single USB-C cable. I know a lot of people were hoping for wireless connectivity, but this really doesn’t bother me. The problem with wireless connectivity is that the user experience would vary dramatically based on the network connection in a person’s home. This is the biggest problem with the PlayStation Portal.
Plugging the headset and setting it up is super simple. My only complaint is that there is only one USB-A port on the front of the console to charge the controllers. The best solution is to spend the extra money on the charging dock, but that is pretty pricey.
Visuals and Performance
After getting the headset connected and updated, I went straight to Horizon Call of the Mountain. The first few minutes of gameplay felt like the first time I put on a VR headset. I was blown away by the graphics and how crisp they were compared to other VR headsets. Not to mention, the game was much more in-depth than older titles.
The PSVR2’s eye-tracking ability is amazing. I could not believe how well and how accurately it worked. Even the audio was great, considering I was just using the included earbuds. After playing a few minutes I could not believe how Sony was able to pack so many features into a device at such a low price point.
Other Games I Tested
The reality of the PSVR2 is that there are very few games available for it. Although Horizon Call of the Mountain was great, there really aren’t any other games at its level. I did play Resident Evil, Gran Turismo, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. My experience was mixed, with most being great. The graphics were amazing, but I do have some minor complaints about the controls.
If you do decide to play games like Resident Evil 4, which has a VR mode added to it, you will need to download a free add-on. Next on my list is No Man’s Sky, which I have very high hopes for. I just wish more companies would port their first-person titles to VR as Capcom did with Resident Evil.
Comfort and Play Sessions
I really liked how the original PSVR kept the headset from digging into the user’s face. However, the PSVR2 does a pretty good job of maintaining comfort. I typically play VR games for less than an hour because the headset gets uncomfortable. With the PSVR2, I could play much longer without that concern.
The biggest problem is that I’ve started feeling nauseous and overheated every time I play the PSVR2. I’m not out of shape and I’ve played plenty of VR games in the past. Additionally, motion simulators at theme parks have rarely ever bothered me. I plan on experimenting more to better understand what is causing this sickness. If you are sensitive to motion sickness from VR experiences, then you may want to skip this or try one before you buy it.
The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected
I knew going in that the PSVR2 had very limited uses. The PC adapter has been hard to get, but I will purchase one at some point in the future. While it is clear that there are reasons Sony limits the PSVR2’s features, it is a poor choice for a device that is not selling well. Adding PC functionality is a step in the right direction, but few people will go out of there way to buy it solely for PC use.
The biggest concern is that Sony will abandon the headset in the near future. Even if they continue supporting it, third-party developers likely won’t. Without dedicated games, we won’t see titles take full advantage of its power. Instead, we will likely get ports of Meta Quest games. There is some good news as Hitman is reportedly releasing in March with a PSVR2 mode.
Is It Worth the Price?
Generally speaking, the PSVR2 is one of the best headsets on the market. It is priced very affordably considering its tech specs. However, specs are meaningless when there are no games. That doesn’t appear to be improving soon, either. Major publishers will undoubtedly hold off on developing games for the device.
Even if you can find a PSVR2 at a super deal, it probably isn’t worth the price unless you really want to play Horizon Call of the Mountain. Still, that is still a hefty price tag for one game. If you just want a headset to mess around with, then you are likely better served by the Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S.
