A number of developers got their hands on the PSVR 2 at GDC 2022, and one developer in particular shared what their first experience with Sony’s new headset was like.
In a post on Reset (Thank you, Push Square), an anonymous Truant Pixel developer had positive words to say about Sony’s approach to the design and features of the headphones.
“Sony was extremely deliberate with a lot of their choices about this thing,” the developer said. “They’ve been reading the play for a long time now.”
As for the specs of the PSVR 2, which is expected to be one of the most powerful headsets out there, the developer said it’s not just the headset’s technical prowess that makes it so exciting, but more how it all fits together. combines to create a truly immersive experience.
“Performance and immersion go beyond resolution. Numbers certainly matter, but the whole is definitely greater than the sum.
However, according to the Truant Pixel developer, it’s the unique features of Sony’s headphones that really help it stand out from the competition. The PSVR 2 includes a vibration motor in the helmet as well as a ventilation hole for help combat those sweatier gaming sessions. the PSVR 2 Sense Controllers also supports haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and finger tracking.
“Haptics have a bigger impact than you realize,” the developer wrote. “Think about the first time you experienced dualsense [sic]now consider it in the context of virtual reality.
The anonymous developer, who is clearly tied to an NDA, hence the secrecy, backed up rave comments from Valve veteran Chet Faliszek on Twitter, who also experienced a PSVR 2 tech demo at GDC 2022.
Did any of those VR moments play today in the new PSVR2 hmd… You know where the world just feels different when you return? So good… thanks @yosp and @GregRicey for the demo and chat.March 24, 2022
One concern about the PSVR 2 that has been raised is the fact that it’s not wireless, unlike the Oculus Quest 2, or Meta Quest 2 as it is now called. Instead, players will have to make do with a wire connecting the headset to the console, which is at least an improvement over the original. PSVRwhich required players to manage two threads when entering the VR world.
Nonetheless, some VR fans have expressed concern that the PSVR 2’s lonely wire could limit the overall appeal of the headset and restrict what might be possible in games, a concern with which the anonymous Truant Pixel developer does not agree.
“Stop sweating on the wire. It will disappear once you start playing – unless you’re going around in circles or something.
For those clamoring for videos of the PSVR 2 in action, the anonymous developer warned that any early footage could hurt the prospects of Sony’s new headset and that VR, in general, already has a lot to prove for some people.
“People requesting videos etc – it should be clear by now that this is never representative of the VR experience, which is often unfairly scrutinized by already very skeptical and jaded gamers. I say this by experience. :),” the developer wrote on Resetera.
“VR already has enough to ‘prove’ for people, and showing unfinished versions with incomplete assets or performance issues wouldn’t be in anyone’s favor. [sic] higher interest.”
Analysis: Will PSVR 2 be released this year?
Clearly the PSVR 2 is making a positive first impression with developers who have had the chance to experience the headset for themselves, but there are still two pieces of the puzzle that Sony has yet to solve with the next device: price and release date.
Sony said it aims to release the PSVR 2 towards the end of this year, but the headset could slip through to 2023 if there are any complications with supply.
However, we’re still none the wiser when it comes to the PSVR 2’s price. PSVR, which was $499 / £399 (around AU$650).
If you recently spent $499 / £449 / AU$749 on a PS5 console, the thought of paying a similar price for an accessory may be too much for some. There is also the inevitable fact that even finding a PS5 buying remains frustratingly difficult.
So PSVR 2 certainly has a number of challenges ahead, but it’s nice that the developers are already encouraged by what they’ve seen. Ultimately, it will be the games and experiences provided by Sony that will help sell the PSVR 2 to gamers, and we suspect Sony may already have its killer app in Gran Turismo 7.
Corrected: March 25, 2022
An earlier version of this article included the incorrect price of the PS5 in Australia. The retail price of a PS5 in Australia is AU$749, not AU$975.
