The PlayStation VR 2 headset might finally make its way to PCs this year, but there’s a catch—you might need to shell out for some extra hardware to make it work. A recent filing with the South Korean government hints at a PSVR2 “adapter,” which likely means you’ll need a special dongle or connector to hook it up to your computer. This could be a game-changer for those itching to dive into their favorite PC VR experiences with Sony’s headset.
The PSVR2 offers an impressive experience with its sleek design and functionality. However, its steep $550 price tag, PlayStation 5 exclusivity, and lack of backward compatibility with PSVR1 games made it a tough sell unless you’re a hardcore PS5 enthusiast. Earlier this year, Sony promised its users access to “additional games on PC” by February. Now, a new certification from South Korea’s National Radio Research Agency suggests how Sony plans to bridge their VR system with PCs. VR aficionado Brad Lynch spotted the development, revealing a “PlayStation VR 2 PC adapter” certified on May 27.
As far as confirmed details go, that’s what we know for now. Given the term “adapter,” it’s easy to imagine this as a USB dongle plugging right into your PC. But the questions remain: How will Sony distribute this new connector? And will the PSVR2 offer full PC compatibility—able to load Steam VR directly—or will it be akin to Meta Quest headsets, where you stream PC games to the VR device?
Given Sony’s history, it might lean towards the latter. The company has been eager to extend its first-party game reach to Windows PCs, as seen with the well-received Ghost of Tsushima port. However, Sony has also made it obligatory for cross-platform game users, like those playing Helldivers 2, to sign into a PlayStation Network account, so they’re likely to keep some control over how the headset is used.
Originally priced at $550 at its early 2023 launch, the PSVR2’s cost has since dropped nearly $100. Sony has reportedly slowed down VR production until demand picks up, despite the headset featuring impressive dual OLED displays and good eye-tracking for a mid-range device. It faces competition from the $500 Meta Quest 3, which offers superior AR passthrough capabilities.
If Sony eases its tight hold on the VR ecosystem just a little, 2024 could mark the beginning of a VR gaming resurgence. Meta recently announced Horizon OS, a new platform for VR developers to create Quest-like devices, with Lenovo and Asus already on board with new VR headsets running Horizon OS. Depending on their success, more might follow. Sony’s decision to include several VR titles in its PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is a step in the right direction. However, the current limited game library means that the best way to advance VR is to make as many titles available as possible, regardless of exclusivity.
If you’re eager to explore more top picks in consumer electronics, have a look at our guides to the best laptops, best TVs, and best headphones. Curious about what’s coming next? Our guide to everything we know about the iPhone 16 is worth a read.