Taking to the stage during CES 2022, Sony has officially announced the next-generation of PlayStation VR will be called “PlayStation VR2,” as well as its controller dubbed PlayStation VR Sense. In addition to that, a new game in the Horizon franchise has been announced as well just for VR called “Horizon Call of the Mountain.”
While no release date or price point was given to the hardware, Sony’s own Jim Ryan confirmed that the next generation of PSVR would be simply called “PlayStation VR2” with the controllers being called “PlayStation VR Sense.” As the name suggests, the controllers will have a number of feedback features as seen in the DualSense controller. The headset itself is getting a beefy update as well, as it will fully support 4K resolution with HDR.
Here’s the highlights of the new set:
- New sensory feature
- Enhanced control tracking
- Upgraded visual fidelity
- 4K HDR
- Foveated rendering
- Expanded field of view
- Responsive feedback
- Eyetracking
Updated: New details from the PlayStation Blog
- Visual Fidelity: For a high-fidelity visual experience, PS VR2 offers 4K HDR, 110-degree field of view, and foveated rendering. With an OLED display, players can expect a display resolution of 2000×2040 per eye and smooth frame rates of 90/120Hz.
- Headset-based Controller Tracking: With inside-out tracking, PS VR2 tracks you and your controller through integrated cameras embedded in the VR headset. Your movements and the direction you look at are reflected in-game without the need for an external camera.
- New Sensory Features: PS VR2 Sense Technology combines eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D Audio, and the innovative PS VR2 Sense controller to create an incredibly deep feeling of immersion. Headset feedback is a new sensory feature that amplifies the sensations of in-game actions from the player. It’s created by a single built-in motor with vibrations that add an intelligent tactile element, bringing players closer to the gameplay experience. For example, gamers can feel a character’s elevated pulse during tense moments, the rush of objects passing close to the character’s head, or the thrust of a vehicle as the character speeds forward. Additionally, PS5’s Tempest 3D AudioTech makes sounds in the player’s surroundings come alive, adding to this new level of immersion.
- Eye Tracking: With eye tracking, PS VR2 detects the motion of your eyes, so a simple look in a specific direction can create an additional input for the game character. This allows players to interact more intuitively in new and lifelike ways, allowing for a heightened emotional response and enhanced expression that provide a new level of realism in gaming.
PlayStation VR2 Specifications
| Display method | OLED |
| Panel resolution | 2000 x 2040 per eye |
| Panel refresh rate | 90Hz, 120Hz |
| Lens separation | Adjustable |
| Field of View | Approx. 110 degrees |
| Sensors | Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor |
| Cameras | 4 cameras for headset and controller trackingIR camera for eye tracking per eye |
| Feedback | Vibration on headset |
| Communication with PS5 | USB Type-C® |
| Audio | Input: Built-in microphoneOutput: Stereo headphone jack |
PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers Specifications
| Buttons | [Right] PS button, Options button, Action buttons (Circle / Cross), R1 button, R2 button, Right Stick / R3 button [Left] PS button, Create button, Action buttons (Triangle / Square), L1 button, L2 button, Left Stick / L3 button |
| Sensing/ Tracking | Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer) Capacitive Sensor: Finger Touch DetectionIR LED: Position Tracking |
| Feedback | Trigger Effect (on R2/L2 button), Haptic Feedback (by single actuator per unit) |
| Port | USB Type-C® Port |
| Communication | Bluetooth® Ver5.1 |
| Battery | Type: Built-in Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery |
However, the biggest surprise is that Guerilla Games is in collaboration with Firesprite studio to bring a whole new experience in the Horizon franchise as the series is taking a jump to VR with it’s newly announced entry Horizon Call of the Mountain. A short teaser trailer was shown off during the CES conference, though no release date was provided. Screenshots can be found below (courtesy of Wario64,) with a trailer too.
Horizon Call of the Mountain Teaser Trailer
Horizon Call of the Mountain (PSVR 2) pic.twitter.com/86TUivENLo
— Wario64 (@Wario64) January 5, 2022
Hopefully, we’ll get a release date and price point announcement soon, since it’s rumored that the headset will be released sometime this year.