TL; DR
- From a private developer conference, new details about Sony’s upcoming VR headset for the PlayStation 5 have been leaked.
- The headset, tentatively called PSVR 2, may have an improved display, new controllers, and headset hardware.
- The VR headset may also introduce a new hybrid game model that allows gamers to download and play the traditional or VR version of titles.
Sony teased details on its upcoming PSVR 2 a few months ago, but it’s mostly focused on the controller specs. Now alleged details from a private Sony development meeting have announced new details about the overall system.
The conference, which took place on August 3, was first reported on the YouTube channel PSVR Without Parole (via UploadVR). You can watch the full length video below.
PSVR 2: Hardware Improvements
PSVR 2 can have an improved, denser OLED display with a resolution of 2,000 x 2,040 per eye. Coupled with HDR support, this should improve the graphics by leaps and bounds over the original PSVR’s 1,920 x 1,080 display. The PSVR 2 display also reportedly has a 110 degree field of view versus the 100 degrees of the original model.
This new hardware is also backed up by software. The PSVR 2 will reportedly use flexible scaling resolution, redistribute rendering performance and improve details based on the user’s focus. Foveated rendering, which adjusts the rendering workload based on the position of the user’s eyes. These two features are said to be less of a burden on the PlayStation 5 and improve game performance when used together.
As for feedback, a “rotary motor” is used in the headset itself, depending on the leak. We’ve already seen the controllers thanks to Sony’s March reveal, but it’s now clear that they’ll have capacitive sensors for the thumb, middle and forefinger. This should go a long way towards improving individual finger tracking and giving users more natural control over game characters. Adaptive triggers are also provided.
Interestingly, the new hardware may also come with a shift in Sony’s game distribution philosophy. With PSVR without a slogan, Sony wants developers to give users the option of traditionally playing games on the display or on the PSVR 2. Users would not need to specify which game version they want as both formats are available for download. It’s a big change for users, but also for developers who would have to consider making games suitable for traditional and VR gaming. Either way, this “hybrid games” model could be essential for the mass success of VR on consoles in the future.
There is no word on whether the PSVR 2 can play original PSVR tracks. Given the added need to handle grunts, it also seems unlikely that the system will work with the PS4.
PSVR 2: When will it start?
When will the PSVR 2 be launched? For now, there is no word from Sony itself. It is noteworthy that the company still refers to the system as NGVR (Next-Gen VR). However, the company plans to announce launch details for “early 2022”.
Given the success of the PS5 as a standalone device, Sony doesn’t need to rush its system development. It remains the only console gamer with a capable VR headset, especially as Microsoft stated it has no plans to dive into the room. If you can’t wait, the original PSVR is compatible with the PS5, and you can still grab one for around $ 560.
What do you think of the new PSVR 2 details? Let us know in the comments.
