Updated at: 28-02-2023 - By: Leo Hall
So, does the PlayStation VR live up to the hype, or is it just a gimmick? Are PS4 and PS5 owners going to get their money’s worth out of PSVR? The solution is provided below.

Answer:

Due to the PlayStation VR’s dated hardware and impending replacement by a newer, better headset, purchasing one in 2022 is not a wise investment.

In addition, the visual and performance improvements made by the PlayStation 5 are not as noticeable in older PSVR games, diminishing the console’s appeal.

Many people wrote off virtual reality when it first came out, thinking it was nothing more than a fad that would eventually fade away into obscurity like 3D televisions and the Kinect.

This, however, turned out to be completely false.

There has been significant investment in virtual reality (VR) technology from tech giants like Google, Valve, HTC, and Samsung over the past few years, and a number of VR headsets have been released for both personal computers and mobile devices. In 2022, however, Sony is still the only console manufacturer to offer virtual reality.

Is it worthwhile to invest in the PlayStation VR headset that came out in 2016? To what extent does it improve the PlayStation 5 experience when linked to that device? In the near future, can we expect the launch of a new headset? Continue reading and you’ll find the answers you’re looking for!

VR Headset for PlayStation

  • Suitable for those new to virtual reality.
  • Simple to set up

PlayStation VR Headset — How Does It Hold Up?

Even by today’s standards, the PlayStation VR headset was revolutionary when it debuted five years ago. In comparison to the state-of-the-art Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets, it was a steal at its price and didn’t skimp on features.

Even though it relied on the PS Camera for motion tracking, it still lacked full Virtual Reality functionality, making it appealing even to some PC users due to the low price.

Is PlayStation VR Worth It? [2023 Answer] - GamingScan

When we fast forward to 2022, the technology of 2016 doesn’t seem nearly as impressive. The headset’s 1080p OLED display isn’t competitive with the higher-resolution displays found in modern VR headsets, and it isn’t significantly cheaper than the competition, either.

When compared to other virtual reality headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and the Oculus Rift S, the PSVR headset is clearly not as good of a deal, especially considering that it is only fully compatible with the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5.

So it doesn’t hold up well in terms of hardware and probably shouldn’t be considered by PC gamers, but what about PS5 owners? Could they benefit from a PSVR?

Do You Really Need a PlayStation Camera to Use PSVR?

The PlayStation Camera is optional for PSVR. However, a PlayStation Camera accessory is required for PlayStation VR to work as a genuine virtual reality headset. Since head tracking requires a PlayStation Camera to function, playing without one will result in a static camera angle and no freedom of movement.

If you want to experience anything other than a virtual theater with your PlayStation VR, you’ll need to purchase the Camera accessory. When in this mode, a large screen appears in front of you in the virtual world, much like a conventional television would. Otherwise, it’s the same as watching a film on a regular screen. You can freely move your head around, and the screen will follow suit, remaining permanently in view.

PlayStation VR Features

Standard features shared by both PSVR models include:

  • Compatible with the original PS4, the PS4 Slim, the PS4 Pro, and the PS5.
  • It’s possible to get a true virtual reality experience without shelling out a ton of cash for a gaming PC by using a PlayStation console.
  • Draws on the already present Move and Camera hardware: Takes advantage of the current state of the art in Motion and Imaging. That means there is nothing else users of those gadgets need to purchase.
  • 3D audio is provided by the external processing unit, making the user feel as though they are fully immersed in the virtual world.
  • Using the same PS4, you and a friend can take turns playing a game on the TV screen while wearing the PSVR headset.

PlayStation VR PS5 Compatibility

Video games designed for the PS4 can be played on the PS5. Games for the PS4 that are compatible with PSVR can be played on a PS5. However, in order to use PSVR, you will need to request a PS5 VR camera adapter from Sony.

You can only play PS4 games in PSVR. The PS4 version of games like Hitman 3 is required if you want to play them in virtual reality.

The Original PSVR: PlayStation VR CUH-ZVR1

A precursor to the PSVR, the CUH-ZVR1 was released in 2016. In all material respects, it mirrors its successor in every significant respect. It’s a little heavier, the cable isn’t as thin, and it can’t transmit HDR color data to 4K displays.

Sony, the maker
Full HD (1920 x 1080) display (960 x 1080 for each eye).
Frequency of refresh: 90–120 hertz
nominally 100 degree field of view
610 grams in weight
Absolutely no cameras
No longer produced in factories. From October 2016 through November 2017, the CUH-ZVR1 could be purchased.

The Updated PSVR: PlayStation VR CUH-ZVR2

The redesigned cable used by the CUH-ZVR2 is the most noticeable difference, as it is lighter and has a different plug-in for the headset. There will be less discomfort from a constant tug on the head or neck while playing for extended periods. The modern headset is lighter and has in-line volume control and headphones built in.

The central processing unit saw the most significant improvement in both features and performance. As opposed to the old model, the new one can process HDR color information. That is irrelevant to virtual reality. Instead, this means that PSVR owners with 4K TVs won’t have to disconnect the headset in order to play traditional video games or watch ultra high definition (UHD) Blu-ray movies.

