When I first tried PlayStation VR on the PS5 at my friend’s house, I wasn’t expecting such a massive leap forward in immersion. Virtual reality has come a long way, but PlayStation VR2 takes it to another level with improved visuals, better tracking, and an experience that feels more seamless than ever before. Whether it’s the stunning clarity of the OLED display, the intuitive Sense controllers, or the sheer variety of games, everything about this system feels like the next step in VR gaming.
One of the first things I noticed was how much sharper and more vibrant the visuals are. The OLED display delivers a 2000 x 2040 resolution per eye, making every detail stand out with stunning clarity. Games like Horizon Call of the Mountain look incredible, with richly detailed environments, realistic lighting, and a sense of depth that pulls me right into the world. Compared to the original PlayStation VR, the difference is night and day. The wider field of view also makes a huge impact, eliminating the tunnel-vision effect that older VR headsets sometimes struggled with.
Comfort is another area where PlayStation VR2 shines. The headset feels lighter and better balanced, making it easy to wear for extended gaming sessions. The improved design reduces pressure on my head, and the adjustable strap ensures a snug yet comfortable fit. I barely notice the weight even after an hour of playing. The built-in ventilation system helps prevent lens fogging, which was a common issue in earlier VR headsets. Everything about the design feels more refined, making it clear that Sony put a lot of thought into player comfort.
The new Sense controllers are a game-changer. Unlike the outdated Move controllers from the first PSVR, these are built specifically for modern VR gaming. They feel natural in my hands, with an ergonomic design that makes button placement intuitive. The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback add another layer of realism. Drawing a bowstring in Horizon Call of the Mountain provides noticeable tension, while firing a gun in Resident Evil Village delivers a satisfying kick. These small details make a huge difference in immersion, bringing VR interactions closer to reality.
Another standout feature is the inside-out tracking, which eliminates the need for an external camera. The headset has built-in cameras that track movements in real-time, making setup quick and hassle-free. You can turn, duck, and move naturally without worrying about staying within a specific sensor range. This freedom of movement adds so much to the experience, making VR feel less restrictive than ever before. Even in fast-paced games, the tracking remains smooth and precise, keeping me fully immersed without any noticeable lag.
One of the biggest improvements is eye tracking, which enhances both gameplay and visual fidelity. The headset can detect where you are looking and adjust focus accordingly, making everything feel more natural. In some games, this feature is even used for gameplay mechanics, allowing you to select items or interact with the world simply by looking at them. It’s one of those advancements that, once experienced, feels like an essential part of VR moving forward.
Haptic feedback in the headset itself is another surprising innovation. Feeling subtle vibrations when taking damage or experiencing environmental effects like explosions adds another layer of immersion. It’s not overpowering, but just enough to create a deeper connection with what’s happening in the game. Combined with 3D audio, the entire experience becomes more dynamic and engaging. Hearing an enemy creeping up behind me and feeling a slight vibration as they get closer adds a new level of tension that wasn’t possible in older VR systems.
Game selection is another reason why PlayStation VR2 stands out. At launch, it already has a strong lineup of games, with major titles like Resident Evil Village, Gran Turismo 7, and No Man’s Sky offering full VR support. These aren’t just tech demos—they’re full games that take advantage of the hardware in meaningful ways. Gran Turismo 7 in VR feels like a completely different game, with the cockpit view and realistic sense of depth making every race more intense. Even older VR titles like Moss and Tetris Effect have been updated to take advantage of the improved hardware.
Despite all these improvements, there are still some drawbacks. The biggest issue is the lack of backward compatibility with original PlayStation VR games. While some older titles are getting upgraded versions, it’s disappointing that I can’t simply play my existing library right away. Another limitation is the wired connection. While the single USB-C cable is much better than the original PSVR’s complicated setup, a fully wireless option would have been ideal. Hopefully, future iterations will address this.
Even with those minor downsides, PlayStation VR2 is easily one of the best VR experiences available today. The combination of high-resolution visuals, intuitive controls, and advanced tracking makes it feel like a massive step forward for console VR gaming. For those who own a PS5 and want to experience the next generation of virtual reality, this is absolutely worth it. Whether diving into new worlds, racing at high speeds, or surviving playing horror games, PlayStation VR2 delivers an experience that feels more immersive and polished than ever before.
