Hey there! As someone considering your first dive into virtual reality gaming, you‘re probably curious whether PlayStation VR is worth investing in. PSVR headsets now sell at very affordable prices second-hand, but how well does Sony‘s system stack up in 2022 against advanced VR platforms?
Let‘s comprehensively break down PSVR‘s capabilities to help decide if it deserves a spot under your TV. We‘ll compare specs, assess performance benchmarks, highlight exclusive gameplay experiences, overview non-gaming content, and weigh specific pros vs cons.
PlayStation VR: A Value Option for PS5 Owners
First released in 2016, PlayStation VR aimed to make virtual reality more accessible by leveraging the PS4 and PS5 consoles to handle processing power. Rather than requiring an expensive gaming PC and external sensors, PSVR offered an all-in-one headset solution with breakthrough VR technology for just $399.
Over 5 million PSVR headsets have now been sold globally. And with the second-gen PSVR 2 headset arriving in early 2023, outstanding deals on discounted original PSVR bundles make this a tempting entry point into VR.
But should you take the plunge on original PlayStation VR models in 2022? Let‘s find out…
PSVR Models and Pricing: What Are Your Options?
Sony has iterated PSVR hardware over time while reducing cost barriers further. Here‘s a quick glance at available models and typical pricing:
- PSVR CUH-ZVR1 – Original launch model. Used bundles now around $200
- PSVR CUH-ZVR2 – Slimmer connection cable, HDR passthrough. Used around $250
- PSVR with Camera + 5 Games – Popular hardware bundle for $350 new.
With second-hand, refurbished and open-box deals, getting set up with PlayStation VR for under $300 is very feasible. That‘s nearly half the cost of the upcoming PSVR 2!
Of course without touch controllers or adequate room scaling, PSVR distances itself from true "Oculus Quest 2 killer" territory. But we‘ll analyze shortcomings later. First let‘s break down PSVR‘s actual specifications and performance…
PlayStation VR Tech Specs and Benchmarks
Here‘s a handy overview of PSVR‘s core hardware technology:
- Display – 5.7" OLED, 1080p RGB, 120Hz refresh rate
- Lenses – 100° field of view
- Headset – 610g weight, accelerometers/gyroscope tracking
- Controllers – DualShock 4 and PlayStation Move wands
- Connections – HDMI/USB to Processor Unit, 3.5mm headphones
Comparing these specs against 2022‘s VR headsets proves instructive:
| Headset | Display | Tracking | Controllers | Launch Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSVR | 1080p OLED, 120Hz | 6DoF 3-axis | Moves, DualShock | $399 |
| Meta Quest 2 | 1832×1920 LCD, 120Hz | 6DoF 3/6-axis | Touch motion | $399 |
| Valve Index | 1440×1600 LCD, 120/144Hz | 6DoF 4-axis | Index motion | $999 |
| PSVR 2 (2023) | 2000×2040 OLED, 120Hz | 6DoF 6-axis | PS VR2 Sense | $599 |
For a first-gen VR headset, these benchmarks show PSVR responsibly balancing affordability and quality.
The 5.7" OLED display was state-of-the-art in 2016, making visuals really pop compared to LCD panels with their greyish blacks. Motion tracking and input also made huge leaps forward from patchy 90‘s VR attempts.
Of course modern LCD resolutions now far outstrip PSVR‘s, and inside-out tracking plus advanced controllers on Quest 2 and PSVR 2 eclipse the older Moves. But let‘s assess how well the complete PSVR package holds up for virtual reality immersion.
PSVR In-Depth Performance Review
Visuals and Frame Rates
Maintaining high frame rates is vital for comfortable VR gaming without motion sickness. PSVR mostly fluctuates between 90fps to 120fps smoothness, thanks to PS5 consoles packing decent GPU grunt.
The OLED display‘s vibrant colors, inky blacks and minimal blur ghosting ensure games look great given the headset‘s age. Pixel density is certainly lower than 4K gaming on flatscreens, but quality optics make imagery pop right before your eyes.
Frame rate stability does vary though based on scene complexity. PlayStation exclusives like Astro Bot: Rescue Mission with simpler levels maintain buttery smoothness. Yet more visually intensive titles like Skyrim VR or No Man‘s Sky sometimes compromise effects for playability.
For the vast majority of PSVR games though, visual performance and responsiveness competently ushers you into virtual worlds without excessive simulation sickness. PlayStation VR handles the PS5 power supply without glaring weaknesses.
Audio Quality
With headphones directly attached and 3D spatial surround sound supported, audio immersion becomes a real showcase for PSVR‘s capabilities.
Hearing creaks behind you in Resident Evil 7‘s haunted house, bristling as bullets whizz past your head in Blood & Truth, or blasting beats to rhythmic perfection in Beat Saber reveals the transformative impact VR audio brings.
The headphones themselves deliver rich sound with thumping bass. Convenient inline volume controls let you quickly tweak loudness. Once immersed in Sony‘s virtual worlds, stellar sound design grabs attention as much as the visual feast.
Tracking and Input Control
PlayStation VR tracks head rotations thanks to accelerometers in the headset, with PlayStation Camera assisting positional tracking by monitoring external light beacons.
The tracking grid area is smaller than PC room-scale setups, with around 90° opposed positional tracking 3 meters distance between player and Camera. But for most standing or seated VR gameplay scenarios, tracking reliability proves rock solid.
For hand inputs, the PlayStation Move motion controllers originally released on PS3 hold up…adequately. Gyro and accelerometer tracking translates movements 1:1 into virtual hands. Pushing buttons with your trigger finger also feels innately intuitive.
