PlayStation VR finally hits stores on 13 October. Here’s what you need to know about the device, its launch line-up, accessories and price.
The release of PlayStation VR marks the point where we will get a better understanding of Virtual Reality’s potential to become a genuinely popular entertainment medium. Oculus and HTC Vive were always likely to find an audience among committed gamers and technology enthusiasts but Sony’s platform is a different proposition, being aimed at – and priced for – the mass market.
Based on our time with PlayStation VR we’re broadly positive about the quality of the experience it offers. It’s not the most powerful or highest fidelity virtual reality platform, but it works and works well. As this industry proves often enough, you don’t need to offer the highest specs to be successful.
Here’s our round up of what you need to know:
PS VR technical specs
- Display: 5.7 inch OLED screen
- Resolution: 1920 x RGB x 1080 (960 x RGB x 1080)
- Refresh Rate: 120hz, 90hz
- Field of View: Approx. 100 degrees
- Integrated Microphone, accelerometer and gyroscope
What’s in the box?
It’s not just a pair of sunglasses, and unfortunately PS VR doesn’t come without its fair share of cables, either. The standard PS VR box includes the following:
- 1 x PlayStation VR headset
- 1 x Processor unit
- 1 x pair of stereo ear buds
- 1 x HDMI cable
- 1 x USB cable
- 1 x AC adaptor and power cord
- 1 x PS VR headset connection adaptor
- 1 x PS VR demo disc
How much is PS VR?
The price of the standard PS VR package varies by retailer, we’re using Amazon as our guide for North American and UK prices.
- UK Amazon: £349.00
- NA Amazon: $399.00
The cost doesn’t end there, however….
What other equipment will you need?
To get your PS VR experience up and running you’ll need more than the headset and processor unit. If you don’t already have one – and who does? – you’ll also need a PlayStation Camera. A new, smaller model has been developed to accompany the release of PS VR.
PlayStation Camera
- UK Amazon: £39.99
- NA Amazon: $59.99
Do you need PlayStation Move controllers?
All PS VR games are compatible with standard DualShock 4 controllers. However, some titles, such as London: Heist and Farpoint, can be ‘enhanced’ using PlayStation Move controllers. They don’t come cheap though.
PlayStation Move Controllers
- UK Amazon: £69.00 – pack of two
- NA Amazon: $25.99 – single unit
What PS VR bundles are available?
In North America a bundle is available that includes the PS VR headset and processor unit, two PlayStation Move controllers, a PlayStation 4 camera and a copy of PlayStation VR Worlds. Stocks are extremely limited and many retailers – including Amazon – have sold out. Good luck!
What’s on the PS VR demo disc?
There are different demo discs in each region.The UK version features eight titles and the North American version an additional ten game demos. In a comment to Digital Spy a PlayStation spokesperson gave the following reasons for the discrepancy:
“Due to several considerations specific to our region, for example, age rating and localisation requirements, there is a difference in content between the US and European VR demo discs. We continue to explore the possibility of making further demos available for free download from the Store.”
PS VR demo disc titles
- Driveclub VR
- PlayStation VR Worlds
- RIGS Mechanized Combat League
- Tumble VR
- Battlezone
- EVE: Valkyrie
- Wayward Sky
- Headmaster
- Allumette (NA only)
- Gnog (NA only)
- Harmonix Music VR (NA only)
- Here They Lie (NA only)
- Job Simulator (NA only)
- Resident Evil 7 Biohazard: Kitchen Teaser (NA only)
- Rez Infinite (NA only)
- Thumper (NA only)
- Until Dawn: Rush of Blood (NA only)
- Within (NA only)
What PS VR games are available at launch?
Here’s the full list of games currently listed for release on, or soon after, 13 October. Each region currently has a different selection of games listed for launch, and it appears to be changing by the day. Prices range between £7.99 and £49.99 in the UK and $19.99 and $59.99 in North America.
Release on 13 October
- Ace Banana
- Batman: Arkham VR
- Battlezone
- Driveclub VR
- Eve: Valkyrie
- Gunjack
- Harmonix Music VR
- Hatsune Miku: VR Future Live
- Headmaster
- Here They Lie
- Job Simulator
- Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
- Loading Human: Chapter 1
- PlayStation VR Worlds
- Rez Infinite
- Rigs Mechanized Combat League
- Super Hyper Cube
- Super Stardust Ultra VR
- Until Dawn: Rush of Blood
- Waddle Home
- Wayward Sky
Release dates to be confirmed
- Farpoint
- Star Trek Bridge Crew
- Eagle Flight
- Robinson: The Journey
- Werewolves Within VR
- Resident Evil VII
Will there be any free games on PS VR?
Supplementary PS VR experiences will be included in several big releases this year. These include:
- Final Fantasy XV: The VR Experience – Free
- Star Wars Battlefront: X-Wing Mission – Free
- Call of Duty Infinite Warfare: Jackal Assault VR – Free
- Assassin’s Creed Experience – TBC
In addition, every PS VR owner will be able to download The Playroom VR for free from the PlayStation Store.
What are the best PS VR games?
Whereas the HTC Vive and Oculus VR are seeing a wide range of experimental games from independent developers, the line-up for PS VR is more focused on smaller games related to existing franchises, such as Batman Arkham VR, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood and Super Stardust Ultra.
Early reports suggest that the latest remake of REZ (which was originally released in 2001) is the highlight of the launch window line-up. The game’s new Area X stage, which was built from the ground up for VR, has been described by Polygon’s Michael McWhertor as “the most beautiful, the most immersive experience I’ve ever had in virtual reality and potentially the best argument yet for a PlayStation VR day-one purchase.”
Star Wars Battlefront’s X-Wing Mission and Batman Arkham VR have also received plaudits from many publications.
How much room do you need for PS VR?
According to Sony it is recommended that users have a play area of at least 3m by 1.9m in size. Users should also be positioned at least 0.6m from the PlayStation Camera.
Will PS VR make me sick?
Like any virtual reality experience there is the potential for some discomfort. Sony recommends that PS VR is best played in a seated position, with a 15 minute break for every hour of play. In our own experience PS VR titles have not caused any discomfort. Anecdotally, RIGS Mechanized Combat League is the one title that does seem to have made a few stomachs turn on a frequent basis.
Will you look stupid playing PS VR?
Maybe, but you survived Wii Fit, right?
Can you view the headset display on TV?
Yes. The PS VR process unit features an HDMI-out, so you can display the VR feed on another screen.
What is PS VR Cinematic mode?
PS VR includes a ‘Cinematic mode’ which simulates three viewing sizes: 117 inches, 163 inches and 226 inches. You can play standard PS4 games and watch video content, replicating the experience of viewing the content on a large, cinema style screen.
We’ll be keeping this article updated in the run up to launch and providing more thoughts on the PS VR experience itself, next week.
