Sony this week confirmed the official launch window of its highly-anticipated PS VR 2 headset via social media.
The company posted an image on Twitter and Facebook yesterday morning teasing an ‘early 2023’ release date for the next-gen console VR headset.
We still don’t know the official price or what the launch catalog will include. That said, the company has shared a list of specs for the device, revealing a handful of exciting features like eye-tracking, passthrough view, and headset haptics.
According to Sony, the PlayStation VR 2 will feature a 110-degree field-of-view; 10 degrees wider than the original PlayStation VR headset. Two 2000 x 2040 OLED displays brought to life by dual fresnel lenses promise clearer, brighter visuals.
As previously mentioned, the PlayStation VR 2 will also feature built-in eye-tracking, allowing developers to employ a technique referred to as ‘foveated rendering’ to deliver improved visuals while conserving system resources. This same technology could also be used to create more realistic avatars complete with realistic eye movements as well as provide users with additional ways to interact with the virtual world.
The PlayStation VR 2 does away with Sony’s PS Move controllers in favor of the new Sense controllers, which feature a variety of inputs as well as improved haptics based on the company’s powerful PlayStation 5 controller. The headset itself also features haptic technology, offering an additional layer of immersion not seen on competing headsets such as the Valve Index or Meta Quest.
In terms of audio, the PS VR2 features support for plug-in headphones via a standard 3.5mm audio jack. At the time of this writing, the company has made no mention of any onboard audio solutions, so it appears as though you’ll need to provide your own.
Here’s a full list of specs (as provided by Sony):
- Display method – OLED
- Panel resolution – 2000 x 2040 per eye
- Panel refresh rate – 90Hz, 120Hz
- Lens separation – Adjustable
- Field of View – Approx. 110 degrees
- Sensors
- Motion sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)
- Attachment sensor: IR proximity sensor
- Cameras
- 4 embedded cameras for headset and controller tracking
- IR camera for eye tracking per eye
- Feedback – Vibration on the headset
- Communication with PS5 – USB Type-C®
- Audio – Input: Built-in microphone Output: Stereo headphone jack
Despite the numerous improvements listed above, the PlayStation VR 2 promises a simplified setup process. Whereas the original PS VR headset required a PlayStation 4 camera and breakout box, the PS VR2 features a single USB-C cable system as well as several onboard cameras, removing the need for additional hardware.
For more information on the PlayStation VR 2 visit here.
Image Credit: Sony
