Sony unveils its next-gen virtual reality headset – the PlayStation VR2
Image credit: sony playstation
Sony has announced details of its next-generation virtual reality headset – the VR2 – which features a similar design, and is compatible with, its PlayStation 5 (PS5) console.
The headset has been designed in a similar “orb shape” to the VR2 Sense controllers which were revealed by Sony last month. The circular design represents the 360-degree view that players will have access to in VR, Sony said.
The Japanese gamesmaker conducted extensive testing to ensure a comfortable feel for a variety of head sizes including balancing its weight profile to feel as unobtrusive to the user as possible and making it lighter than the previous generation.
Image credit: sony playstation
Other features include an adjustable scope that places the scope area closer or further away from the face, a lens adjustment dial, so users have options to match the lens distance between their eyes to optimise their view, and a built-in motor to give physical feedback.
They have also integrated a new vent design for the VR2 which is designed to improve airflow. Yujin Morisawa, who led the design of the headset, said: “When I started to work on the design for the PlayStation VR2 headset, one of the areas I wanted to focus on first was the idea of creating a vent in the headset to let air out, similar to the vents on the PS5 console that allow airflow.
“Our engineers came up with this idea as a good way to allow ventilation and avoid having the lens fog up while players are immersed in their VR games.
“I worked on many design concepts to achieve this, and in the final design, you can see there is a little space in between the top and front surface of the scope that contains the integrated ventilation. I am really proud of how this turned out and the positive feedback I have gotten so far. I hope our PlayStation fans will also agree, and I can’t wait for them to try it out.”
Image credit: sony playstation
The PS5 will enable some technical improvements compared to the last generation headset such as 4K HDR graphics and enhanced tracking using an “inside-out” camera.
Sony first unveiled the new controllers for the VR system nearly a year ago. They use adaptive trigger buttons that can increase their tension depending on what’s happening on screen; advanced haptic feedback to try and make sensations in the game world more impactful, and finger-touch detection which can detect a user’s fingers without any pressing.
The controller is also tracked by the headset through a tracking ring across the bottom of the device.
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