Sony's Next-Gen PlayStation VR 2 is official, gets Horizon as an exclusive
At its CES 2022 press conference, Sony teased a few more details about its anticipated next-gen VR headset for the PlayStation 5. Also, a sneak-peek at an exclusive game.
As Sony explains in a new, in-depth blog post about the hardware, the hardware is called the PlayStation VR 2 (surprise, surprise). PSVR 2 Sense controllers are the company's funky controllers, which are similar to Sony's DualSense controllers in spirit. But it's the exclusive game revealed that's more interesting: Horizon: Call of the Mountain, which appears to be set in the same world as Horizon Zero Dawn.
The VR headset will feature unique vibrating feedback and advanced haptics controllers, as well as eye-tracking, a 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering (a technology that focuses only on where the fovea of the eye is looking to maximise resolution, getting more graphics to drive with fewer pixels).
It appears to be one of the major game-changing VR headsets expected in 2022, though there is no official announcement on the release date or a price tag. However, we now have access to a wealth of additional information:
Visual Fidelity: For a high-fidelity visual experience, PS VR2 offers 4K HDR, a 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering. With an OLED display, players can expect a display resolution of 2000×2040 per eye and smooth frame rates of 90/120Hz.
Headset-based Controller Tracking: With inside-out tracking, PS VR2 tracks you and your controller through integrated cameras embedded in the VR headset. Your movements and the direction you look at are reflected in-game without the need for an external camera.
New Sensory Features: PS VR2 Sense Technology combines eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio, and the innovative PS VR2 Sense controller to create an incredibly deep feeling of immersion. Headset feedback is a new sensory feature that amplifies the sensations of in-game actions from the player. It’s created by a single built-in motor with vibrations that add an intelligent tactile element, bringing players closer to the gameplay experience. For example, gamers can feel a character’s elevated pulse during tense moments, the rush of objects passing close to the character’s head, or the thrust of a vehicle as the character speeds forward. Additionally, PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech makes sounds in the player’s surroundings come alive, adding to this new level of immersion.
Eye Tracking: With eye tracking, PS VR2 detects the motion of your eyes, so a simple look in a specific direction can create an additional input for the game character. This allows players to interact more intuitively in new and lifelike ways, allowing for heightened emotional response and enhanced expression that provide a new level of realism in gaming.
PlayStation VR2 Specifications
Display method: OLED
Panel resolution: 2000 x 2040 per eye
Panel refresh rate: 90Hz, 120Hz
Lens separation: Adjustable
Field of View: Approx. 110 degrees
Sensors
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)
Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor
Cameras
4 cameras for headset and controller trackingIR camera for eye tracking per eye
Feedback
Vibration on the headset
Communication with PS5
USB Type-C
Audio
Input: Built-in microphone
Output: Stereo headphone jack
PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers Specifications
Buttons
Right: PS button, Options button, Action buttons (Circle / Cross), R1 button, R2 button, Right Stick / R3 button
Left: PS button, Create button, Action buttons (Triangle / Square), L1 button, L2 button, Left Stick / L3 button
Sensing/ Tracking
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer)
Capacitive Sensor: Finger Touch DetectionIR LED: Position Tracking
Feedback
Trigger Effect (on R2/L2 button),
Haptic Feedback (by single actuator per unit)
Port
- USB Type-C® Port
Communication
Bluetooth® Ver5.1
Battery
Type: Built-in Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery
