PlayStation VR2 review: excellent OLED displays, comfortable, solid controllers, and immersive headset haptics, but pricey and limited games at launch

The PlayStation VR 2 is the virtual reality upgrade console gamers have been waiting for — but is it really worth $550?

Engadget 2023-02-16 Devindra Hardawar

Context & Ripple Effects

Sony’s first PlayStation VR was considered comfortable and reasonably priced, but its motion controllers were a constraint; PS VR2’s improved Sense controllers and OLED display address those earlier hardware weaknesses. Sony had already set the launch price at $550, making the software lineup central to the upgrade’s value proposition.

The review confirms the hardware is polished at launch, while identifying a limited game catalog as the counterweight to its display, comfort, controllers, and headset haptics.

First-order effects

Prospective PlayStation VR2 buyers receive a materially upgraded headset experience, but must weigh that hardware against a $550 entry price and a constrained launch library.
Sony enters launch with its hardware differentiation validated, while the small selection of games limits the immediate audience for the device.

Second-order effects

Game availability becomes Sony’s near-term commercial pressure point: strong controller and display reviews give developers a clearer hardware target, but buyers have less reason to commit before the catalog expands.
The price comparison shifts from headset specifications to content access, increasing the value of titles that make distinctive use of the new controllers and haptics.

Third-order effects

If premium VR hardware continues to launch ahead of a deep software library, platform owners will compete less on headset capability alone and more on their ability to secure and sustain exclusive content.
The contrast with the original PlayStation VR suggests console VR upgrades are raising the hardware baseline; adoption will hinge on whether content investment keeps pace with the higher purchase threshold.

The trend: Console VR is moving toward higher-end, feature-rich hardware whose market appeal depends increasingly on exclusive software depth rather than headset improvements alone.

Discussion

@stephentotilo Stephen Totilo on x
Also: - RE Village and GT7 were not available for testing in PSVR 2 yet - PSVR2's head rumble didn't do much for me, even when playing Rez Infinite - The wired connection is a drag, but the ability to quickly press a button to see a pass-through video feed minimizes tangle issues
@stephentotilo Stephen Totilo on x
My favorite PSVR 2 games so far: - The Light Brigade (also coming to Quest/Steam): supernatural roguelite shooter - Song in the Smoke (port): a survival game with lots of crafting - The Last Clockwinder (port): Program robots with your gestures <— just a magical game! https://twi…
@stephentotilo Stephen Totilo on x
I've been playing PlayStation VR 2 for the past week. Pros - Most comfortable VR I've used, had 2-hour sessions with no issue Cons - Has familiar tradeoffs that can limit VR gaming's appeal, offering visual/aural immersion without satisfying tactility https://www.axios.com/...
@vicious696 Parris on x
PlayStation VR2 is my entry point into VR and has been a transformative experience that made me a believer The immersion in Horizon Call of The Mountain and Tentacular were stand out experiences showing the long term potential of VR in gaming #PSVR https://www.youtube.com/... htt…
@jetscott Scott Stein on x
I've been playing with the PSVR 2 for the last week. It's tethered and needs a PS5, but it has some clear advantages for VR gaming. My review: https://www.cnet.com/...
@shancake_ Shannon Grixti on x
PlayStation VR2 is a gigantic improvement over the original and opens the door to so many new possibilities in the AAA VR space. I really hope that we see PlayStation and developers get behind it from a software point of view as it gets everything right on the tech front. https:/…
@tomwarren Tom Warren on x
I've spent the past week testing Sony's new PSVR2 headset, along with @thedextriarchy and @StarFire2258. There's a lot to like here on the hardware side, but I want to see more flagship games like Horizon that make the PSVR2 shine. Here's our full review: https://www.theverge.com…
@jordanmiddler Jordan Middler on x
Also, Horizon Call of the Mountain is really, really good, even if I've done weight sessions in the gym that were less physically taxing. More of this from PSVR 2. Big-budget, first party. https://twitter.com/...
@sayemahmd @sayemahmd on x
It's not perfect, but my experience with the PlayStation VR2 has been largely positive. I can't wait to see what kind of games we can expect on the horizon. https://www.dexerto.com/...
@genepark Gene Park on x
PS VR2 is a high quality headset offering some of the best quality of life features in the industry at a decent price. It all relies on Sonys ability to offer great exclusive experiences, which in the past Sony has struggled with across multiple devices. https://www.washingtonpos…
@nickstatt Nick Statt on x
Sony makes some of the best hardware around and PSVR 2 sounds like no exception. But man I just really cannot fathom who is going to buy this thing outside the most hardcore enthusiast given the state of VR software. I barely ever touch my Quest 2. https://www.vice.com/...
@patrickklepek Patrick Klepek on x
PlayStation VR2 is a curious object. Sony's produced the slickest virtual reality headset yet, but outside of the excellent Horizon, it's expensive, beholden to ports and future unknown exclusives, and its library is mostly old games. https://www.vice.com/...
@jordanmiddler Jordan Middler on x
PSVR 2 is a fantastic headset. It's light, extremely powerful, and has the best screens I've ever seen inside a VR unit. However, outside of the excellent Horizon Call of the Mountain, the weak first-party lineup at launch and beyond is a real concern. My review: https://twitter.…
@playstation @playstation on x
#PSVR2 launches next week! In our new teardown video, PlayStation's hardware engineers provide an in-depth look at the design philosophy and more: https://blog.playstation.com/ ... https://twitter.com/...

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