This post will explain in detail everything that you need for Playstation VR to run effectively and with ease.
We’ll go over the hardware as well as some useful tips that could help you save time and configure your setup more efficiently.
Then, once you’ve set up everything, you won’t have to worry about anything when loading your headset up for future VR sessions.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will discuss the following:
- The hardware needed to properly set up the PS VR Headset
- How to set up the PS VR Headset on the Playstation 4
- How to set up the PS VR Headset on the Playstation 5
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
The Hardware Needed to Set up the PS VR Headset
It may seem unnecessary to many to include this section since many people may think that you just need the headset and the console.
However, unfortunately, you don’t get much of the necessary hardware needed to play virtual reality on the Playstation consoles when you buy the PS VR Headset.
For example, the all-important Playstation Camera is essential for PS VR usage and it’s something that is not included with the PS VR Headset.
Here are all of the things you’ll need to get virtual reality up-and-running on your Playstation console:
- The PlayStation VR bundle (It will include the headset, processor unit, earbuds, HDMI cable, USB cable, AC adaptor and cord, PSVR headset connection adaptor)
- An appropriate Playstation console. This could be a PlayStation 4, a PlayStation 4 Pro or a PlayStation 5
- The PlayStation Camera
- 2 Playstation Move Controllers. These are not required but they’ll definitely enhance the experience if you have them.
- A PlayStation Camera adapter. This isn’t required if you have a Playstation 4 or a Playstation 4 Pro. However, if you have a Playstation 5, you’ll need it.
Make sure that you go through this checklist to ensure you have everything before you start to set up the Playstation VR Headset with your console.
Once you’re sure you have everything you need, you can get started with the setup…
How to set up PlayStation VR for the Playstation 4? (Step-by-Step Guide)
When you open the PS VR bundle, it can be quite daunting to see all the different components and cables.
Follow these steps to set it up effectively:
Step 1: Look for the Processor Unit inside the bundle. It looks like a black box. Once you find it, slide off its cover so that the rear ports are visible.
Plug one end of the HDMI cable provided with the bundle to the HDMI output of your PS4 console. The other will be plugged into the rear port of the Processor Unit that’s labeled “HDMI PS4”.
Take the second HDMI cable and plug it into the Processor Unit’s rear port that’s labeled “HDMI TV”. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV.
Step 2: Take the USB cable provided with the PS VR bundle and plug the micro-USB (smaller end) into the micro-USB port of the Processor Unit.
Plug the other end to a USB port on your PS4 console. If you have a PS4 Pro, you can use the USB port on the rear of it.
Step 3: Now, go ahead and plug the AC power unit into the Processor Unit and connect the other end of it to a power outlet.
Step 4: Take the VR Headset connection cable and plug it into the Processor Unit. The other end of the cable will be plugged into your PS VR Headset.
Make sure to take great care and match the symbols to their corresponding ports.
Step 5: Now, take your Playstation Camera (bought separately) and the cable to the back of your PS4 console.
Place the camera on a flat surface where it has full-view of your body, and there are no obstructions in front of it.
Step 6: Now that you have all of the components connected, you can boot up your PS4 console.
You’ll get a prompt with instructions to set up your play area and configure your PS4 VR Headset. Once that initial setup is done, you’re free to experience everything that the PS VR Headset has to offer.
How to set up PlayStation VR for the Playstation 5? (Step-by-Step Guide)
The sad part about setting up the PS VR Headset for the Playstation 5 is that it won’t work out-of-the-box. This is true even if you already had a fully working setup for the PS VR with your older Playstation 4 console.
The issue is that the new Playstation 5 console does not have the custom port that is needed to connect the Playstation Camera.
However, there’s no need to worry as there’s a very simple solution to this:
Sony is providing a free adapter to all PS VR owners that also have a PS5.
All you have to do is provide them with the serial number for your PS VR Headset and Sony will send you the appropriate adapter free of charge.
With that adapter, you’ll be able to connect the Playstation Camera with your PS5 console. Everything else when it comes to the setup is exactly the same as that for the Playstation 4.
Important note: As opposed to the older Playstation Camera, you also have the new-and-improved HD Camera that’s specifically designed for the PS5.
Now, you might be tempted to buy that camera instead of ordering the camera adapter from Sony and buying the older Playstation Camera.
However, the issue with this is that the newer HD Camera for the PS5 does not work with the PS VR Headset. It does not have any VR properties and thus, you won’t be able to use it to play VR on your PS5.
There is speculation that when the PS VR 2 Headset is finally released, it will utilize this new camera. However, if you want to get a camera that works with the older PS VR Headset, then you must go with the older Playstation Camera.
Top Playstation VR Games
Now that you have your PS VR Headset set up with your PS4 or PS5 console, it’s time to look at some great VR experiences to check out.
Here are some of the top Playstation VR games that are currently available to play:
- BeatSaber
- Superhot VR
- The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners
- Robinson: The Journey
- Keep Talking, and Nobody Explodes
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Conclusion
As you can see, the setup process for the PS VR Headset is definitely not very user-friendly.
Not to mention the assortment of additional hardware that you have to buy separately for the PS VR Headset to actually work with your console.
However, once you actually organize everything and set it up, that’s all you have to really do. After the initial configuration, you can load up VR on your Playstation console any time you want with ease.
What do you think of the PS VR Headset? Let us know in the comments section below.
