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The new generation of VR is arriving fast and in style, so we’re considering PSVR vs PSVR 2 to see just how far Sony has come.
In our review of PSVR 2, we found Sony’s new VR headset to be impressive, especially with the evergrowing list of PSVR 2 games. Though you need a PlayStation console for either of these headsets
It’s been years since its predecessor came out, meaning many are now waiting for this new one to release, rather than shelling out on the original iteration. This is exacerbated by the fact that it’s actually quite hard to get your hands on the PSVR, as PlayStation has stopped producing it.
If you want a head to head between PSVR 2 and the Meta Quest Pro we’ve got you covered too, but for now, we’re turning our attention to PlayStation’s VR headsets. We’ve also recently got news about the new PSVR 2 Sense controllers, whose innovative design and sleek look are making the new headset appeal grow further.
So, before the release of the PSVR 2 we hope to answer two questions: is the PSVR still worth it and is the PSVR 2 worth the upgrade?
Read Now: Where to buy PSVR 2? and Black Friday PSVR deals.
PSVR vs PSVR 2
The PSVR launched in 2016, only three years after the PS4 and four years before the PS5. You’d be forgiven for having reservations about the headset due to its aging hardware. Compared to the PSVR 2, is coming out today, there’s going to be an almost seven year gap between the two.
Read Now: Meta Quest Pro vs PSVR 2
PSVR vs PSVR 2 price comparison
The PSVR will cost you roughly $200 nowadays for a renewed model, whereas the PSVR 2 currently costs $549.99 to pre-order.
This is a significant price difference, though entirely expected from devices released seven years apart. There are two things to consider here:
- Is the aging PSVR worth $200
- Is the PSVR 2 worth $549?
By the end of the article, we hope to have answered these questions for you.
Buy PSVR and PSVR 2 Now:
PSVR vs PSVR 2 – specs and features
The price leads us to the meat of the comparison – specs and features.
| Specification | PSVR | PSVR 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display type | OLED | OLED HDR |
| Display size | 5.7-inch | Unknown |
| Resolution (per eye) | 1920 x 1080 | 2,000 x 2,040 |
| Refresh rate (Hz) | 90 – 120 | 90 – 120 |
| Field of View | 100° | 110° |
| Microphone | Integrated | Integrated |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Six-axis motion sensor |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB | USB-C |
| Cameras | Requires Playstation Camera | 4 for headset and controllers |
| Feedback type | Controller | Haptic feedback on headset and controller |
The biggest feature that the PSVR 2 crushes the PSVR on is the 4K visual output. On a VR headset – that’s phenomenal. Especially considering the $1,499 priced Meta Quest Pro is capable of this, it only makes the PSVR 2’s qualities shine.
The PSVR 2’s 110° Field of View trumps the PSVR once again as expected, and this is hugely underrated feature in a VR headset in immersing users. The HDR display panel will also help to reduce the screen door effect, which older VR headsets often struggle with.
Read More: PSVR 2 vs Pico 4 – which headset should you go for?
Following suit with other modern VR headsets, the in-built cameras and six-axis motion sensor effectively make the Playstation Camera redundant – which is another attractive feature for the 2023 released headset.
Overall, the PSVR 2 is the obvious candidate if you’re looking to grab a new VR headset come January, however that doesn’t mean the original PSVR is completely redundant.
Read Now: Meta Quest Pro specs and features, is it worth it?
Can you use a PSVR with PS5?
One of the advantages of the PSVR is its compatibility with the PS5. If you’re going to be playing your PS4 compatible PSVR games, you can luckily play them via your PS5. This is a nice touch from Sony as it extends the PSVR’s lifespan beyond the release of the PSVR 2, which is not often the case with huge hardware releases such as these.
Can you play PSVR games on PSVR 2?
Unfortunately, Sony has decided to exclude any backward compatibility for the PSVR 2. You won’t be able to play any of the games that you could on PSVR as PlayStation are aiming to isolate the new PSVR 2 from the newer games that are designed for next-generation VR gaming.
This is only another reason for consumers to think about buying a PSVR, as the selection of games available on it are some of the best VR games on the market.
Have a look at the selection of VR games on Green Man Gaming.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, our opinion is that both consoles are fantastic and have great arguments explaining their worth. However, as videogame and tech enthusiasts – our hearts are drawn to emerging technology that looks to change the landscape. PSVR 2 absolutely does that by offering a reasonably priced entry to the next generation of VR headsets.
Read More: PSVR 2 vs HTC Vive XR Elite – which one should you go for?
That being said, the original PSVR is also a good option for the price, and we have very few bad things to say about the headset.
PSVR vs PSVR 2 FAQs
Will the PSVR become obsolete?
We expect the PSVR to have a place in gamers homes beyond the release of the PSVR 2, however it’s unlikely to receive many new games and official support past January 2023.
Is the PSVR 2 out yet?
The PSVR 2 is yet to release, though we’ve had confirmation from Sony that it will release in early 2023.
Will PSVR 2 have better graphics?
The PSVR 2 has better graphics than both the Meta Quest Pro and the original PSVR. In fact the updated graphic quality is one of the biggest selling points of the PSVR 2.
