PSVR VS PSVR 2

To say that gaming has achieved a whole new level of experience is an understatement. From the good old days of arcade gaming to a surreal and immersive experience thanks to virtual reality, gaming could never get any better. But wait, it can. 

In 2016, Sony Interactive Entertainment launched the PlayStation VR. PlayStation gamers could now experience virtual reality-based entertainment, and they certainly relished it. The market's embrace of virtual reality headsets baffled the company, with 5 million units being sold by 2020. 

PlayStation VR undeniably made its mark, and this year, the company is taking it a notch higher with the release of PSVR 2. From the horse's mouth, the new headset will give its users a groundbreaking sense of immersion and allow them to escape into new worlds. This type of experience doesn't come cheap. So is the PSVR2 worth the hype? Is it better than the PSVR? Before burning a hole in your pocket, here's how the two virtual reality headsets compare.

What is PSVR?

PlayStation VR  is a virtual reality system by Sony that is inherently cheaper and perhaps better than the HTC Vive Pro 2 and Oculus Rift. While the headset shares similar features with other virtual reality headsets, the PSVR doesn't require a gaming rig. Instead, you only need a PS4 console to begin your immersive experience. Moreover, the headset allows you to tag a friend into the action; As you use the VR headsets, the second user plays the game on the TV using a PS controller.  

The PSVR is fully compatible with the PS4 console. However, if you have a PS5, you'll need a USB to Play Station camera adapter to connect the headset- also known as backward compatibility. The good news is that if you purchased a headset from Sony, you'd likely receive a free adapter. 

Furthermore, a VR headset wouldn't be complete without head tracking. The PSVR achieves this with the PlayStation Camera that detects movement from the inbuilt LEDS on the PSVR. Also, the PSVR's external processing delivers a crisp and balanced 3D audio experience for a fully immersive reality illusion. 

What is PSVR 2?

The PSVR 2 is Sony's new virtual reality headset, which, admittedly, is a neat upgrade from the PSVR. Although the 2016 VR did the job, it wasn't exactly ultra-modern since you'd require a converter box. But with the launch of the PlayStation VR 2, Sony has easily nailed the virtual reality space by raising the bar for future headsets. 

The new headset addresses nearly all of PSVR's shortcomings. Its features top most of the best VR headsets, and they're infused with Sony's proprietary haptic technology and audio. The headset leverages the PS5's powerful hardware with fast refresh rates and a wide panel resolution that enhances your field of view 

Moreover, the headset comes with a cable that attaches to the console. The cable is long enough to allow movement in the room. However, since it connects to your console, you won't be able to move to another room. You can only achieve this with wireless VR headsets, something we hope Sony is looking into. 

Hands down, the PSVR 2 is a game changer—literally. The only drawback is that it comes at a hefty price. But it's all worth it. 

What are the Main Differences Between PSVR and PSVR2?

For starters, the most striking difference is the time gap between the releases of the two headsets. Sony launched the PSVR 2 seven years after the PSVR. The time difference allowed Sony to improve on the PSVR's shortfalls and deliver a headset that its fanbase would relish. As a result, the PSVR 2 fetches a higher price than the PSVR. 

Graphics

The PSVR 2 promises better graphics with a 2000 x 2000 (4.1 MP) resolution per eye. It delivers a 4K HDR OLED display, an impressive upgrade for the PSVR, which features a 960 x 1080 resolution and an LCD panel. With such specs, the headset introduces surrealism with a captivating and fully immersive experience. To get the most out of these specs, you'll need to try out games made explicitly for the PSVR 2, such as Horizon: Call of the Mountain. 

Controllers

The PSVR and PSVR 2 feature motion controllers, but the latter is much better. The PSVR 2 controller includes technology that tracks individual finger movements. The sense controllers recognize even the slightest finger movements as three-dimensional inputs. This means grabbing an item with a PSVR 2 controller feels more solid than with the PSVR. Moreover, the controller's design and layout offer maximum comfort for seamless gameplay. 

Console Support

While the PSVR is compatible with PS4 and PS5, the PSVR 2 is only compatible with PS5. It's worth noting that the PSVR 2 is much easier to set up, unlike the original Playstation Headset. All you need to do is plug the headset into the PS5 using a single USB-C cable, and you're good to go. 

Moreover, unlike the PSVR, the PSVR 2 doesn't require an external camera to track your movements. Sony reduces the bulk of equipment to improve your gaming experience by affixing the cameras in the headset's visors. 

Games

Unlike the PSVR, the PSVR 2 is not backward compatible with first-generation PSVR titles. This means the headset only works with games specifically designed for its specs. The PSVR 2 has a specific game library, so you don't need to carry over your old games. Since the launch of the new headsets, Sony has confirmed over 20 games that feature a blend of first-party and third-party games. The good news is the games will fetch a much lower price tag, in contrast to what we've seen with big releases. 

PSVR vs PSVR2: Which is Better?

The PlayStation VR 2 easily beats the PSVR as a better VR headset. Sony is setting a standard for future VR consoles with its seamless setup process, ergonomic controllers, and impeccable display on the PSVR 2. More so, with Sony intending to slow down the production of the original PSVR, you're better off with the PSVR 2. 

There you have it PSVR vs PSVR 2. Did we miss anything? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below or on our socials here!