The Sony Corporation, the Makers
Total resolution is 1920 by 1080 pixels (or 960 by 720 on each eye).
Range of 90–120 hertz (Hz) refresh rate
100-degree nominal field of view
Quantity of 600 grams in weight
Zero cameras
Released in November of 2017, production is complete.

Is PlayStation VR Worth It? - YouTube

Is PSVR Worth Getting For The PlayStation 5?

Sony’s new console is here, and it’s a big step up from its forerunner. The PlayStation 5 is an incredible gaming console in every way. Its massive increase in graphics processing power allows it to maintain a stable 60 FPS in 4K, and its support for real-time ray tracing, as well as its super-fast SSD and 3D audio support, make it stand out.

The new PlayStation 5 is compatible with PS4 hardware, including games and the PSVR headset, making it a great upgrade for PS4 owners. How do PSVR games run on the PS5, and should you upgrade your old headset to the PS5?

The precise performance, of course, varies from game to game. While most games do not feature significant visual upgrades, the PS5’s increased graphics processing power allows for improved performance and presentation in a select few titles. The most noticeable change when playing a PlayStation 4 VR game on a PS5 is likely to be the shorter loading times.

While this is great news for those who already own a PSVR headset and a number of PlayStation 4 VR games, it doesn’t inspire new buyers to pick up either the headset or the games given that a “sequel” is confirmed to be in the works.

PSVR 2 — When Is It Coming Out?

It wasn’t until February 2021 that Sony confirmed that a new generation of PlayStation VR was indeed coming to the PlayStation 5, though speculation and hints at its release had been circulating since before the console was announced and revealed.

The situation is looking quite favorable for the PlayStation 5 VR experience, what with the new console’s considerable graphics processing power, the additional layers of immersion awarded by the DualSense controller’s superb haptic feedback, and the 3D Audio.

According to the most recent rumors, it will have a resolution of 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, which is a huge improvement over the 960 x 1080 pixels of the first-generation headset. This resolution may have been adequate for virtual reality several years ago, but it looks quite dated now.

Foveated rendering, which uses eye tracking to increase detail in the area of the screen where the viewer’s attention is focused, is an intriguing new feature that will be implemented in PSVR 2. As a natural consequence, this can lead to a more visually impressive VR experience by making better use of the console’s processing power.

The reports that Sony’s new virtual reality headset would be cordless were premature. Still, it’s a relief to know that the headset will only require a single USB-C cable to connect to the system’s central processing unit.

The next-generation PlayStation VR has a lot of potential, and it sounds great so far, but we probably won’t see it until late 2022 or early 2023. Thus, we still have a while to wait before we can see it in action or find out how much it will actually cost.

PSVR Prototypes: Sony Visortron, Glasstron, and HMZ

PlayStation VR wasn’t Sony’s first foray into virtual reality or head-mounted displays. While Sony didn’t launch Project Morpheus (the precursor to PSVR) until 2011, the company’s interest in VR dates back much further. Despite being released three years before Morpheus began development, the PlayStation Move was created with virtual reality in mind.

Sony Visortron

Between 1992 and 1995, Sony worked on the Visortron, one of the company’s earliest attempts at a head-mounted display. Although Sony’s Glasstron head-mounted display was introduced in 1996, it was never commercially released.

Sony Glasstron

The Glasstron was a pair of futuristic sunglasses with a built-in display that was worn like a headband. The foundational structure consisted of a pair of LCD displays. Displaying slightly different images on each screen is one way that certain models of the hardware can simulate a 3D effect.

Between 1995 and 1998, when the final hardware version was released, it went through nearly half a dozen iterations. Shutters were included in some iterations of the hardware, allowing the user to see through the screen.

Sony Personal 3D Viewer Headset

Sony’s HMZ-T1 and HMZ-T2 head-mounted 3D displays were the company’s last attempts at such displays before the advent of Project Morpheus and PlayStation VR. The gadget had an OLED screen for each eye, headphones, and an external processor that connected via HDMI cables.

Best PSVR Games 2022: Our Top VR Picks For PlayStation

Beat Saber

There appears to be no better place to kick off your virtual reality gaming experience than with Beat Saber.

Regardless, its captivating yet difficult gameplay makes it one of the best virtual reality games available. This is topped off by engaging and fun gameplay that will have you moving around in no time.

Beat Saber is a rhythm game, so the music is obviously important, and there is a wide variety of songs available, both in the main games and in expansion packs that have included tracks by artists like Lady Gaga.

And for even more Beat Saber excitement, you can read our comprehensive review right here!

Hitman III

Instead of being a completely new VR experience, Hitman 3 is a fantastic adaptation of the original series starring Agent 47.

Here, virtual reality (VR) transforms the game from a third-person perspective to a first-person one, allowing the player to feel as if they are truly a part of the maps they are familiar with from previous games. As a result, the virtual reality experience is enhanced and a new perspective is introduced.

Hitman III includes the entirety of the World of Assassination trilogy, allowing you to play through the game three times in one sitting and return to fan-favorite locations like Paris, Sapienza, New York, and the Isle of Sgail, as well as explore brand-new areas like Dubai and Dartmoor.

