Apple Vision Pro may get support for PSVR 2 controllers
According to Apple leaker Mark Gurman, Apple and Sony are working on making the PSVR 2's Sense controllers compatible with Vision Pro.
Gurman writes that Apple is working on supporting third-party hand controllers in visionOS and has partnered with Sony to do so.
Apple approached Sony earlier this year and the two companies have agreed to introduce support for the PSVR 2 controllers. The plan is primarily aimed at supporting games, but should also enable navigation in visionOS using the VR controllers.
According to Gurman, Sony has been working on the project for months. Apple, for its part, has been asking third-party developers to integrate controller support into their Vision Pro titles. The company has no current plans to release its own VR controllers.
Gurman was told that Apple and Sony were going to announce controller support weeks ago. However, the announcement was postponed. He still believes that there will be an announcement unless Apple cancels its plans.
One possible hurdle is that Sony does not currently sell the PSVR 2's Sense controllers separately, but only in a bundle with the VR headset. According to Gurman, the agreement with Apple is that Sony will sell the controllers as a separate product on Apple's online store and in Apple stores.
This plan reeks of desperation - and won't change a thing
If these rumors are true, it would indicate that the company no longer fully believes in its controller-less input method for Apple Vision Pro and is willing to turn the product into a Frankenstein device, something so uncharacteristic of Apple.
To succeed as a gaming VR headset, Vision Pro will need to offer games that can be played with the VR controllers in addition to controller support. Whether Apple can convince third-party developers to add support is questionable, however. According to Gurman, less than half a million Apple Vision Pros have been sold since its launch in February. Even the PSVR 2 offers a larger VR ecosystem and markt for studios. So the incentive is very low, unless, of course, Apple finally decides to fund developers.
Interested in VR and AR? Then follow us on Facebook or X or share your experience in the comments. For feedback, topic suggestions, or other ideas, please email us at hello@mixed-news.com.
Note: Links to online stores in articles can be so-called affiliate links. If you buy through this link, MIXED receives a commission from the provider. For you the price does not change.
