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PlayStation’s virtual reality headset comes to market alongside a swathe of new accessories and consoles.
MCV looks at what’s needed and what’s not ahead of the new hardware’s High Street launch.
PS4 – 259, Out Now | PS4 Pro – 349, November 10th
Both the normal PS4 and the PS4 Pro will play all PlayStation VR games. Sony is keen to stress that PSVR was created with the original PS4 in mind, and not the super-powered version that is due in November.
However, the PS4 Pro will offer improvements to the VR experience. Sony’s Mark Cerny told audiences at this month’s PlayStation Meeting that with PS4 Pro, the developers can choose to increase the crispness of VR scenes, make special effects richer, or to offer higher frame rates, making your VR experiences even more immersive.”
The company used Farpoint to demonstrate how the game looks
better using the PS4 Pro. However, PlayStation’s sales and marketing boss Jim Ryan says that the Pro is definitely not a requirement for VR. We absolutely maintain the primary platform for PlayStation VR is the standard PS4,” he told MCV. All 40m of them are capable of a great VR experience. It’s very important that people are clear about that.”
PlayStation Camera – 54, Out Now (updated version October 13th)
The PlayStation Camera is a requirement for the PSVR headset, and is not included in the box with the product – primarily because it has actually been available since the launch of the PS4. There is a new version of the camera arriving alongside the VR headset, which is technically identical to the model that’s been available for a few years now, but it boasts a smaller cylindrical form, plus a stand that makes it easier to attach the camera to various locations (including the top of a TV).
PlayStation VR – 349, October 13th
The actual PlayStation VR headset is a sleek-looking product, which sits on-top of the head (unlike other virtual reality devices), and even features a button to extend the size of the device (perfect for those glasses wearers). It’s actually feels very comfortable compared with its competitors.
However, the quality of the screen and experience is below that of Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The pay off is with the price – PlayStation VR is the most affordable headset on the market.
As well as over 200 games in the works for the headset, Sony is working on a number of non-game options, including a cinematic mode and the chance to experience 360 degrees video and photos.
The box contains a headset, a HDMI cable, USB cable, an AC adaptor and power cord, headset connection adaptor, studio earbuds and a processor unit.
PlayStation Move, (Single Pack) – Out Now(Twin Pack) – 69.99, October 13th
The PlayStation Move controllers are not a requirement for use with PSVR, but they are utilised in a series of VR games – including Job Simulator, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, VR Worlds and Tumble. The Move controllers act as a more realistic control mechanism for the VR experience, as opposed to the traditional DualShock controller. For those that do not own a Move or two, a special twin-pack is being launched alongside the PlayStation VR on October 13th.
