PlayStation 5’s Virtual Reality Headset Gets a Release Date and Price

Sony has officially confirmed a release date and price for the PSVR 2 headset, a virtual reality device to be used exclusively with the PlayStation 5 console.

PSVR 2 will be released worldwide (availability may differ in some countries) on February 22, 2023 and according to the press release, it will allow PlayStation 5 users to “escape into new worlds while feeling a groundbreaking sense of immersion.”

The device will be sold in two different packs: one being the standalone headset and essential peripherals for $549.99 and the other a bundle with the exclusive game Horizon Call of the Mountain for an extra $50.

The Tech Behind the (Virtual) Reality

The PSVR 2 will be released with significant upgrades compared to its PS4 predecessor, including headset feedback, eye tracking and 3D audio. The internal screens will feature HDR and a combined resolution of 4000 x 2040 (2000 x 2040 per eye) - in comparison, its predecessor had a resolution of 1920 × 1080 (960 × 1080 per eye).

Unlike the original PSVR, which used the old Move controllers, the PSVR 2 will bring its own controllers, designed specifically to take advantage of the PS5 and the PSVR 2 features. These will include motion sensors, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Users will also be able to purchase a charger for the controllers for an additional $49.99.

Specs sheets and additional info can be found on the official PlayStation Blog.

The Competition

While Sony is the only real alternative in virtual reality gaming in the console space (Nintendo has dabbled a little bit but to a much smaller degree), there are plenty of other solutions in the computer and mobile fields.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has several options, ranging from $399.99 to $1,499.99, while HTC Vive’s products are available between $499.00 and $1,399.00, although there are other alternatives out there.

Most virtual reality devices are now being used as catalysts for the so-called “metaverse”, although it's worth remembering that the metaverse itself has nothing to do with virtual reality. VR is merely another way to enjoy the metaverse.

In any case, it will be interesting to see how Sony will approach the metaverse once the PSVR 2 is released, especially considering they have already done the same back in the day.

Remember PlayStation Home, the online hub for PS3?

Well, that was the equivalent to a metaverse...in 2008.