Sony reveals PlayStation VR2 headset design
Sony has finally unveiled the first look at the PlayStation VR2 virtual reality headset.
According to the latest PlayStation blog, published Tuesday (Feb. 22), the design of the PS VR2 headset was inspired by the look of the PS5 in terms of both color and other design elements.
The design of the PS VR2 headset has a similar shape as the PS VR2 Sense controller, taking on a matching “orb” look. The circular orb shape represents the 360-degree view that players feel when they enter the virtual reality world.
First look at the PlayStation VR2 headset design!
More photos, details on integrated ventilation, and other new design features: https://t.co/Ddyblzqk8I pic.twitter.com/2DyHI2qDxG— PlayStation (@PlayStation) February 22, 2022
Sony also revealed the updated and final design image of the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, which was revealed last year. Details on the new VR system were also shared during CES 2022.
“When our design team created the PS5 console, they also had the next generation VR headset in mind so you’ll notice some similarities in the look and feel. The PS5 console has flat edges as it is meant to be displayed on a flat surface, while there was more emphasis on adding roundness to the design of PS VR2 headset since it is meant to have constant human contact, similar to the rounded edges of the DualSense controller and Pulse 3D headset," said Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President of Platform Experience.
According to PlayStation, their aim was to create an aesthetically pleasing headset that would keep gamers immersed in their own game world.
PlayStation mentioned that they have improved the ergonomics of the headset, meaning it promises to be even more comfortable to wear and use, and adjustable for different head sizes.
The PS VR2 headset also has a lens adjustment dial that lets users match the lens distance for a better and more comfortable view. The headset is also slimmer and lighter, all while packing a built-in motor for haptic feedback.
“When I started to work on the design for the PlayStation VR2 headset, one of the areas I wanted to focus on first was the idea of creating a vent in the headset to let air out, similar to the vents on the PS5 console that allows airflow," said Yujin Morisawa, SIE Senior Art Director regarding the headset design.
"Our engineers came up with this idea as a good way to allow ventilation and avoid having the lens fog up while players are immersed in their VR games. I worked on many design concepts to achieve this, and in the final design, you can see there is a little space in between the top and front surface of the scope that contains the integrated ventilation. I am really proud of how this turned out and the positive feedback I have gotten so far. I hope our PlayStation fans will also agree, and I can’t wait for them to try it out,” Morisawa added.
While fans now have an idea what the new PS VR2 headset looks like alongside the new controller, there’s no word yet on a release date or pricing for the PlayStation virtual reality system to play next-gen games on.
Competition in the VR space continues to heat up among tech giants. Facebook parent Meta has reportedly devoted $10 billion to shift its focus to the metaverse, a digital world where it hopes people will work and play using Meta's Quest 2 headset.
Apple is also expected to launch its own AR/VR headset in the coming year, according to online reports.