Looking back to the first iteration of the PlayStation VR, Sony deemed it necessary to produce a number of attachments that run into the headset to even have a functional round of Sparc. In the age of more and more HMD creators either slimming down to a single input cord or completely wireless/self-contained, it was only a matter of time before Sony followed suit. Just over two years after the global launch of the PlayStation 5, the next generation of PlayStation VR is almost upon us with the simply-named PlayStation VR2.
It’s been a few days since I received the PlayStation VR2 ahead of its global launch and I’ve had the pleasure of donning the headset for a few hours a day to get my thoughts together for a general preview of the device itself with none of the gameplay and features themselves. If you’re looking for something resembling a scored review, that will certainly come later.
Out of the box, Sony presents both the headset and VR2 Sense controllers first and foremost with the non-essential goods, such as wired earbuds and instruction manuals, tucked away in a separate box. With only a minimal bit of unwrapping necessary, the PS VR2 requires almost no effort to assemble before it’s ready to plug and play. Aside from plugging the PlayStation VR2 headset into the front USB-C port and syncing both Sense controllers for the first time via the all-too-familiar USB cable to pair, the only other bit to assemble is attaching the earbuds in place, which snap into the underside of the headband rather than the core display itself. The earbuds lock neatly into position and even if you plan on using other IEMs or headphones, there’s little reason to detach them since the dangling earbuds themselves don’t really distract when they’re hanging in place.
To wear the PlayStation VR2 headset for the first time, there are three separate steps. A recessed button atop the core display lets the headset slide forward and back on its limited track while the rear of the headband features both a push-button to release and a ratcheting tightness wheel that draws the headset and headband back closer together. Once the headset is on, a dial on the top left corner of the PlayStation VR2 allows players to dial in their perfect PD (Pupillary Distance). Since everyones’ head and eyes are slightly different, there won’t be any perfect way to attach the headset and it really comes down to comfort and being able to see the display within the headset without any blurriness or discomfort.
One accessory that was surprising to find out was a perfect match for the PlayStation VR2 were the Sony PULSE 3D Wireless Headphones that came out alongside the console debut. I could have sworn that Sony said something to that effect when the PlayStation VR2 was first revealed but no amount of web searching yielded the result I was looking for. It may be awkward to get used to putting on the headset first before your headphones, but it will come naturally over time.
From a comfort design perspective, the Sony PlayStation VR2 headset hits the right mark when it comes to the size of my head. While there isn’t a cross bar running across the top of the headset, the headset wraps around my forehead nicely while supporting from all angles. As a bonus, the headset has just enough space within the silicon face grommet to allow me to still wear my everyday glasses.
The Sense controllers that replaced the PlayStation Move controllers don’t shy too far from the innovations players have grown accustomed to from the likes of the Meta Quest 2, with a knuckle-style design where the user’s hand reaches into the circle and grabs the controller in a natural pistol grip. Each controller only has six buttons and an analog stick, so don’t expect to be able to use these two controllers in tandem to play everything in your PS5 library (the Touchpad is most prominently missing). To me, the controllers felt natural in both grip and size. By comparison, my significant other has much smaller hands and found the controllers not quite as comfortable for her as the Meta Quest 2 controllers. Only time will tell if she grows used to the larger size of Sony’s Sense Controllers, which may be the same for others interested in trying out the console.
With the unboxing complete, there’s little much else that can be discussed about Sony’s PlayStation VR2 headset ahead of the official review and launch later this month. Are there any specific features you’re dying to find out more about regarding the PlayStation 5 exclusive HMD? Let us know in the comments below, and look forward to Wccftech’s final review of the PlayStation VR2 headset coming soon.
PlayStation VR2 review unit provided by Sony.