Blood & Truth

Blood & Truth is one of the best virtual reality first-person shooters available today.

This is a fun take on the classic shooter genre that also features an interesting spy story and many familiar film conventions.

You feel like you’re in a Hollywood blockbuster, complete with car chases and corridor battles, only this one is in virtual reality.

The fast-paced plot of Blood & Truth makes it seem just as enjoyable, and the fact that you’ll actually have to reload your weapons properly during gunfights only adds to the game’s already high level of immersion.

I Expect You To Die 2

In addition to bringing up I Expect You to Die 2, the topic of spies and film clichés is perfect for.

This VR entry offers a zanier, Roger Moore–inspired spin on the genre, with a focus on puzzle-solving and offbeat missions that work well together in the medium of virtual reality.

Defeating four assassins in the middle of a theater and crashing a party from the cellar of a building using wine bottles, mines, and masks sound like two of the many enjoyable missions available to play.

I Expect You to Die 2 is a challenging and entertaining puzzle game that will appeal to a wide audience.

Borderlands 2 VR

The 2012 classic shoot ’em up Borderlands is now playable in virtual reality (VR), with all the same classic charm and added immersion.

Every inch of Pandora is beautifully rendered in the game’s signature illustrative art style. The same story, with its witty banter and perfectly timed jokes, is also present, which is a plus.

Borderlands 2 VR’s character skill trees have been updated to make them more powerful for solo players, further sharpening the experience.

Among the new mechanics is one called “Bad Ass Fun Mega Time,” or BAMF for short, which lets you kill enemies in slow motion by rewinding time.

Astro Bot Rescue Mission

Astro Bot Rescue Mission is an upbeat 3D platformer where you team up with Captain Astro to rescue a group of robots who have had their VR visor stolen.

The gameplay is pleasant and enjoyable, with a pleasingly retro vibe, and just enough difficulty to keep things interesting.

The platforming seems designed to keep you on your toes regarding where to go next, and the bosses at the end of each level are distinct but not insurmountable, and they increase in difficulty as you progress through the game.

The VR capabilities of Astro Bot Rescue Mission are most obviously on display in the game’s deft camera, which adds a new layer of difficulty to the platforming action by forcing the player to constantly shift their position in order to keep track of what’s going on.

PSVR 2021: Is It Worth It And Should You Buy It?

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Although we already talked about Resident Evil 7: Biohazard on our best VR horror games list, we figured it was only fair to include it again here, given how well-rounded a game it is.

One of the longer dedicated VR titles out there, with a total campaign time of 12 hours, you can get lost in the world around you.

You should pay attention to this because the game provides a genuine horror experience, complete with slow, deliberate pacing, strategically placed jump scares, and puzzles that will keep you busy for quite some time.

Sniper Elite VR

Wonderfully bringing the series’ trademark fun gameplay, gory shooting, and increased immersion to the virtual reality medium, Sniper Elite VR is a worthy VR adaptation of the critically acclaimed wartime sniper series.

Unlike previous installments, which took place in Berlin and Africa, this one is set in Southern Italy, which helps maintain a sense of continuity with Sniper Elite IV.

Fun and familiar to anyone who has played a Sniper Elite game before, combat here awards points based on how challenging kills are.

With Sniper Elite VR, you can now witness your enemies’ brains flying everywhere in VR, as the series’ trademark killcam has been brought over from the original games.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

With Skyrim VR, you can play the beloved open-world role-playing game from a new angle.

The game’s unparalleled sense of depth and scale should contribute to a highly immersive gaming experience.

This open-world VR adventure allows you to do things like fight dragons, delve into caves, and finish quests in a way that has never been possible before.

In addition, Skyrim has a plethora of excellent add-ons (mods) that expand the game’s potential for player expression.

Superhot VR

Strategy and anarchy coexist in this game, as you explore a world where time advances only when you do.

You’re outnumbered, but you must fight your way through and plunder the dead.

If you enjoyed the original and are interested in trying out a VR adaptation, this one might be for you.

Gran Turismo Sport

In general, sim racing is a great way to put PSVR to use, and Gran Turismo Sport delivers a satisfyingly realistic and immersive experience.

You can test drive anything from a mighty supercar to a zippy little hot hatchback, and everything in between.

Expect the usual Polyphony mix of real-world circuits you’ll recognize, like Silverstone, Spa, Mount Panorama, and Goodwood, alongside more fantastical offerings, like the Broad Bean Raceway and Alsace.

Conclusion – Is PSVR Worth It In 2022?

Is it worth it, then, to purchase the PlayStation VR headset for your PlayStation 5? Unfortunately, we must say no; not unless the complete collection is available at a steep discount and/or additional quality games are thrown in at no extra cost.

In 2022, the PlayStation VR system is still relatively expensive compared to some other options, and it will soon be replaced by a superior headset that will not only have a better feature set but also have access to a more extensive library of newer VR titles. The PlayStation 5 still does not have any VR games of its own.

Although the PlayStation VR (PSVR) is currently one of the more reasonably priced entry points into virtual reality (VR), its limitations prevent us from recommending it over the many more advanced VR headsets currently on the market.