In February 2023, Sony brought us the next-generation VR headset exclusive for the PS5. The system was the PS VR2, bringing along more technical advances and features evident with its designated console and the accompanying DualSense controller. The PS VR2 features DualSense’s impressive haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and features from Sony’s Pulse 3D headphones, like 3D audio. Unfortunately, the system itself has not yet been justified in its worth. Retailing at $879, it’s certainly expensive (more than a PS5 on its own) and has not yet shown the support from Sony to justify its purchase. Aside from Horizon: Call of the Mountain, the PS VR2 has not yet seen many exclusive games in its library. Games like Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil: Village, and No Man’s Sky are compatible with the PS VR2, but they are not exclusive games built for the system. Making the VR aspect of games somewhat of a gimmick rather than a necessity. When you see the expansive library of VR games available on Steam, it becomes more disappointing when you learn that PS VR2 is not compatible with PCs. However, all of this is looking to change.
On June 3rd, 2024, Sony announced a PS VR2 PC adapter which will enable players to use their current headsets to play a large library of PC games from Steam. Exclusive VR games like Half-Life: Alyx will soon be playable on Sony’s VR hardware.
The PS VR2 PC adapter will retail for $94.95, allowing 4K visuals, 3D audio (in supported games), 110° field of view, and finger touch detection. Sony has said that the PS VR2 was built exclusively for the PS5, so not all of the headset’s unique features will make it compatible when playing on PC. The signature haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and HDR visuals will not be available. While this is a disappointment, it is not Sony’s fault as they intended to build a VR headset for PlayStation, not PC.
Despite the missing features that make PS5 controllers and the system stand out in this console generation, I believe this is a promising bridge for console players to bring VR to PC. You will already need a PC capable of running VR games. Sony released a graph of specifications that they recommend for people who are looking into purchasing the adapter. If you have a PC that fits these requirements, then (with the new adapter) you can play with the PS VR2.
Operating System: | Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) |
Processor: | Intel Core i5-7600 (or later) Ryzen 3 3100 (Zen 2 or later) |
RAM: | 8GB RAM (at least) |
Graphics Card: | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (or later) AMD Radeon RX 6600XT (or later) |
DisplayPort: | DisplayPort 1.4 |
USB: | Direct connection only |
Bluetooth: | Bluetooth 4.0 (or later) |
Initially, I figured the price of the PS VR2 would be the downside in this situation. The system is not cheap. Compare it to the Meta Quest 3 for PC, retailing at $799. However, I would still go for the PS VR2 for PC gaming. The reason is the dual use. If you do not own a PS5 and do not plan to get one, it makes sense to buy something like a Meta Quest 3. But if you own a PS5 and are looking to get into PC VR gaming, it is a no-brainer to get the PS VR2. Not only do you get a library (albeit a small one) of games for the PS5, but you can also play through the enormous VR library on Steam. The adapter gives the PS VR2 a lot more justification and reassures players that their investment in the system was worth it.
VERDICT:
Initially, I was skeptical of the PS VR2 PC adapter, but after deliberation and research, I can see why this would be a worthy investment if you already own a PS VR2. It opens more doors for games to play and Steam’s library is sure to keep you busy for many, many hours of playtime. The PS VR2 PC adapter is set to go on sale on August 7th, 2024.
Man, I was on the fence about the PS VR2. I got mine from Gamory – amazing visuals, 3D audio, all that good stuff.
Then I heard about the PS VR2 PC adapter coming in August! Now I can play all those awesome Steam VR games on the same headset. Plus, I already have a PS5, so I get the best of both worlds. Now that's what I call a game changer!