Ps Vr vs Vr2: Which Playstation Vr Headset Reigns Supreme?
Virtual reality has exploded, but for PlayStation gamers, the question remains: which headset delivers the best experience? We’re diving deep into the battle of the headsets, pitting the original PlayStation VR against the cutting-edge PlayStation VR2. Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as we break down the key differences and help you decide which VR world is right for you.
The original PS VR brought the immersive world of VR to millions, offering a relatively affordable entry point into virtual gaming. Now, the VR2 promises a significant leap forward, boasting enhanced visuals, improved tracking, and a more immersive experience. This comparison will explore everything from display quality and comfort to the available game libraries.
Whether you’re a seasoned VR veteran or a curious newcomer, this comparison of the PS VR vs VR2 will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of each headset, ensuring you understand the value proposition of each. Get ready to explore the future of PlayStation gaming!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | ps vr | vr2 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution Per Eye | 960 x 1080 | 2000 x 2040 |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz, 120 Hz | 90 Hz, 120 Hz |
| Field of View | 100 degrees | 110 degrees |
| Tracking | Camera-based | Inside-out |
| Controllers | DualShock 4 / PS Move | Sense Controllers |
| Headset Audio | 3.5mm headphone jack | 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| HDR | No | Yes |
| Haptic Feedback | No | Headset Haptics |
| Eye Tracking | No | Yes |
| Connection | HDMI, USB | USB-C |
| Weight | 610g | 560g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Resolution & Display
- Ps Vr: Features a 1920 x 1080 resolution (960 x 1080 per eye) with an OLED display. Offers a decent visual experience for its time but can suffer from noticeable screen-door effect and lower pixel density compared to newer headsets.
- Vr2: Boasts a 2000 x 2040 resolution per eye with an HDR OLED display. Provides a significantly sharper and more immersive visual experience with reduced screen-door effect and vibrant colors, leading to greater clarity and detail.
- Winner: VR2
Tracking System
- Ps Vr: Relies on external tracking using a PlayStation Camera to track the headset and controllers. This setup can be prone to occlusion issues if the camera loses sight of the headset or controllers, and setup can be more cumbersome.
- Vr2: Employs inside-out tracking with built-in cameras on the headset. Offers more reliable and accurate tracking across a wider play area, and setup is significantly easier as it doesn’t require an external camera.
- Winner: VR2
Controllers
- Ps Vr: Uses PlayStation Move controllers and DualShock 4 controllers. The Move controllers offer basic motion tracking, but their design and lack of analog sticks can limit gameplay. DualShock 4 provides a more familiar control scheme.
- Vr2: Comes with the Sense controllers, featuring advanced haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and finger touch detection. These controllers provide a more intuitive and immersive control experience, enhancing interaction with virtual environments.
- Winner: VR2
Field of View (FOV)
- Ps Vr: Offers a field of view of approximately 100 degrees. This can feel slightly restrictive compared to headsets with wider FOVs, potentially limiting peripheral vision and immersion.
- Vr2: Provides a field of view of approximately 110 degrees. The increased FOV contributes to a greater sense of presence and immersion, allowing for a more natural and expansive view of the virtual world.
- Winner: VR2
Audio
- Ps Vr: Includes integrated headphones or the option to use your own headphones via a 3.5mm jack. Provides decent audio quality, but the built-in headphones may not offer the most immersive sound experience.
- Vr2: Features built-in headphones with 3D audio, which creates a more spatial and immersive soundscape. This enhanced audio experience helps to increase immersion and pinpoint sounds within the virtual environment.
- Winner: VR2
Haptics
- Ps Vr: Limited haptic feedback primarily through the DualShock 4 controller. Lacks advanced haptic features, resulting in a less immersive experience compared to more advanced systems.
- Vr2: Offers advanced haptics, including haptic feedback in the headset and the Sense controllers. This feature enhances immersion by providing more realistic tactile sensations, such as feeling the impact of actions or the environment.
- Winner: VR2
Ease of Use & Setup
- Ps Vr: Requires connecting the headset to the PlayStation, plugging in the processing unit, and setting up the PlayStation Camera. The setup process can be slightly more complex and may require adjusting the camera for optimal tracking.
- Vr2: Offers a simplified setup process with a single USB-C cable connection to the PlayStation 5. The inside-out tracking eliminates the need for external cameras, making the setup much easier and quicker.
- Winner: VR2
Games Library & Ecosystem
- Ps Vr: Has a large library of games, including many popular titles. However, the graphics and performance are limited by the older hardware, and some titles may not be available.
- Vr2: Offers a growing library of games, with exclusive titles designed to take advantage of the new hardware’s capabilities. Features enhanced graphics, improved performance, and advanced VR features. Backward compatibility is not supported.
- Winner: VR2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Resolution | vr2 |
| Tracking | vr2 |
| Controllers | vr2 |
| Features | vr2 |
| Overall Experience | vr2 |
| Value | ps vr |
What They Have in Common
- Immersive Experience: Both headsets offer a fully immersive virtual reality experience, transporting players into digital worlds with 360-degree views and 3D audio.
- Playstation Ecosystem: Both VR systems are designed exclusively for the PlayStation gaming ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration with PS4 and PS5 consoles.
- 3d Audio: Both headsets support 3D audio technology, enhancing the sense of presence and realism by allowing players to pinpoint the direction of sounds within the virtual environment.
- Comfortable Design: Both headsets prioritize user comfort with adjustable headbands and ergonomic designs, allowing for extended play sessions.
- Motion Tracking: Both systems utilize motion tracking to translate the player’s movements into the virtual world, allowing for interactive gameplay.
