The PlayStation VR2 is breaking free from the PlayStation 5’s shackles with a new $60 adapter from Sony, allowing it to connect with Steam-based VR games on your PC. Before you rush to purchase it, though, there are a few significant caveats you need to keep in mind. Some of the top features that make the PSVR2 stand out might not carry over once you switch to PC.
To make the connection work, you’ll need to attach the VR2 to your PC using a tangle of cables. According to images shared in PlayStation’s blog post, the VR2 must be wired to the adapter box, which then connects to your PC through USB and DisplayPort ports. If you want an audience to marvel at your escapades in games like Half-Life: Alyx, there’s even a separate connection for an extra monitor.
One more thing: a PC with a DisplayPort 1.4 output and an additional DisplayPort cable is necessary. Beyond that, the system requirements are what you would expect. You’ll need at least an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card like an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. However, to truly experience games at the 4K quality the VR2 can handle, a more powerful setup would be advisable. You’ll also need a Steam account to get to your games, though any specific Steam VR requirements might soon be bypassed thanks to the innovative PC VR community.
When we reviewed the VR2, we found it to be an impressive headset. It features excellent eye-tracking and controls, all reasonably priced. However, it suffers from a lackluster game selection on the PlayStation 5. Sony launched this updated headset ahead of the $500 Meta Quest 3, which boasts advanced passthrough AR capabilities and offers access to exclusive titles. With amazing in-headset lenses, the VR2 supports resolutions up to 4K per eye and has a 110-degree field of view.
Despite the excitement about extending VR2’s capabilities to PC, there are crucial limitations. On a PC, the headset’s eye-tracking won’t function, and other vital features like HDR and headset feedback are lost. The controllers also miss out on adaptive triggers and advanced haptic feedback compared to the DualSense controllers, offering only basic rumbling. Nevertheless, the passthrough feature remains, primarily to prevent you from colliding with objects around your room.
The adapter is anticipated to be available on PlayStation Direct and other retailers starting this August. Plus, the VR2 is currently $100 off at Direct and Best Buy during Sony’s Days of Play sale, which runs through June 13.
Even with the discount, the VR2 remains a costly investment, especially with the additional $60 needed to free it from PlayStation’s system restrictions. We’re eager to get our hands on one to see if this makes it the right choice for virtual reality enthusiasts. However, the connectivity constraints and feature limitations might dampen the enthusiasm somewhat.
