The PSVR2 - More like a Blizzard Game than an Indie Title

The PSVR2 – More like a Blizzard Game than an Indie Title

I slide the shiny cardboard sleeve off the precious box that contains the device designed to usher in a new era of virtual reality (VR). Or so I thought. Once I had spent some time with the PSVR2, it became clear that Sony’s most recent release was not going to revolutionise the market. But revolution was neither necessary nor, upon reflection, desired, or even intended.

a virtual reality headset in black and white

Fig. 1: the PSVR2 headset

The PSVR2 comes with a headset, two controllers, and a pair of in-ear headphones. Components are kept in an unassuming black and white, matching the aesthetic PS5 users have become accustomed to. As plastic is the material used most, handling the headset produces worrisome noises that make it feel fragile. Nevertheless, the choice of material is as smart a choice as it is cheap: VR headsets need to be lightweight and flexible. Compared to other devices on the market, the PSVR2 is both.

someone pushing a white button on the back of a headband

Fig. 2: adjusting the headband

To put on the headset, you first need to push the black button in the top right corner (see Fig. 1) and then pull the visor away from the headband. Adjusting the headband is straightforward and sufficiently intuitive: Press the big button at the back (see Fig. 2), pull the band to make some room, put on the headset, and then rotate the big button clockwise until you achieve a snug fit. Now hit the black button one more time to slide the visor onto your nose. No problem. Attaching the controllers to your hands and the headphones to your headset are equally straightforward tasks.

someone holding a controller in black and white

Fig. 3: a PSVR2 controller

In the process of powering up the headset, however, you are forced to realise that being tethered to your PS5 is unavoidable. Wireless is a feature Meta Quest 2 users have come to appreciate, but the PSVR2 fails to deliver on that front. Tripping over a cable in a 180° stunt not only breaks immersion but also poses a serious hazard to some. On the plus side, however, PSVR2 users need not worry about charging their headset, and the additional power the wired connection provides improves performance.

A man playing a game with a virtual reality headset.

Fig. 4: Uriel Nyffenegger playing Beat Saber on the PSVR2.

In contrast to the headset, the controllers of the PSVR2 need to be charged. However, the competition is powered by single-use batteries, and the PSVR2 controllers feel more comfortable than Meta Quest 2 controllers. The buttons on the Sony controllers are easy to reach and push, and I have yet to hit a button accidentally. Playing with the PSVR2 controllers feels like playing with your bare hands, which is why they deserve a 10/10 in my book.

The PSVR2 is more like a Blizzard game than an Indie title: It is a well-polished device that avoids mistakes others have made; it does not push the boundaries but errs on the side of caution. The PSVR2 offers the pragmatic consumer a no-nonsense device that trades gimmicks and glamour for ease of use, comfort, and accessibility.

Developer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Platform: Play Station 5
Release Date: 22 February 2022

Pictures:
Featured image: Promotional picture of the PSVR2 (Sony Interactive Entertainment 2022), https://www.playstation.com/en-fi/ps-vr2/
Fig. 1-3: Photographs of the PSVR2 (Sony Interactive Entertainment 2022), taken by Uriel Nyffenegger.
Fig. 4: Photograph of Uriel Nyffenegger playing Beat Saber (Beat Games 2016) on the PSVR 2 (Sony Interactive Entertainment 2022), taken by Joonas Palsio.

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Uriel Nyffenegger

Passionate about games, literature, and philosophy, Uriel delights in feeling complex emotions and thinking big thoughts. Overwhelmed by emotions and thoughts, he plays basketball until he turns into metal Mario and needs a nap.

#VirtualReality #Capable #Comfortable #Accessible