REVIEW: PS VR2 is the ultimate Virtual Reality experience

The second generation of virtual reality glasses from Sony finally hit the market. Designed for use in PlayStation 5, PS-VR2 promises to deliver stunning virtual reality (VR) experiences. The model, which has powerful specifications and will become a must-have device for technology enthusiasts. Check out the analysis of the PS-VR2:

What changes in PS VR2?

PS VR1 vs. PSVR2: comparisons between the two generations of virtual reality glasses from Sony are inevitable, and fortunately it is possible to see from the beginning that the changes came to facilitate the entry into this world. Obstacles that existed in the first model of the PlayStation VR have been eliminated, and now just connect the cable USB-C at the gateway and perform a few configurations to be ready to play.

However, it is also necessary to look at the context of the release of each gadgets, since the Sony announced its entry into the virtual reality market with the PS4. That is, it was bringing a technology to a consul that had not been created for that purpose. There, several barriers had to be overcome and, even so, it didn't take long for the games released for the first PS VR seemed outdated, if compared to competitors, due to the limitations of that hardware.

But the reality of PS5 is completely different, since since its conception, the Sony already produced it aiming to insert new virtual reality glasses in the market. The Japanese company also took advantage of this waiting time to see what was working on competing devices, in order to improve its PS-VR2. The result of all this is a headset powerful, comfortable and easy to use, which brings a new concept of immersion to technology enthusiasts.

The new headset enables further exploration of the boundaries of PS5, resulting in a stunning virtual reality experience. The game Horizon Call of the Mountain is a prime example of that potential, with beautiful visuals and unparalleled immersion, all done quickly and without delay.

O PS-VR2 made such a leap that it is as if we had gone from an old black and white television to a 4K Ultra HD. install the PS-VR2 it's as simple as plugging in a cable! And the improvements in the device's settings transport us to a whole new world, where the sharp resolution and immersive sound quality make us feel as if we are living the adventure in first person. O PS VR it may have been a timid launch in its time, but the PS-VR2 it's an epic evolution that redefines what's possible in virtual reality.

PS VR may have been a shy launch for its time, but PS VR2 is an epic evolution that redefines what's possible in virtual reality.

Eduardo Ariedo

Unboxing

product and accessories

The virtual reality glasses, the main object of the set of parts that make up the box of the PS-VR2, comes with a huge leap in image quality. Equipped with a panel OLED 2000×2040 (4.1MP) of resolution in each eye, in addition to the refresh rate, which is 90Hz ou 120Hz with HDR. Compared to the previous generation of PS VR, which was 980 x 1080 (1 SM), the gain is almost 4 times greater.

In addition, the device also has adjustable lenses, sensors that detect the player's movements in up to six axes, a proximity sensor, four tracking cameras and a USB-C to easily connect to PS5. There's also a headphone jack, and the Sony provides a model in the box and finally there are built-in microphones.

Os Sense Controllers do PS-VR2 have adaptive triggers that are similar to Dualense from the base console, providing a realistic feel when handling weapons. Buttons get heavier and vibrate at specific times, increasing immersion in games. In addition, haptic vibration is also present in the Headsets of the glasses, allowing players to feel the sound effects in their virtual environment, such as gunfire and wind.

The look of the controls is also interesting: it seems to be somewhat futuristic, with two main buttons on each side, accompanied by a good tactile response and other functions, such as detection of hand touch in specific parts. The quality at this point is such that I even wanted to use it to play outside of virtual reality.

Finally, the set also comes with only one USB-C to load the controls. That's right, to energize the controls – which have batteries that last approximately 5 hours – it will be necessary to purchase another compatible cable, take turns connecting the two or purchase a charging station.

Installation

Entering this new immersion has never been so simple. The inclusion of the entry USB-C on the front of the PlayStation 5 was not by chance, but designed, among other things, to allow the connection of the cable and the immediate recognition of the PS-VR2. This feature is highly convenient and demonstrates the company's commitment to Sony with the concept of "Plug and Play", present in the product box.

