Sony Unveils Design and Release Date for New PSVR 2 for PlayStation 5 Owners

Virtual reality gaming has become more accessible than ever, but for many players, the experience is still a clunky one. Most popular consoles have a way to create a VR experience — and Sony has just unveiled its new plans for its PSVR 2 headset and controllers.

These new virtual reality tools will go even further than the company's current VR model, working exclusively with the PlayStation 5, though its release date is further than many expected.

The headset and controllers are newly designed exclusively for the PS5, meaning the product will hit shelves long before the rumored "PS5 Pro" will ever be unveiled.

While it initially seemed as though the new headset would release sometime before the end of 2022, Sony confirmed in early November that it would officially hit shelves on Feb. 22, 2023. This will mark one of the first big video game releases for the new year, and PlayStation lovers can preorder it starting Nov. 15.

Sony also announced Horizon Call of the Mountain as one of the first games the company will debut for the new headset and controllers. This game, which will likely be a follow-up to Horizon Forbidden West, brings players further into the game's world while taking advantage of the VR 2 headset's new technology. Sony confirmed that there will be around 20 titles available for the headset when it launches next year.

Unfortunately, as it's new technology, you'll be looking to shell out about as much as a new PS5 for the upgraded VR headset. Sony announced the PSVR 2 will be priced at $549.99, though those who preorder can bundle the headset with a copy of Horizon Call of the Mountain for $599.99.

For those concerned about the price, you can still request a free adapter to make the original PSVR headset work with your PS5 console on the PlayStation website.

If you are one of the lucky ones who has managed to snag a PS5, then you might want to consider turning back on all of the notification channels you used to snag it, because the new VR2 headset and controllers are likely to be just as popular — and just as elusive.

The new VR2 headset will feature technology that tracks players' eye movements, using a series of cameras in the headset to change the in-game view and provide a more responsive and immersive experience.

It will also capitalize on 3D audio features to create more lifelike gameplay, and even provide some tactile features

Platform experience head Hideki Nishino shared on PlayStation's blog an advanced look at the design of the PSVR2 headset and controller. The new controllers bear a striking similarity to the design of the PS5, featuring a white, circular design "since it is meant to have constant human contact, similar to the rounded edges of the DualSense controller and Pulse 3D headset," Hideki wrote.

Comfort was apparently a top priority, which is why the designers included a lens adjustment dial, a weight and size reduction, and even vents — to stop the headset's monitors from fogging up while playing.

While the new PSVR2 offers quite a few upgrades for players, it still bears enough similarities to the original VR design so as not to be considered a complete overhaul. This will make it easier for those who love the current VR headset to transition smoothly.