Here's how much play space you'll need for PlayStation VR

Shawn Knight

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The highlight of Sony’s fall lineup is without a doubt PlayStation VR, its virtual reality headset. It goes without saying that you’ll need an open area for the best experience but just how much room Sony recommends – and some other tidbits – have remained a mystery… until now.

Sony is circulating a FAQ on the matter in which it recommends an area free and clear of any obstacles measuring 6’ x 10’ with the player seated in the middle, facing the PlayStation Camera. The height of the play area depends on the range captured by the camera, Sony says.

Players should remain seated whenever possible. However, if an application requires you to stand while wearing the VR headset, Sony urges users to follow the application instructions carefully and maintain awareness of your surroundings.

The FAQ also reveals that players can use the included stereo headphones or connect their own via 3.5mm audio jack. Furthermore, the headset was designed to accommodate users that wear glasses. While gaming, the headset can display a 2D image of what you’re viewing on a TV for spectators.

Outside of VR applications, Sony says you can use its VR headset to enjoy 2D content including games and movies for a more immersive experience.

As is typically the case with virtual reality gear, Sony says children under the age of 12 shouldn’t use it.

The PlayStation VR arrives on October 13 starting at $399.

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Question, will this be available only for Playstations?
Knowing Sony I would say absolutely... they tend to be quite proprietary with their hardware.

That being said the price of this unit is better than the others, and considering how many people have Playstations this will probably help get VR to more people.
 
"Sony says: players should remain seated when ever possible" Thanks but no thanks. So basically it's the couch potatoes VR system. If I'm going to invest in a VR system I'll want to be able to move around.
 
"Sony says: players should remain seated when ever possible" Thanks but no thanks. So basically it's the couch potatoes VR system. If I'm going to invest in a VR system I'll want to be able to move around.

I don't think there is anything other than a recommendation keeping you from moving around. I read it as a disclaimer of sorts. So if you are walking around in a VR world, you don't walk into say, a trash compactor and get shredded on accident :) Move around as much as you like lol.
 
"Sony says: players should remain seated when ever possible" Thanks but no thanks. So basically it's the couch potatoes VR system. If I'm going to invest in a VR system I'll want to be able to move around.

I don't think there is anything other than a recommendation keeping you from moving around. I read it as a disclaimer of sorts. So if you are walking around in a VR world, you don't walk into say, a trash compactor and get shredded on accident :) Move around as much as you like lol.

The HTC Vive seems to be combating that very issue with their virtual wall/grids. Unfortunately I do not see VR having all of the functionality I would be interested in for another 1 or 2 (hardware) generations so maybe in another 2-4 years.
 
Question, will this be available only for Playstations?
Knowing Sony I would say absolutely... they tend to be quite proprietary with their hardware.

That being said the price of this unit is better than the others, and considering how many people have Playstations this will probably help get VR to more people.

We're forgetting one key thing here.
PS4.5... will it be mandatory for VR. If so, it's dead before it's started unless you have the spare money.

I for one am not selling my ps4 for £150 to then buy another one for £400 + a VR kit which will be around three fiddy.
 
"Sony says: players should remain seated when ever possible" Thanks but no thanks. So basically it's the couch potatoes VR system. If I'm going to invest in a VR system I'll want to be able to move around.

Good for you
 
Question, will this be available only for Playstations?
Knowing Sony I would say absolutely... they tend to be quite proprietary with their hardware.

That being said the price of this unit is better than the others, and considering how many people have Playstations this will probably help get VR to more people.

We're forgetting one key thing here.
PS4.5... will it be mandatory for VR. If so, it's dead before it's started unless you have the spare money.

I for one am not selling my ps4 for £150 to then buy another one for £400 + a VR kit which will be around three fiddy.

VR works just as well on the base PS4. So you're wrong
 
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