The initial settings are simple and intuitive, allowing the adaptation of the virtual reality glasses to the shape of your face, the position of your eyes and the environment in which you are. As an example, the adjustment of the lenses stands out, which can be performed by means of a rotating wheel located at the top of the device, until the resolution is satisfactory for you, considering the pupillary distance of your face.

It is a simple process, whose main purpose is to map the ocular position, in order to guarantee accurate calibration in future games of the PS-VR2. The result of the process is displayed on a cute little screen, which features your digitized pupils and lets you check the accuracy of the cameras by looking at different points on the screen, each triggering a different musical note.

By the way, since we are approaching the ergonomic aspect of the headset, it is important to mention that players who use glasses can celebrate, since the device has enough space to accommodate them without causing discomfort or pressure on the face. In fact, several times I played, I barely noticed I was wearing my glasses, given the feeling of comfort.

O PS-VR2 maps the environment you are in and defines the area for the controls, which can be used while sitting or moving. The connection of Sense Controllers with the console it is simpler and does not need calibration, as it was in the PS Move, which prevents inaccuracies in movements during the game.

The easy and comfortable connection between the PS-VR2 and the console is a strong point of Sony. Setup is simple and fast, even people with limited spaces can enjoy Virtual Reality. Since the console offers the possibility of playing sitting down or even moving, but for this second option, a free space of 2×2 meters is needed to avoid collision problems.

However, despite the fact that the configurations are simple, the player needs to repeat these steps in each of the profiles registered in the console, since they are reset when switching between them. This can be a nuisance, especially in the early stages when you just want to enjoy the immersion of these games.

The experience of playing in Virtual Reality (VR)

To talk about gameplay in virtual reality, it is necessary to go a little deeper into my personal experience with this technology. I had never owned a device like this to access this universe, just testing it at fairs that made the glasses available for experience and, being honest, trying out this game modality in a Brazil Game Show, for example, is very different than testing at home.

In these events, our time is limited, therefore, insufficient to feel comfortable and immersed in what we are playing, since, when we start to enjoy the experience, it is time to give our place to someone else in the queue. So playing in VR in our own comfortable space, all at home, makes for a more satisfying and immersive experience.

It all works really well, and with the wide range of games available for review, I can say that I liked them all. I felt immersed in the story of each one, as they were planned: either guiding and helping a small mouse to overcome challenges through small puzzles, or being the supreme deity of a medieval civilization.

However, three games deserve special mention, as they were where I had the most fun: Horizon Call of the Mountain, Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge – Enhanced Edition e Kayak VR: Mirage. The first is an original game for the PS-VR2, while the other two were ported to this new platform by Sony, but which already existed in the virtual reality market.

It's fun to feel like you're a real part of history. The movement of the controls is quite precise, allowing me to detect exactly where my hands were positioned while I scoured the scenarios in search of scattered objects. Unfortunately, despite being well calibrated, I sometimes experienced difficulties picking up items attached to my body, especially during action moments, such as when facing enemies in Star Wars. I've been defeated a few times by simply not being able to withdraw one of my blasters from the waist.

However, although these ports are of good quality, they do not represent the full potential of the platform. It is something that can only be experienced by, for example, playing Horizon Call of the Mountain, a mandatory title for all those interested in the PS-VR2. It is in this game that you can visualize and feel all the potential that virtual reality can offer in the future.

Graphics with a lot of depth, although they may not be as spectacular as those of the PlayStation 5, are a great positive point of virtual reality glasses, as they offer incredible interaction with the scenarios. All this, combined with the control technology and also the glasses, guarantees an absolute immersion experience.

How is Motion Sickness?

