Entertainment

Games: Launch of new PSVR2 proves Sony is committed to virtual reality

Sony has expanded on everything that worked with the original PSVR
Sony has expanded on everything that worked with the original PSVR Sony has expanded on everything that worked with the original PSVR

Sony Reveals PSVR2 Design

THIS week Sony finally lifted the veil from PSVR2 – its next-gen PlayStation peepshow. While gamers knew the Japanese giant was planning a PS5 follow-up to its virtual reality headset, the actual design remained a mystery until Tuesday, when the newfangled knickknack was revealed in all its glory.

The original PlayStation VR was a decent stab at affordable virtual reality, and while its launch titles were often more train rides than actual games, with players gasping and spinning their head around like startled owls, hundreds of titles – from Minecraft to Resident Evil – eventually added support.

For PSVR2, Sony has expanded on everything that worked with the original. For one thing, users will no longer look like Daft Punk rejects, with the trim, rounded design boasting a white and black aesthetic to match its cruel overlord, the PS5.

Sony's Hideaki Nishino explains: "You'll notice the PSVR2 headset has a similar shape as the PSVR2 Sense controller, taking on a matching 'orb' look. The circular orb shape represents the 360-degree view that players feel when they enter the virtual reality world, so this shape captures it nicely."

While one of the original's drawbacks was its bulk, with long-term use requiring a neck like Tyson, PSVR2 is a much slimmer, lighter affair – despite the addition of motors for headset feedback. Extensive tests have been carried out to ensure comfort for a "variety of head sizes", meaning everyone from kids to John Merrick will be able to strap in snugly.

The rig will also let you adjust its lenses to suit the distance between your eyes – meaning a tailored experience for all religions here. And if you have a sweaty noggin', Sony has even added vents to increase airflow around your head and prevent the lenses from steaming up.

Sadly, the feature most would have craved is a no-show: the original's biggest hurdle was the spaghetti junction of cables it created on your carpet, but PSVR2 will, sadly, not be wireless. It is, however plug-and-play, connecting to the PS5 with a single lead.

And while the original PSVR re-purposed the PlayStation Move accessories, its fashionable follow-up won't have players waving glowing pastel wands about like they're at a fey rave. Its bespoke VR controllers not only look the part but promise to incorporate some of the wonderfully tactile features of the PS5 joypad.

While there's no word on pricing or availability yet, PSVR2 proves Sony is committed to virtual reality, and will no doubt take full advantage of the company's big-hitters, including Gran Turismo 7 – which I'm tearing through right now ahead of next week's review.

In short, I want it on my face right now.