Sony announces next-gen virtual reality headset for the PlayStation 5

[Shawn Knight]

Bottom line: It's taken a little over four years but Sony has finally announced a follow-up to its original PlayStation VR platform. The next-gen headset is being designed for the newly minted PS5 and considering there is still a lot of work left, it won't be launched until 2022 at the earliest.

Sony on Tuesday confirmed it is developing a new virtual reality headset designed specifically for the PlayStation 5.

Hideaki Nishino, SVP of platform planning & management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, said the next-gen VR system will enable “dramatic leaps in performance and interactivity” which will result in an even greater sense of immersion and presence in game worlds.

Sony launched the original PlayStation VR in late 2016 for the PlayStation 4. The headset is also forward compatible with the company’s newer consoles, but the next-gen visor will take things to a whole new level thanks to enhanced resolution, field of view, tracking and input. The unit will connect to the PS5 via a single cord in order to simplify setup and improve ease of use.

Nishino didn’t go into great detail considering there is still a lot of work left, but the executive did note that the bundle will include a new VR controller that borrows some of the key features used in the DualSense wireless controller. It’ll also have a focus on ergonomics, which should help make marathon gaming sessions a bit easier on the body.

Launch date and pricing details weren’t shared, but Nishino did say it wouldn’t be ready in 2021 so there’s still plenty of time to try and get your hands of a PS5 first.

Images courtesy RMC42, Mohsen Vaziri

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/88721-sony-announces-next-gen-virtual-reality-headset-playstation.html

 

[Irata]

Nice. A next gen PSVR would motivate me to get a PS5. Really liked the current PSVR but one thing I found slightly irritating is the hands not being included in the VR experience / that you can‘t see them. Hopefully that will be addressed with the next gen.

 

[QuantumPhysics]

The best VR headset is always just a few years away.

It's part of the reason I want a quest 2, but am willing to wait for a Quest 3.

 

[DZillaXx]

The Current PSVR sucks, the tracking is by far annoying and you pretty much have to face the camera at all times. Pretty much no Hand Tracking. So games like Half Life Alyx is something that it can not do.

My Quest 2 connects to my gaming PC via a wireless Connection, and in a well lit room the tracking in near flawless. Only issue I have with the device is the screens have poor black levels, like a pretty mediocre IPS. You pretty much only get gray, makes dark scenes hard to see. But looks great otherwise. Overall it is a great headset. Best Entry level VR setup, and getting wireless PC connection to work is pretty easy. Works better than a wire TBH, I put a usb battery pack in my pocket and run a cord up my shirt & use earbuds. The Experience is awesome. Controllers work great.

The Next Gen PSVR needs to be wireless with built in tracking. And they need to replace the controllers with ones like the Vive or Rift. So pretty much just needs to do what the Quest 2 already does.

I've used the PSVR and it is a joke, its clear to see why support for PSVR has slowed over the last few years. The Controller and tracking system is just the worst way to experience VR. The Screen and Lenses do their job to give you that VR experience, but its nothing special.

 

[m4a4]

All I can think of is that this should've been announced with the PS5, but wasn't because that still feels like Sony rushed it.

The first PSVR was fine (for how much it cost), lets hope that it 1-ups that and then some...

 

[Puiu]

The best VR headset is always just a few years away.

It's part of the reason I want a quest 2, but am willing to wait for a Quest 3.

I recently bought the Quest 2 and it's amazing. If you find a nice, non-inflated price, just buy it. (not like you can't recoup your money if you don't like it). I'll just sell it when the Quest 3 comes out.

 

[kiwigraeme]

Yeah this will come out about the time I want to buy PS5 v2 with 2Tbs - hopefully supply will be sorted - so get a VR bundle - get a PS5 bundle ( a couple of games + a extra controller ) - wishful thinking - but did this for PS4 - both bundles discounted by shop as well.

I add free PS5 games in sub on PC - not sure if show on PS4 - I'm the only one in my family that does not really play it - I have not used a quest II etc - PSVR - definitely needs a wider field and higher resolution . Plus keep working on anti sickness for casual users - I got the PSVR bundle for about $250 I think - don't most of the really good ones come in much much higher .
Ps You don't need Switch Fit - try a boxing sim in VR

 

[bviktor]

The best VR headset is always just a few years away.

It's part of the reason I want a quest 2, but am willing to wait for a Quest 3.

Dude just keep playing on your unbreakable windows xp box.

 

[Bamda]

#1 reason to purchase a PS5 IMHO!

 

[Lounds]

GQ has the exclusive interview if anyone is interested in reading into it.

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/playstation-vr-jim-ryan-interview-2021

 

[Lounds]

The best VR headset is always just a few years away.

It's part of the reason I want a quest 2, but am willing to wait for a Quest 3.

Buy a Quest 2, the Quest 3 won't be out this year. Then sell your Quest 2 nearer Christmas.

 

[Lounds]

The Current PSVR sucks, the tracking is by far annoying and you pretty much have to face the camera at all times. Pretty much no Hand Tracking. So games like Half Life Alyx is something that it can not do.

My Quest 2 connects to my gaming PC via a wireless Connection, and in a well lit room the tracking in near flawless. Only issue I have with the device is the screens have poor black levels, like a pretty mediocre IPS. You pretty much only get gray, makes dark scenes hard to see. But looks great otherwise. Overall it is a great headset. Best Entry level VR setup, and getting wireless PC connection to work is pretty easy. Works better than a wire TBH, I put a usb battery pack in my pocket and run a cord up my shirt & use earbuds. The Experience is awesome. Controllers work great.

The Next Gen PSVR needs to be wireless with built in tracking. And they need to replace the controllers with ones like the Vive or Rift. So pretty much just needs to do what the Quest 2 already does.

I've used the PSVR and it is a joke, its clear to see why support for PSVR has slowed over the last few years. The Controller and tracking system is just the worst way to experience VR. The Screen and Lenses do their job to give you that VR experience, but its nothing special.

Agreed Quest 2 is the best way to play VR currently.