If you want to get into VR and own a Playstation 4 or Playstation 5 console, then you have a very easy and clear option: The PS VR Headset.
Many people are hesitant to buy it because consoles often don’t have the best reputation when it comes to virtual reality content.
However, Sony has made some great strides over the past few years, and its VR library is definitely quite formidable.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will discuss:
- What the Playstation VR Headset is and how it works
- What you need to run VR on your Playstation console
- An important note about PS5 compatibility
- Great VR games on the PS VR Store
So without further ado, let’s get started.
An Overview of the PS VR Headset
The PS VR Headset was released back in 2016 and it was designed to work with Sony’s Playstation 4 console.
Since the Playstation 4 console is not as powerful as many modern-day PCs, the PS VR Headset comes with a processing unit of its own. This processing unit sits between the Playstation console and the PS VR Headset.
The purpose of the processing unit is to handle certain processing tasks, such as audio processing, certain types of tracking, and more.
One of the most important aspects when it comes to VR is head tracking. This is achieved through the Playstation Camera, which is another piece of equipment that you’ll need to run VR on your Playstation console.
The Playstation Camera has the capability to detect LEDs and their movement. There are numerous LEDs present on the front of the PS VR Headset that the camera keeps track of and uses to translate movement in-game.
You also have the option to use Playstation Move controllers which also have bright LEDs in the front which are tracked by the camera. They are what you’ll primarily use to control input when you’re playing VR games on your Playstation console.
While the Playstation Move controllers are the ideal choice, you can also play VR games on the Playstation with your standard Dualshock controller as well.
What Do You Need to Run Playstation VR?
As an average consumer, you may think that you simply need the Playstation VR Headset and a Playstation console (either the PS4 or PS5) to run VR.
However, if you thought that, you’d be wrong.
Sadly, there are a variety of other peripherals that you also need in order for VR to work properly. These are peripherals that are not included with the PS VR Headset bundle, sadly.
Here’s a list of all the equipment you’ll need to run VR on your Playstation 4 console:
- The PlayStation VR bundle (This includes the headset, processor unit, earphones, an HDMI cable, a USB cable, an AC adaptor and a power cord)
- A Playstation 4 or Playstation 4 Pro console
- The PlayStation Camera
- 2 Playstation Move Controllers. Again, these are not necessary as you can still play VR games with the Dualshock controller. However, if you truly want an immersive VR experience, then these are recommended.
We’ve detailed how to connect the Playstation 4 and Playstation 5 console to the PS VR Headset in one of our older posts.
It’s important to note that you can also run the PS VR Headset with the Playstation 5 console as well.
The only difference is that in order to run it with that, you’ll need to buy a Playstation Camera adapter. That adaptor is needed because you cannot connect the Playstation Camera to the Playstation 5 console without it.
Important note: If you have a Playstation 5 console, you may want to buy the new Playstation 5 HD Camera for it rather than the older Playstation Camera.
While this may seem like a good idea, it actually isn’t because that newer camera does not provide VR tracking capabilities. Rather, it’s designed to be used as a streaming camera.
Hence, the best approach is to get the older Playstation Camera along with a Playstation Camera adaptor for your Playstation 5.
There is some speculation that the newer camera will be utilized for VR for the upcoming PS VR 2 Headset. However, if you want to use the current PS VR Headset, then the approach outlined above is much more appropriate.
An Important Note About PS5 Compatibility
If you have a Playstation 5, it’s actually a much better idea to wait for the PS VR 2 Headset rather than opting for the current-gen VR headset.
This is because the current PS VR Headset is only designed to run PS4 games. Hence, while you can still experience VR with it, you’ll only be able to run PS4 games in VR through your PS5.
Thus, for example, if you’d like to play Hitman 3 in VR, then you’ll have to buy the PS4 version despite having a PS5.
This is because the PS VR Headset will not be compatible with the PS5 version of Hitman 3.
Top PS VR Games
When you first buy a PS VR Headset, of course, you’ll be looking to populate your library with some of the best VR games that the Playstation has to offer.
Here are some great picks to help you get started:
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is the ultimate workout game while also being extremely fun at the same time.
It’s essentially a rhythm game but the core concept behind it is extremely wacky and fun. You are equipped with two lightsabers and your objective is to slice small blocks that are coming towards you. All the while, you also need to be dodging obstacles as well.
Oh, and did we mention that all of this is done to the beat of your favorite songs?
Yes, the level is generated according to the beat of the song playing and there’s a huge library for you to choose from.
Superhot VR
Superhot VR is another game that has a very unique concept: Time stops whenever you stop.
What that means is that you’ll be in the middle of a gunfight and if you’d like to stop time to think about your next move, you can simply stop moving.
This may sound easy but it’s actually really not as you’ll find yourself holding highly awkward positions as you think about what to do next.
It’s a super fun game with a fun and unique visual style too.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
If you’re a gamer, you’ll be familiar with the Resident Evil series and how scary it is.
That scare factor is amped up tenfold when you add VR into the mix. The VR port is super well-optimized and free of any bugs.
Furthermore, the sound design is particularly well done to ensure that you feel paranoia at every turn.
Wrapping Things Up…
The PS VR Headset is a great option for virtual reality if you already own a Playstation 4 or 5 console.
However, if you’re someone that wants to get into VR but doesn’t have either of those consoles, then you might be better off buying a standalone or PC-based VR headset.
What do you think of the PS VR experience? Let us know in the comments section below.