Ps Vr Vs Vr2 Buying Guide
Price Considerations
When considering which VR headset to purchase, price is a crucial factor. The PlayStation VR (PSVR) has a significantly lower initial cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, the overall cost can increase depending on the required accessories. The PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2), on the other hand, launches at a higher price point reflecting its advanced technology and features. This difference in price will ultimately influence your decision, balancing cost with the level of immersive experience you desire. Evaluate your budget carefully before making your choice, and consider the long-term cost, including games and any required peripherals for either system.
Hardware Specifications
The PSVR2 boasts superior hardware specifications compared to the original PSVR. It features a higher resolution display, offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience. The PSVR2 also incorporates advanced features such as eye-tracking and haptic feedback in both the headset and controllers, enhancing the level of immersion. The original PSVR, while still capable, utilizes older technology that results in lower resolution and fewer advanced features. Ultimately, the PSVR2 provides a more advanced and refined VR experience, especially in the areas of visual fidelity and responsiveness. Evaluate your needs and expectations.
Game Library and Availability
The game library is a critical factor. The PSVR has a well-established library of games, offering a wide variety of titles across different genres. This means you will have a lot of options available to play. The PSVR2 launched with a smaller, although growing, library, but with games specifically designed to take advantage of its advanced features. While the PSVR2’s library continues to expand, the PSVR offers a more mature collection of titles. Consider which games you’re most interested in playing and whether they are available on the respective platforms. Consider also, the availability of older PSVR games on the PSVR2.
Comfort and Design
Comfort and design play a significant role in the overall VR experience. The PSVR is known for its relatively comfortable design, with a focus on ease of use. The PSVR2 builds upon this, refining the design further with improved ergonomics and weight distribution. The PSVR2’s design is also intended to accommodate a wider range of head sizes and shapes. Consider how much time you plan to spend in VR and prioritize features that will contribute to a more comfortable experience. Both headsets offer adjustable straps and features to enhance comfort. Experiment with them both if possible.
Ease of Setup and Use
Ease of setup and use is important. The original PSVR requires a few extra steps, as it connects to the console through an external processing unit. The PSVR2 simplifies the process with a more streamlined setup, using a single cable connection to the PlayStation 5. The PSVR2 also features a more intuitive user interface, making it easier to navigate menus and access settings. Evaluate your technical comfort and how much time you are willing to spend on setup and configuration. Consider whether you prefer a simpler, more user-friendly experience or are comfortable with a more complex setup.
Compatibility and Ecosystem
Consider the compatibility of the headset with your existing setup. The PSVR is compatible with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro, while the PSVR2 is exclusively compatible with the PlayStation 5. This means you need to own the appropriate console to use either headset. Additionally, consider the ecosystem of each platform, including the availability of accessories and the overall support from Sony. The PSVR2, being the newer system, benefits from the latest advancements, software updates, and potential future support. Think about the console you own, and the features you need.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy ps vr If…
- You already own a PS4.
- You want a more affordable VR experience.
- You prioritize a large library of available games.
- You are new to VR and want to try it out.
Buy vr2 If…
- You own a PS5.
- You want the best visual fidelity and performance.
- You want advanced features like eye-tracking and haptic feedback.
- You want the latest VR technology and a premium experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in display resolution?
The PSVR2 features a significantly higher display resolution compared to the original PSVR. The PSVR2 offers a resolution of 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, while the PSVR has a resolution of 960 x 1080 pixels per eye. This higher resolution results in a sharper, more detailed, and more immersive visual experience for the user on the PSVR2. This difference is one of the most noticeable improvements.
Does the PSVR2 offer eye-tracking?
Yes, the PSVR2 incorporates eye-tracking technology, which allows the headset to track your eye movements. This feature enhances immersion by allowing for dynamic foveated rendering, optimizing the visual experience based on where you are looking. The PSVR does not have eye-tracking capabilities, which is a key advantage of the PSVR2. This will provide a significant advantage for users.
What is the difference in controller technology?
The PSVR uses the PlayStation Move controllers, while the PSVR2 utilizes the Sense controllers. The Sense controllers offer advanced features such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and finger touch detection. The PlayStation Move controllers provide basic motion tracking. The Sense controllers improve the level of immersion and interaction in VR games. Sense controllers provide a more advanced experience.
Is the PSVR2 compatible with PSVR games?
No, the PSVR2 is not directly compatible with PSVR games. Games developed for the PSVR need to be specifically adapted or rebuilt to be playable on the PSVR2. While some PSVR games may receive enhanced versions for the PSVR2, the original PSVR games will not work on the new headset. This is due to the hardware differences.
What console is required for each headset?
The PSVR is compatible with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro consoles. The PSVR2 is exclusively compatible with the PlayStation 5 console. This means that if you own a PS5, you can use the PSVR2. If you have a PS4, you can only use the original PSVR. This is a very important consideration.
How does the setup process differ?
The PSVR setup involves connecting to an external processing unit, then to the console and TV. The PSVR2 simplifies the process with a single cable connection to the PS5. The PSVR2 also features a more intuitive user interface. This makes it easier to navigate menus and access settings. The PSVR2 offers a streamlined and simpler setup process for users.
Which headset offers better haptic feedback?
The PSVR2 offers significantly better haptic feedback compared to the PSVR. The PSVR2 features haptic feedback in both the headset and the Sense controllers, providing a more immersive and responsive experience. The original PSVR does not have haptic feedback in the headset, and the controllers use basic vibration. The haptics are a major part of the new experience.
Final Verdict
The PSVR2 represents a significant leap forward in VR technology, offering superior visuals, advanced features, and an improved user experience. While the PSVR provides a more affordable entry point with a larger game library, the PSVR2’s enhanced hardware and immersive capabilities make it the superior choice for those seeking the ultimate VR experience. It is a more advanced experience overall.
Winner: PlayStation VR2