O motion sickness or motion sickness, in free translation, is a common problem faced by virtual reality players, and can cause nausea, headaches and dizziness. O PS-VR2 offers solutions to minimize these symptoms, but they still persist in some games, as in the case of Kayak VR: Mirage, which even with excellent gameplay and experience, can cause intense nausea.

To avoid this problem in virtual reality games, some developers have created options to minimize this problem. In the game Star Wars, for example, the movement of the character can be done through “teleportation”, taking the player to where he wants to go without the need to walk in the virtual environment. This way, the camera moves less intensely, which can help reduce nausea and allow the body to better adapt.

Future of PS VR2

O PS-VR2 is a virtual reality platform that represents a technological breakthrough for Sony. While there are around 100 games being developed for the device, most of them are just new versions of previously released titles, which may turn off some consumers. Additionally, lack of backwards compatibility can significantly reduce the console's available library and options for those who purchase it.

While there are good games available for the device, many of them are not exclusive and do not generate hype among gamers. To consolidate itself as a competitive company in this market, Sony needs to invest in new exclusive experiences for virtual reality. After all, no company would be recognized if it weren't for its great productions, wouldn't it?

Furthermore, the headset was conceived as an exclusive product of the PS5, this can make it stale quite easily. Since the competition, mainly in the computer market, tends to be more aggressive with its evolutions and new arrivals on the market all the time, while the PS-VR2 will be held hostage to the hardware it was planned on for several years.

Although we understand the concept of exclusivity, it is a bit annoying for the consumer – and quite expensive, too – to have to buy one Gift Sets of virtual reality for each of the platforms on which you intend to have this experience, right?

Price and availability

We know that virtual reality is not a cheap technology, considering the amount of components and efforts that are necessary for developers to bring good results to players. And the PS-VR2 is no exception to the rule, being a accessory with console price. Look:

• PlayStation VR 2 (PS VR2) just - R$ 4.499,90 at Amazon.
• PlayStation VR 2 (PS VR2) + Horizon: Call of the Mountain (Bundle) - R$ 4.799,90 at Amazon.
• PlayStation 5 (console) - R$ 4.364,00 at Amazon.

Fun can reach values ​​close to or even greater than 10 reais, if you need to buy the console, the glasses and the games. But, unfortunately, this reality doesn't improve much when we leave consoles and migrate to PCs, since in order to have a good experience in virtual reality (VR) it is necessary to make an investment just as big.

Conclusion?

Is it worth buying a PlayStation VR2? In short: it's worth it! If money is not the issue, PS-VR2 will be your gateway to high-quality virtual reality experiences. Compared to its predecessor, the device is a great evolution in terms of technology, bringing many necessary improvements to the console audience. In addition Sony has in its hands a product of enormous potential, both to take advantage of the opportunities brought by its consecrated franchises, and to produce new titles that could become classics.

If money is not the issue, PS-VR2 will be your gateway to high-quality virtual reality experiences.

Eduardo Ariedo

Through the PS-VR2, the gaming experiences are intense, immersive and incomparable – it's like I'm part of that virtual world that surrounds me. The platform piqued my interest in these virtual reality technologies and shows how wonderful the future of it, applied to video games, can be!

Technical Specifications: Sony PS VR 2

MODEL	PlayStation VR2 – PS VR2 or PSVR2
RESOLUTION	2000 x 2040 per eye
UPDATE FEES	90Hz or 120Hz
LENS DISTANCE	Adjustable
FIELD OF VISION	Approximately 110º
SENSORS	Six-axis motion detection system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)  Attached sensor: infrared proximity sensor
CAMERAS	Infrared camera to track each eye 4 cameras to track the headset and the controls
AUDIO	Input: Built-in microphone Output: Stereo headphone jack
CORPORATE	USB-C, connected to PS5
FEEDBACK	vibration in headset
PRICE	R$4.499,90 (headset only) R$4.799,90 (bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain)

VEJA TAMBÉM

PS VR2 has a list of games planned for its first days of release!

Text proofread by: Pedro Bomfim