Playstation VR: Sony researches wireless virtual reality
Playstation VR 2 goes against the trend of recent years and uses a cable. But Sony is researching wireless VR.
This is what Sony's SVP of Platform Experience Hideaki Nishino says in an interview with the Japanese video game magazine Famitsu.
When asked why Sony is going for a cable solution, Nishino says that only a cable will be able to unlock the full potential of the PS5 and PSVR 2, but adds that the company is also considering other options.
"We also understand that going wireless will give you another experience, so we're always looking at all possibilities and doing technical research. However, there is still the issue of how far the cable solution can be replaced with a wireless one in terms of performance," Nishino says.
Sony plays it safe
As anyone who uses standalone devices like Meta Quest 2 or Pico 4 on a PC knows, wireless PC VR streaming is getting better and better. However, this type of use is secondary and doesn't quite come close to wired data transmission in terms of image quality, connection stability and latency.
That's what Nishino refers to: Sony's VR system is ultimately supposed to offer an uncompromising high-end VR experience - and wireless VR is not (yet) enough for that.
Besides these factors, the power supply probably also played a role in Sony's decision for a wired connection. With a wireless connection, Sony would have had to place a battery and additional processors in the VR headset, which would have had a negative impact on the weight and cost of the device. Compromises that Sony did not want to make, which could be different again with Playstation VR 3 and advanced network technology.
PSVR 2: "Suitable for the price"
Nishino says he can't wait for the launch. Playstation VR 2 is excellently positioned in terms of hardware and content quality, he believes. PSVR 2 would enable a "completely different level of immersion."
Asked about the PSVR2's software lineup, Nishino says Sony hasn't announced all of its VR games yet. More games could be revealed in early January at Sony's CES press conference.
And what about the relatively high price of $550 / 600 euros? Nishino, of course, thinks it's justified. "We believe that we are able to provide functions and experiences that are suitable for the price, so we hope you will pick it up."
Sales will show it: Playstation VR 2 will be released worldwide on February 22, 2023. You can find more information about Playstation VR 2 here.
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