Sony released the PlayStation 4 console back in 2013, and since then, they’ve continued to release new games and hardware for their consoles. The PS4 Pro was announced last year, bringing some amazing upgrades to the system.
People often ask, what can you do with Playstation VR? Let’s find out!
What Can You Do With Playstation VR?
PlayStation VR is a virtual reality headset that allows the user to experience games in an immersive environment.
The headset has two screens, one for each eye, and it uses sensors to track your head movements so that you feel like you are actually inside of the game.
Here are just some of the things you can do with Playstation VR:
- Play Video Games
- Watch Movies
- Browse the Internet
- Explore Virtual Worlds
Uses for PlayStation VR Beyond Virtual Reality Gaming
If you’re wondering whether there are enough good virtual-reality games available to warrant buying the PlayStation VR headset, even though you need a PlayStation camera too, then you aren’t alone.
Even though it has a wide variety of launch titles, there isn’t one blockbuster title that makes it a must-buy for most people. However, if you’re looking at PSVR without any launch titles, there is still a ton you can do with it.
You may be surprised by some of the uses for the Oculus Rift, even if they’re not gaming related.
Cinematic Mode for Non-VR Games
While PlayStation VR is primarily intended for playing virtual reality games (although there are some non-VR games available), its second-best use isn’t too far off the mark. When you start a non-virtual reality video, the headset switches into a cinematic mode.
It mimics sitting about 6 feet away from a movie theater’s big screens and comes in three different size options: a 117-in “small,” a 163-in “medium,” and a 226-in “large.”
If you thought you could not read the entire “Large” or “Medium” screens without turning your neck, you’re right. Even the smaller “Small” screens force you to move your neck to focus on different parts.
We’re usually playing video games on screens that measure between 40 inches and 60 inch diagonal, so even the small screen is rough twice the size.
On the plus side, the small screen doesn’t move when you turn your head, so it’s good for games. But it’s not ideal for anything else.
The Medium screen size seems to be a good fit for most games, but the large screen can be great for some titles that don’t need to fill up the entire screen.
Playing games using VR headsets isn’t perfect. You may be able to see individual pixels on the screens due to the fact that your eyes are so close to the displays.
The PSVR has a good job of minimizing this effect; however, it is still there. Fortunately, it is easy for it to fade away once the game starts.
Cinematic Mode for Watching Movies and TV
Cinematic Mode has two very useful purposes: watch movies like you’re at the cinema and watch movies without having to use your phone. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly good enough for those movies that you didn’t deem worthy of seeing at the cinema.
With a good pair of headphones and with the cinematic setting turned on to medium, it provides a great experience. However, there is one drawback: It gets uncomfortable to keep wearing the headset for long periods of time.
And this Netflix viewing will improve over time as Sony continues to improve its cinematic mode and more content partners add support for VR within their apps.
Hulu has already jumped onto the bandwagon by offering a virtual space where you can watch TV and movie clips from their site. Hopefully, other companies will jump on the bandwagon too.
Watch Virtual Reality Movies
At present, most VR films and videos available are either too boring or too cheesy for long-term enjoyment. They’re fun things to watch at first, but they won’t last.
Because there isn’t a huge amount of video content made specifically for VR, but slowly, companies are starting to create content for VR.
You can already watch some of these shows on apps like Within, which has a feature similar to Hulu. They haven’t got quite the catalog yet, though some shows like Invasion, about two rabbits saving the planet from alien invaders, look promising.
Watch VR Videos and Photos
It may seem repetitive, but PlayStation VR has support for virtual reality videos. We’ve already discussed movies designed specifically for VR, so we’re going to focus on home video and 360-degrees photos instead.
With the lower-priced options becoming more and more affordable, you can now invite friends and family over to see your vacation photos from any angle.
You can watch VR movies and photos saved to a USB stick by plugging it into one of the PlayStation 4’s USB ports. The PlayStation 4’s media player supports VR video in the most popular formats.
You can also use the YouTube app for PlayStation VR. If you turn on your PS4 console while the YouTube app is open, you’ll see an option to switch between the regular YouTube app and the virtual reality (VR) app.
With this version, you can watch 360-degree video posts on the website. There are lots of them, ranging from sitting in a sports arena watching a football game to standing in the first row at a concert to going for a ride on a rollercoaster.
Play Games or Watch Movies While the TV is In Use
If the PS4’s TV is connected to multiple people’s TVs, this trick can be useful. The PSVR’s processing units split the video signal so that one goes to the headset and another goes to the TV.
Unless you’re playing a video game that requires two screens, there isn’t any reason for the television to show what’s happening on the PlayStation 4.
This means one player can be watching cable on the TV while someone else plays video games or watches a movie through the PSVR headset.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to use PlayStation VR. You could play games, watch movies, or just hang out with friends in a virtual living room. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy all three, then the PlayStation 4 Pro might be worth checking out.
We hope you enjoyed our guide! Let us know if we missed anything.
