The PlayStation VR2 headset is finally breaking free from its PlayStation 5 exclusivity. Sony has introduced a $60 adapter that enables you to use your VR headset, priced at $550, with their suite of Steam-based VR games. However, before you rush to purchase, consider the trade-offs involved in bringing your VR2 to the PC, some of which compromise the headset’s standout features.
The process of setting up involves connecting your VR2 to a PC with multiple cables. According to images shared in PlayStation’s blog post, you’ll need a wired connection from the VR2 to an adapter box, which in turn connects to the PC via USB and DisplayPort. Additionally, an extra connection can hook up to a monitor, which might be handy for anyone watching you maneuver through Half-Life: Alyx’s tricky puzzles.
It’s worth noting that your PC must have a DisplayPort 1.4 output along with an additional DisplayPort cable. In terms of specifications, they are what you’d expect—a minimum of an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and at least an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. For an optimal experience, especially if aiming for the VR2’s 4K capabilities, a more robust setup is advisable. Sony also mentions needing a Steam account to access games, and while there might be specific Steam VR requirements now, the enthusiastic PC VR modding community will likely address any such barriers swiftly.
When we reviewed the VR2, we found it to be an impressive headset, boasting excellent eye tracking and controls, with competitive pricing. Sadly, its potential was curtailed by the limited game library on the PlayStation 5. Sony launched their refreshed headset before Meta unveiled the $500 Meta Quest 3, which features enhanced passthrough AR capabilities and offers a variety of exclusive titles. The VR2 does shine with its remarkable lenses that support up to 4K resolution per eye and a wide 110-degree field of view.
Nevertheless, transitioning the VR2 to PC isn’t without significant drawbacks. Eye-tracking functionality won’t be available on PC, and you’ll miss out on features like HDR and headset feedback. The controllers also lose adaptive triggers akin to the DualSense controller, along with the more advanced haptic feedback, settling for basic rumble instead. While the limited passthrough feature still functions on PC, its primary role is to prevent you from accidentally bumping into furniture.
The adapter is expected to be offered on PlayStation Direct and various retailers starting this August. Currently, the VR2 is discounted by $100 through Direct and Best Buy during Sony’s Days of Play sale until June 13.
Even with the discount, the VR2 remains a significant investment, especially when adding $60 to liberate it from Sony’s restrictive PlayStation ecosystem. We’re keen to test it ourselves to determine if this makes the VR2 an attractive option for those curious about virtual reality, but the setup requirements and feature constraints do temper the enthusiasm.
