The PlayStation VR2 has finally spread its wings beyond the PlayStation 5. Sony’s introduced a $60 adapter that allows this $550 VR headset to interface with their suite of Steam-based VR games. But before you eagerly hit that purchase button, there are a few downsides to bringing your VR2 over to your PC setup, and some of these could mean losing out on the headset’s standout features.
Connecting the VR2 to a PC involves several cables. According to images in Sony’s blog post, you’ll need to wire your VR2 headset to an adapter box, which then links up to your PC using USB and DisplayPort connections. If you want others to view your gaming antics, like when you’re navigating those tricky hacking puzzles in Half-Life: Alyx, there’s an option to connect to a monitor too.
However, you’ll need a computer equipped with a DisplayPort 1.4 output and the necessary DisplayPort cable. As for the system requirements, they’re pretty standard: at minimum, you’ll need an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and at least an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. Still, you’ll want a more powerful setup if you’re aiming to enjoy games at the 4K quality the VR2 supports. Moreover, a Steam account is required to access games, although any specific Steam VR constraints likely won’t be an issue for long due to the eager PC VR modding community.
Our experience with the VR2 showed it to be an impressive headset, boasting top-notch eye-tracking and controls at a sensible price. Its Achilles’ heel was a somewhat limited game library for the PlayStation 5. Sony rolled out this headset before Meta launched the $500 Meta Quest 3, which offered enhanced passthrough AR features and a suite of exclusive games. The VR2’s internal lenses are commendable, supporting up to 4K resolution per eye with a wide 110-degree field of view.
Despite the initial excitement, bringing the VR2 to PC isn’t without its challenges. Significant features like the headset’s eye-tracking will not function on a PC. HDR support and headset feedback are also missing in action, while the controllers fall short without the adaptive triggers and only provide basic rumble feedback, unlike the DualSense controller’s rich haptics. Limited passthrough capabilities do work on PCs, primarily preventing furniture collisions.
You can find the adapter on PlayStation Direct and other retailers starting this August. During Sony’s Days of Play sale, which runs through June 13, the VR2 is $100 off at Direct and Best Buy.
Yet, even with a discount, the overall cost of the VR2 can be daunting, especially considering the extra $60 needed to break free from Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem. We’re eager to test it out ourselves to determine if it finally makes the VR2 a worthy investment for VR enthusiasts, but the connectivity constraints and missing features might take the sheen off the deal.
