Sony has drip-fed information about the upcoming PlayStation VR2 headset for a while. We now know exactly how much it will cost and when the device will launch. In short: it’s more expensive than a PlayStation 5 console.
Here in Australia, the standard PlayStation VR2 kit – including the headset, two PS VR2 Sense controllers, and a set of stereo headphones – comes with an RRP of $879.95. For comparison, the PlayStation 5 console you need to connect the VR peripheral in the first place costs $649.95 for the disc-less version, while the model with a disc drive carries a $799.95 RRP.
It doesn’t stop there, however. A pricier $959.95 PlayStation VR2 bundle also includes Horizon Call of the Mountain, an exclusive game continuing the popular Horizon series. 22 February 2023 is when Sony’s new VR unit launches, with pre-orders starting from 15 November. We previously knew about the early 2023 release window, but confirmation of a specific date only came through overnight.
The original PlayStation VR launched as a virtual reality device for the PlayStation 4 back in 2016, where it came with a $549.95 price sticker. This was during an early adoption period of VR, with various manufacturers jostling to compete in the emerging space. It sold over five million units, featuring popular VR games like Beat Saber, Tetris Effect, and Astro Bot: Rescue Mission. One of its weaknesses, though, was a design reliant on cumbersome cables, something the PlayStation VR2 eliminates. Alongside the newer hardware’s wireless design are improved specifications, and extra features for safety and content creation.
How does the PlayStation VR2 price compare to other VR headsets?
$879.95 is a fair chunk of change, but it’s worth comparing alongside several VR alternatives to see how affordable it really is. Meta (the Facebook company) has its own VR headset that doesn’t require additional hardware to run. Its entry level device, Meta Quest 2, starts at $629 (after a recent price increase), while the higher-end Meta Quest Pro costs $2,449.99. Meanwhile HTC Vive headsets range from $899 for the business-focused $899, to upwards of $2,000 for the Pro 2.
Either way, prices vary drastically among VR technologies depending on the brand and the specifications. Sony also recently announced the DualSense Edge, a PlayStation 5 controller with modular customization features, which costs an expensive $339 here. The PlayStation VR2 looks to be a strong step forward for VR gaming, but the price is a hefty barrier to entry. More details on the latest announcement are on the official PlayStation blog.
