From March, the PS VR2 at a price of 449.99 euros This is a move that many have been expecting for a long time, but hardly anyone is surprised. Because even if the price reduction seems like a friendly offer at first glance, it feels more like damage limitation. The question remains: Who wants a VR headset if the exclusive must-have titles are missing?
Technically speaking the PS VR2 remains an impressive piece of hardware. It offers 4K OLED panels, eye-tracking, foveated rendering and haptic feedback - everything that makes VR hearts beat faster. If you already own a PS5, you get a powerful headset that is now available at an even more attractive price. It all sounds pretty good, doesn't it?
Money alone does not solve problems
But then comes the problem with the games. Sony is trying to solve the PS VR2's problems with money instead of creativity - and that's exactly the problem. Even if the technology more than justifies the new price, the future prospects do not. And that can only be taken as a warning.
Because while "Horizon Call of the Mountain", "GT7" and "Resident Evil Village VR" adorn the list of exclusive titles, the selection of top-class VR experiences is meagre overall. There is a lack of a continuous stream of such experiences to keep customers interested. It seems as if Sony itself has little interest in its own hardware - and this is the most fatal signal sent out by the PS VR2 to date.
Of course, third parties are trying to fill this gap. Games like "Metro Awakening", "Phasmophobia" and "Alien: Rogue Incursion" recently brought a breath of fresh air. And there are still a few good games to come, judging by "Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate" thinks. But even that is not enough to establish the PS VR2 as a truly indispensable platform. Sure, there are always indie treasures, but these titles are unlikely to sell VR headsets en masse.
Is it really worth it?
Sony's half-hearted commitment to the PS VR2 makes the decision to buy the headset a difficult recommendation. Yes, the new price may seem more attractive and the technology is still excellent. But the question remains: Is it really worth investing in a platform that Sony no longer seems to have the support for?
Another problem with the PlayStation VR2 is the often lacking technical optimization of many games. There are numerous titles that either still struggle with motion sickness or do not meet the promised graphical standards. It often feels like the developer simply puts the project on ice after a quick release - updates are the exception rather than the rule. This is particularly frustrating when you feel like you've paid for a product that falls far short of its potential.
And unlike MetaQuest's competitors, the PlayStation VR2 does not offer any return policy if you are not satisfied with a game or the entire VR experience. With MetaQuest, you can return games within a certain period of time, which is a reassuring safety net for many buyers. With PS VR2, on the other hand, you are stuck with your purchases, even if they do anything but deliver what was promised. This combination of technical shortcomings and the lack of a return option creates little confidence and makes the VR experience feel more like a gamble - with the likelihood that the player will end up disappointed rather than delighted.
Meta Quest is the better choice for beginners
For PS5 owners, the purchase of the PS VR2 could therefore still only be worthwhile to a limited extent, while the PC adapter from Sony at least enables use on a PC, which increases the versatility and choice of games. Those new to the VR world, however, may find the Meta Quest 3 a far more tempting choice. With a price tag of 330 euros and no cable clutter, it offers an equally good, if not better supported VR experience.
Despite the more attractive price, the PS VR2 remains an impressive piece of technology, but it is not without risk. A discount does little to change the fact that the future of this platform is still uncertain. Anyone getting involved should be aware that they may be investing in a product that will not enjoy the long-term support of Sony.
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