However, the PS Moves only have 3DoF tracking – meaning no finger positioning/gestures unlike advanced controllers. And with no analog sticks for locomotion, you‘re stuck using dumb teleport jumps or head tilts for movement. Quest 2 shows up PSVR‘s archaic Moves as really showing their age.
Between dated controllers and limited tracking zones, PSVR‘s input capabilities certainly expose a generational gap against upcoming platforms. But for many games built around its capabilities, controlling adventures with DualShocks or waggling Moves still pulls off immersion just fine.
Gaming in PSVR: Library Highlights
With 500+ VR games/experiences on PlayStation Store support PSVR, there‘s impressive breadth covering multiple genres and audiences. Let‘s highlight some greatest hits…
Platform Exclusives
Sony intelligently funded, published and promoted VR exclusives to showcase PSVR strengths:
- Astro Bot Rescue Mission – Mario-esque mascot platformer bursting with ideas
- Blood and Truth – Cinematic action thriller in gritty London crime underworld
- WipeOut: Omega Collection – Futuristic racing sensation cranked to 11
- Iron Man VR – Become Tony Stark himself blasting off into explosive battles among clouds
These console-only gems justify PSVR ownership for devoted PlayStation fans. Third parties like Capcom (Resident Evil 7), Bethesda (Skyrim VR, Fallout 4 VR) and Paradox (Tetris Effect) have also championed PSVR ports.
Between buzzy franchises transformed into new VR perspectives or completely original worlds tailored to virtual reality, PSVR‘s line-up highlights both AAA polish and indie ingenuity.
Genres That Shine
Here are additional PSVR standout genres that play into VR strengths:
- Music & Rhythm – Dance your moves flawlessly in Beat Saber or master the drums in Paradiddle.
- Roguelikes – Procedurally generated dungeon crawlers like Until You Fall or Zenith: The Last City encourage replayability thanks to addictive progression and combat.
- Social/Party – Local multiplayer games that get friends involved like cooperative tower defense (Playroom VR) or reality show hijinks (PlayStation VR Worlds).
- Relaxation – Peaceful experiences like deep sea diving in Ocean Descent or painting vibrant 3D artworks in Harmonix Music VR that unwind psychedelic visual pleasures.
This broad variety of tailored VR concepts truly takes advantage of presence and immersion – sensations exclusive to donning a virtual reality headset. Even non-gaming apps expand PSVR versatility…
Beyond Gaming: Video, Communication, Creation
Speaking of non-gaming software, PSVR impresses with breadth of multimedia functionality. 360° 3D videos, creative tools and communication apps expand this headset‘s flexibility as an all-purpose VR viewer:
- 360 Videos – Immerse yourself right in heart of live concerts, documentaries and tourism experiences through apps like Jaunt VR, Discovery VR or Within.
- Visualization – Generate three-dimensional data representations for business analytics or scientific study thanks to visualization engines.
- Art Creation – Sculpt, paint or sketch elaborate 3D artwork you can walk around thanks to Tilt Brush, Masterpiece VR and similar artistic tools.
- Socializing – PlayStation VR integration (and PlayStation Plus ecosystem connectivity) enable hanging out with friends‘ avatars across games, lobbies and other virtual spaces.
Once done gaming, PSVR can transform into a private 3D cinema or canvas for unlocking new creative horizons. Non-gaming software ultimately pushes VR beyond pure entertainment towards lifestyle and productivity enhancement.
And at just a couple hundred bucks, you‘d spend far more outfitting equivalent visual computing capabilities on a 2D workstation. For all-purpose immersive computing under one roof, PSVR makes a lot of sense.
Weighing PlayStation VR Pros vs Cons
Let‘s recap the main benefits and shortcomings of Sony‘s PS5 VR solution:
Pros
- Leaps ahead of basic smartphone VR goggles
- Impressive display visuals powered by PS5
- Huge 500+ game/app software library
- All-in-one convenience for under $300
- Intuitive pick-up-and-play handling
- Gateway drug enabling PSVR 2 upgrade
Cons
- Graphics and displays now dated
- Limited movement tracking zones
- Mess of cables between Processor Unit box, PlayStation Camera and headset
- PS Move controllers restrictive and outdated
- Not completely wireless freedom
Sony absolutely deserves credit for greatly advancing consumer virtual reality already in 2016. And OLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates still outclass LCD visuals common in many 2022 headsets.
However dated tracking and controllers plus no native wireless support do distance PSVR from modern expectations, even considering its budget price. Newer platforms now outclass PlayStation VR regarding display sharpness, free movement and finger tracking finesse during gameplay.
But assessment strongly hinges on your personal needs…
Final Verdict: Best VR Choice for PlayStation Gamers
PlayStation VR in 2022 represents a value opportunity for PS5 gamers rather than pinnacle of virtual reality hardware. Visual immersion and performance still prove mightily capable despite some ergonomic frustrations.
If coveting PlayStation exclusives or requiring utter simplicity over advanced features, used PSVR bundles make fantastic starter VR systems. Room scaling and FPS not your priority? Presence and entry affordability outweigh cutting-edge upgrades.
However for those serious about regularly investing time (and future dollars) on VR gaming, I‘d actually suggest saving up for the PSVR 2 headset arriving in 2023 instead. Why invest hundreds now when superior specs are almost here?
Either way, PSVR delivers impressive escapism miles ahead of ultra-budget goggle shells. Sony convincingly proved even back in 2016 that virtual reality deserves mainstream recognition. Now it‘s time to take those next steps towards total immersion!
Hope weighing PSVR pros vs cons helps determine if taking the plunge suits your PlayStation lifestyle needs. Any other questions, feel free to ask in comments below!
