The technology behind PlayStation VR has the potential to truly change the way we interact with our video games and make the world of virtual reality accessible to anyone who wants to take advantage of it.
If you’re interested in learning more about PlayStation VR, how it works, what you need to use it, and whether or not it’s worth your money, read on!
You’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about whether or not to invest in this technology once you’ve learned everything there is to know about PlayStation VR.
Yes, you’ve probably seen Sony’s latest virtual reality headset in stores and online, but if you’re not sure whether PlayStation VR is worth buying, you’re not alone.
After all, even though the first PlayStation VR headset was released more than two years ago, there’s still plenty of confusion about what it is and how well it works especially in comparison to other virtual reality headsets like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Luckily, with our help, you can finally put your questions to rest and decide whether PlayStation VR is worth buying or not!
What is PlayStation VR?
PlayStation VR (PSVR) is Sony’s answer to virtual reality. Unlike Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, PSVR requires no external tracking equipment; it’s a headset you slide your PS4 console into.
At $399, it’s significantly cheaper than its PC-based competition, too though it will require you to shell out for a PlayStation 4 or Pro if you don’t already have one.
Here’s everything you need to know about PSVR before buying. Is PlayStation VR Worth It?: To find out whether PSVR is worth it, we first have to determine what’s being offered.
Is it a good piece of hardware? Yes, but some hiccups mean that as a complete package, it’s not without its flaws.
How Does PSVR Work?
The PSVR isn’t a device in itself; it’s an accessory for your existing PS4 system. It hooks up to your TV via HDMI and, like any other console peripheral, plugs into a wall outlet.
It includes a PS4 camera (included with every purchase) that tracks your head movements as you play.
The big difference is that instead of using an analog stick or button controller like previous iterations of virtual reality gaming systems, you use your head and hands by wearing an assortment of sensors,
Including two 1080p displays for each eye that create a stereoscopic 3D effect (thanks to Sony’s proprietary reprojection system).
In addition to adjustable earphones, there are also lights on both sides of each display. During gameplay, these strobe at precisely timed intervals to trick your brain into thinking it’s receiving visual data from multiple points of view though most games only require one forward-facing point.
The entire headset runs off a single cable which you can plug directly into either side of the PS4 for power, or route through whichever USB port is closest to your TV.
How Much Does PSVR Cost, and Where Can I Buy One?
The consumer version of PlayStation VR launched in October 2016 for $399 (it’s usually on sale for $350), and you can buy it from Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and Target.
It comes with a headset, cables, stereo headphones, an HDMI cable, and a USB cable; you will need a PS4 console and a PS Camera to use it. While Sony recently launched several new bundles that include games like Doom VFR and Moss, these are sold separately.
What Games Are on PSVR Right Now?
A lot of people were skeptical about what PSVR had to offer when it was first released. Is it worth buying? What games are on PSVR right now?
Thankfully, there are plenty of options that you can choose from, and here are a few highlights: Rez Infinite This is easily one of my favorite games on PlayStation VR right now.
If you’re looking for a more arcade-style experience that will wow your friends and family, then Rez is going to be at or near the top of your list.
Just be warned: it’s quite challenging and may not be suitable for younger players. Here They Lie While most horror games rely on jump scares (and poorly implemented ones at that),
Here They Lie does something truly unique by putting you directly in harm’s way. It also makes excellent use of its PSVR capabilities, making you question what’s real versus what’s simply an illusion.
Batman Arkham VR – Okay, so technically Batman Arkham VR isn’t a game per se but rather an interactive story designed as if it took place inside an episode of the Fox TV series Gotham.
Still though, if you enjoy detective stories that put YOU directly in danger then Batman Arkham might just be your new go-to PSVR game.
Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, The best thing about Until Dawn: Rush of Blood is its incredible theme park vibe which goes beyond just being a haunted house; instead, it feels like it takes place inside a carnival-themed world where evil ghouls await around every corner.
The Problems with PSVR (and How to Fix Them)
While PSVR is fun and immersive, some issues could keep it from succeeding. The biggest problem with Sony’s headset is its price.
While $399 isn’t as bad as Oculus’ price point, it’s not exactly a bargain when you compare it to what else you get for that money.
For example, you can get an Xbox One S for around $250 and a Nintendo Switch for about $300 but those devices don’t require any external hardware or have limited play options.
And yes, I know Microsoft sells Xbox headsets, but they’re mostly garbage; even if we threw them in with Xbox One S sales numbers, we’d still be well above $400.
A second issue is games. At launch, there are only three titles that offer native support for PSVR: Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, Farpoint, and EVE: Valkyrie (which has been available for Rift since 2016).
It took a few months before we got new big-name games like Batman: Arkham VR (available since October 2016) and Star Trek: Bridge Crew (available since May 2017).
If these two titles don’t convince people to buy their copy of PSVR right now, then what will? Right now the best way to enjoy video games on virtual reality headsets is on a PC.