Virtual reality has been traded as the “next big thing” in the gaming industry for decades. However, the big breakthrough is still a long time coming. Now Sony presents the next generation of virtual reality gaming with the PlayStation VR2. In this Hardwareluxx test, we clarify what the new headset can do.
In 1987, the term “Virtual Reality” first appeared as a theoretical concept in the Oxford English Dictionary. Since then, the enthusiasm for VR has been unbroken. Recently there was a big hype about VR glasses with the Oculus Rift. Various companies jumped on the bandwagon and offered virtual apartment tours and the like. With the Metaverse, they went one step further and wanted to create an entire world at once.
In March 2023, VR is more of a marginal phenomenon and has not been able to establish itself even after almost 40 years. Although the technology has improved significantly compared to the past, this is still not enough. The demands of the users are high. Especially since the film industry has also made its contribution here. In various publications, Hollywood suggests virtual reality as a limitless alternative to real life. In reality, however, the capabilities of available VR solutions are limited. In addition, there are topics such as “motion sickness”, which mean the end of virtual reality.
With the PS VR2 headset, Sony is now trying another attempt and is releasing the successor to the Japanese company’s first virtual reality headset after around seven years. All owners of a PS5 console are thus able to immerse themselves in a new VR world. In combination with the VR2 Sense controllers, the PS VR2 headset should not only impress visually, but also when it comes to operation.