PSVR 2 review | Does PlayStation VR 2 killer app justify price tag?

PLAYSTATION VR2 REVIEW…

It may not have been the first to market, but the original PlayStation VR was instrumental in bringing virtual reality to the masses, at least until the Meta Quest 2 came along. Sony’s first headset didn’t need to be tethered to an expensive PC, relying instead on the much more affordable PS4 – a device which millions of gamers already owned. While I genuinely love the original PSVR and many of the unique experiences it would offer, it’s fair to say that it wasn’t without some pretty major problems. The PlayStation VR2 fixes many of the original headset’s flaws, although sadly these improvements come at a high cost, as you’ll see with our PSVR 2 for PS5 review below…

If you’re familiar with Sony’s original virtual reality device, then the good news is that the PlayStation VR2 is much easier to set up and start playing.

Coming with a separate processor unit and PlayStation Camera (not to mention a big bundle of wires), the original PSVR was a complicated beast in which the instruction manual was as crucial to the experience as the headset itself.

The PSVR 2, on the other hand, simply plugs into the front of the PS5 console via a single wire attached to the headset.

It’s a shame that the PSVR 2 isn’t completely wireless like the Meta Quest, but it’s a massive step up from the original. It also doesn’t need to be recharged – unlike the Meta Quest, which often runs out of juice mid-game.

Once you’re hooked up, there’s a brief tutorial showing you how everything works, including the best way to secure the headset, and how to adjust the focus for the smoothest visuals possible. It’s all very simple and straightforward.

If you’re coming from the original PSVR or the Meta Quest 2, then there are a couple of things you’ll notice right away.

The rubberised inlay surrounding the lenses do a far better job of keeping out light, and without causing discomfort. There’s also a lot more room when you put the device on your head, making it far better for people who wear glasses.

The hollowed rubber materials adorning the headset aren’t the most premium feeling, but they’re surprisingly comfortable, and don’t get as hot as the firmer padding found in its predecessor.

Indeed, the lenses on my old PSVR headset would often steam up if I was playing a physical game like Creed Rise to Glory, something which hasn’t happened with the PlayStation VR2.

At 560g it’s lighter than its predecessor, though not as light as its wireless counterpart from Meta. That said, I had to purchase a separate Elite strap for my Meta Quest 2, as the default headset isn’t the most comfortable. The same can’t be said for the PSVR 2.

Adjusting the lenses is also much easier thanks to a dial found on the left side of the headset, while a built-in headphone strap at the back of the device ensures you won’t get tangled up.

The superior design is backed up by some seriously impressive specs, not to mention one or two neat features that are unique to Sony’s device.

The OLED HDR display coupled with the power of the PS5 means the visual experience is comparable to a virtual reality headset running on a high-end PC.

Horizon Call of the Mountain, in particular, really showcases the graphical capabilities of the PlayStation VR2, featuring bright and vivid environments that are packed with detail, not to mention realistic character models that are among the best I’ve seen so far.

However, with the vast majority of PSVR 2 launch games appearing on other VR platforms, there aren’t too many games that really showcase its graphical power, other than Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, and Gran Turismo 7 (but more on that later). Kayak VR: Mirage is also quite the looker.

PlayStation VR 2 releases do, however, benefit from things like haptic feedback within the headset, something which adds to the overall sense of immersion. The headset vibrations create the illusion that you’re actually in the environments on screen, and in some cases that you’re being shot at!

This is further boosted by the PSVR 2 Sense controllers, which look like the Meta Quest 2 Touch pads, while sharing similarities with the DualSense controllers for PS5.

I particularly like the adaptive trigger buttons, which are put to great use when you fire off arrows in Horizon Call of the Mountain.

Charging each individual controller is a bit of a pain in the backside, unless you’re willing to shell out even more money on a dedicated charging kit to free up the ports on your PS5 console. 

It’s also kind of tricky to figure out which controller is which and how to hold them correctly if you’re fumbling around with the headset on. You can, however, bypass this issue by pressing the function button on the headset, which lets you see your surroundings.

For all of its nifty design choices and unique features, the PSVR 2 would be nothing without a strong line-up of games to enjoy. Thankfully, a mixture of exclusives and multi-platform titles ensures Sony’s device has plenty to offer.

With high production values matching Sony’s very own first-party releases, Capcom’s Resident Evil Village is one of the highlights at launch, featuring a lengthy campaign with lots of terrifying set-pieces and memorable characters.

The aforementioned Horizon Call of the Mountain is an entertaining adventure game that serves as something of a graphical showpiece for the device, while multi-platform titles like Rez Infinite, Tetris Effect Connected and Pistol Whip are well worth checking out if you haven’t already.

But it’s Gran Turismo 7 that’s the true killer app for the PlayStation VR2. If virtual reality is at its best when players are able to live out their fantasies – like going into space or becoming a superhero – then Gran Turismo 7 is the ultimate game for petrolheads.

GT7 puts you behind the wheel of some of the world’s greatest cars on a huge selection of real-life and fictional courses. It looks fantastic, plays great, and contains enough content to keep you busy for months.

If you struggle with motion sickness in virtual reality, Gran Turismo 7 isn’t a game you’ll be able to play for hours on end, but it’s far more comfortable than something like Driveclub on the original PSVR. Better yet, you can take the PSVR 2 helmet off and play normally, without having to adjust any settings. Flitting in and out of virtual reality is completely seamless.

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR is another game I’ve really enjoyed, even though it’s not exactly brimming with depth. The scary rollercoaster shooter has more jump scares than a James Wan movie, and even takes advantage of the PSVR 2’s eye-tracking technology – there’s a particularly memorable section that evokes memories of Doctor Who.

Things could have been even better if PSVR 2 was backwards compatible with original PlayStation VR titles, but alas. Some games – like Tetris Effect and Rez Infinite – charge users a small fee to upgrade, but these are few and far between.

The thought of playing upgraded versions of games like Blood and Truth and Astro Bot is incredibly appealing, so fingers crossed Sony comes up with a fix.

Undoubtedly, however, the biggest drawback when it comes to PSVR 2 is the price tag, which at £529 is a lot more expensive than its predecessor. (Don’t forget that you’ll also need a PS5 in order to use it.)

The high price point makes the PSVR 2 much more of a niche product, especially compared to the mass market feel of the original.

However, while it may sound like a lot of money, it’s worth remembering that the PSVR 2 comes with two dedicated controllers, so there’s no need to rush to your local CEX store to purchase some crusty old Move pads.

You’re also getting a top of the line virtual reality headset with largely superior specs compared to its rivals. 

Finally, the PSVR 2 is home to some incredible exclusives like Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon Call of the Mountain, not to mention upgraded versions of many of your favourite VR games from other platforms.

If Sony continues to support the PSVR 2 with high-end content like Gran Turismo 7, then fans may end up spending more time in Sony’s virtual world than the real one!

VERDICT: 4/5