Four years ago, Sony launched PlayStation VR, the company’s first foray into virtual reality gaming. The device, which was powered by the PlayStation 4, was the first commercially available console VR headset and drew mainstream attention to the blooming VR gaming market, while also making it even more accessible for all PlayStation 4 owners. After launching the PlayStation 5 with some inconvenient PSVR compatibility, Sony has finally announced its plans the next PlayStation VR device.
When the PlayStation 5 launched, PlayStation VR owners were disappointed to learn that Sony had no plans for PlayStation 5 native PSVR titles, and that the console was not natively compatible with the device. In order to use PSVR on PS5, fans were required to request a USB adapter for the device’s PlayStation Camera component, and to use a DualShock 4 to play backwards compatible titles. On top of this, titles like Hitman 3 do not support PSVR on the PS5 version, only supporting the device through the PlayStation 5’s backwards compatibility function.
With these roundabout solutions to playing PSVR on PS5, it seemed like Sony was indirectly conveying that it was done with VR gaming and had no intention of bringing it to PS5. Today, Sony has announced that it is currently developing a next-generation PlayStation VR headset for PlayStation 5 that will enhance “everything from resolution and field of view to tracking and input.” The device will also release alongside a new VR controller, which takes advantage of the same technology used in the DualSense. Sony has clarified that the device will not launch in 2021, however, developers have already started creating titles for the headset.
With this announcement, Sony has reaffirmed its commitment to virtual reality gaming, claiming it is “stronger than ever.” The next-generation VR headset will connect to the PS5 thorough a single cord, addressing one of the biggest criticisms leveled towards the PS4 version, which required an entire separate processing unit that required its own power source, resulting in a mess of cables.
PlayStation VR first launched in 2016 and has gone on to sell over 5 million units (as of January 2020.) While Sony’s first party support dwindled following the device’s launch, the platform has still maintained a strong following, with titles such as Star Wars: Squadrons and Dreams supporting the device last year. In recent years, the current headset’s hardware has begun to show its age, with many criticizing its low resolution output, and titles such as Half-Life: Alyx skipping the platform due to its older, more restrictive hardware.
PlayStation VR is available now.
Source: PlayStation Blog
