It’s the midpoint of the year, so many PlayStation fans are wondering, “Should I buy PlayStation VR now?” That’s a good question, because it might be better to wait for PSVR 2 instead. While Sony has been rather tight-lipped so far as to the release date of PSVR 2, the hardware upgrade and compatibility with PS5 games are important features of the upcoming headset. So let’s break this question down, so that you can figure out whether it’s worth purchasing the older PSVR now or holding out for PSVR 2.
Should I wait for the PSVR 2 or buy the original?
The main thing to ask is how much you want to buy a virtual reality headset for consoles now. According to the latest rumors from expert analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Ross Young, the PSVR 2 has been slated or delayed to Q1 2023. Whether this is due to a chip storage or a PS5 console shortage, it’s up to you whether you can wait until then.
The original PSVR still works well and is compatible with the PS5 as long as you have the free camera adaptor that connects your PS4 PlayStation Camera to the PS5. However, it’s important to point out that there are technically no PS5 games that are compatible with the PSVR. You will still need to play the backwards-compatible PS4 games on the PS5 if you want to use the headset on the system. So if you’re looking for lasting value, it’s better to wait for the PSVR 2.
Because the headset is still the only one available for consoles at the moment, the price for the PSVR hasn’t dropped too much from the $399 price tag when it launched in October 2016, but today you can find special PSVR bundles at a strong overall discount. This includes the PSVR Marvel’s Iron Man VR Bundle that, at the time of this writing, is being sold on the official PlayStation Store for $349. If the rumors of a Q1 2023 release are true, then you may find tech deals closer to the winter holiday season. It’s unclear what the PSVR 2’s price will be, but based on its predecessor’s launch price, we expect it to cost somewhere between $399-$499.
That said, it’s difficult to ignore the increased power of the PSVR 2. Even based solely on information released by Sony earlier this year, the OLED headset will have 2000 x 2040 panel resolution for each eye, built-in cameras for inside-out tracking, 110 degrees of field of view, and foveated rendering to make the experience even more immersive. The Sense controllers for the headset also come with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Taken altogether, we think it’s worth waiting for the PSVR 2, unless you can find the PSVR for a very low price.
For more guides, here is whether Treyarch is making a Call of Duty game in 2024, and whether Fall Guys is still a popular game.
