The PlayStation VR2 headset, which was initially tied exclusively to the PlayStation 5, is now breaking free. Sony has introduced a $60 adapter that allows this $550 VR headset to be paired with any Steam-based VR game on a PC. But before you rush to place your order, there are a few caveats to be aware of when using your VR2 with a PC, as some of its standout features are compromised.
The adapter links the VR2 to a PC using multiple cables. As shown in PlayStation’s blog images, the VR2 connects to the adapter box via a wired link. The box, in turn, connects to the PC through USB and DisplayPort. Additionally, a separate connection can hook up to a monitor, perfect for anyone interested in observing your attempts to navigate the intricate hacking puzzles in Half-Life: Alyx.
However, you’ll need a PC equipped with a DisplayPort 1.4 output and a dedicated DisplayPort cable. The baseline requirements are what you’d expect: an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, at least 8 GB of RAM, and a graphics card such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. Nonetheless, for a 4K gaming experience on the VR2, a more robust setup is advisable. Sony also states a Steam account is necessary for game access, though any specific Steam VR demands might soon be circumvented by the enterprising PC VR community.
Our evaluation of the VR2 highlighted it as an excellent headset featuring remarkable eye tracking and control capabilities, with a price tag that was reasonable. Sadly, its game selection on the PlayStation 5 was somewhat lackluster. The updated headset hit the market before Meta’s $500 Meta Quest 3, which boasts improved passthrough AR and several exclusive games. The VR2 features impressive in-headset lenses, supporting resolutions up to 4K per eye and offering a wide 110-degree field of view.
Yet, despite the excitement surrounding this development, several notable restrictions come with using the VR2 on a PC. Key features like the headset’s eye tracking won’t function on a PC. Neither will HDR or headset feedback. The adaptive triggers, akin to those on the DualSense controller, and enhanced haptic feedback will also be absent, save for the standard rumble. While limited passthrough capabilities remain operational on a PC, their primary function is still to prevent you from bumping into nearby objects.
The adapter is slated to be available through PlayStation Direct and other retailers this August. Currently, the VR2 is marked down by $100 at Direct and Best Buy during Sony’s Days of Play sale, running until June 13.
Nevertheless, even with this discount, the VR2 still commands a considerable price, particularly when an additional $60 is needed to break away from Sony’s restrictive PlayStation ecosystem. We’re keen to test it firsthand to determine if it finally makes the VR2 appealing for those curious about virtual reality, though the connection prerequisites and feature limitations dampen the overall enthusiasm.
