The original PSVR, launched back in 2016 was a success but perhaps more than anything highlighted what improvements could be made and what it would take to really push VR into the next-level and the mainstream.
PSVR2 has therefore been in development for years but is now arriving in the midst of the semi-conductor drought, causing hardware shortages of the PS5 that powers it and throwing the whole project into uncertainty.
The good news is that Sony now feel sufficiently confident to take to Twitter and announce a date. Sony have tweeted that PSVR2 will release in early 2023. OK, so there’s no day and month attached yet, but this is a good first step.
2023年 初頭発売#PSVR2 pic.twitter.com/z9Nha5Ewfx
— プレイステーション公式 (@PlayStation_jp) August 22, 2022
PSVR2 Features
Sony previously announced that the PSVR2 will have various features unavailable in its predecessor. For instance, the PSVR2’s See-Through mode allows users to view their surroundings while wearing their headset, making it easy to pick up their PS VR Sense controllers or grab a snack off a nearby table.
Additionally, the device includes a feature allowing gamers to broadcast themselves as they play VR titles. This feature records the player and gameplay simultaneously and replaces the player’s background with the appropriate game footage. Making it easy for players to broadcast themselves this way will be extremely helpful to gaming streamers.
Several titles are in the works for use with the PSVR2, including Horizon Call of the Mountain, a VR title taking place in the world of Horizon Zero Dawn. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2 Retribution will also be compatible with the device.
The PS5 Blues
While Sony is focusing on the PSVR2, many fans are still upset about the supply chain issues with the PS5 system, with some apparently believing the system shortage is a marketing ploy.
“I have high hopes, but before that, could you please increase the production of PS5 a little more? In the past, Sony has a history of making PS and VAIO shipment adjustments, creating a feeling of product shortages,” tweets one user.
期待はしているが、その前にPS5をもうちょっとは増産してくれまいか？
ソニーは過去にPSやVAIOを出荷調整して、品不足感を演出してきた前科があります。
いわゆる“半導体不足の為”という理由を、いまいち信じられません。— 真之介 (@shinnosuke_B) August 23, 2022
“I still can’t believe the so-called “shortage of semiconductors” reason,” the user added.
The pandemic has been hard on the gaming industry, with few blockbuster titles releasing in 2022. God of War Ragnarök, which releases in November, is PlayStation’s only remaining blockbuster game launching this year.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
