PlayStation VR2 releases this week and the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. It’s not surprising that if you’re enthusiastic about VR and own an PlayStation 5, you’re not going to be disappointed with VR for the PlayStation 5.
This is the newest VR device that is available in retail stores and is another proof of what direction this technology will evolve. It’s one thing having PCVR however it’s quite another to make it a part of the mainstream via consoles.
I’m saying mainstream. This isn’t necessarily the case. It’s possible that the Horizon Call of the Mountain set is available for purchase at PS569 as of today. This is on top of PS479 that you can buy to buy the console, but without game. You can add more to play games that aren’t Horizon Call of the Mountain.
There are strong views about the cost of entry for VR. It’s way too expensive. Even those who could comfortably afford it will view it as a cost for quality, the cost is preventing VR from really breaking beyond its niche.
However, that’s not the focus of we’re discussing in this piece. Instead, I’m curious about the next steps. This is an important moment for PlayStation as well as possibly VR too. While I’m sure it’s going to be a success within the limits of the expectations of PlayStation is expecting however, it will not ignite the entire world. What can it do?
I think there’s a time that companies have been waiting to reach. It’s an era when technology is advanced to a point at which it’s effective and inexpensive enough. A lot of individuals are anticipating this to occur and companies are waiting to see if that happens too.
However, what they didn’t think of was a shortage of chips. Also, a general lack of interest in VR. In addition, all the events that occurred during the time of Meta. This will only get worse.
The Growth of VR
Sure, VR doesn’t have the capabilities it is required to be. However, one day it will become. The goal – as with 3D earlier – is that it will be a crossroads in potential and interest at a point that’s feasible. It’s likely to be not later than the next 10 years.
If companies are forced to continue selling “premium” devices that attract huge demand from large VR enthusiasts, but don’t get support beyond the launch time… then the fan base diminishes.
PlayStation VR2 could spell a new the direction of Sony. I find it difficult to believe in one way or the other – that it’s not the only device that’s similar to it. It’ll be either successful or the next one – which is touch wood will be more user and user-friendly. It will help increase up the level of saturation. Perhaps we’ll see more innovative experiences, and then we’ll walk out of it feeling like something new alongside consoles and PCs.
If it doesn’t, it will show Sony it’s VR isn’t the best alternative to their existing console line-up. It’s possible that they’ll release an PlayStation VR3, however it will just be an additional “premium” product that they make (and cost) within the confined market. People who buy it will rave about it but no one else cares. Why would they?
One of them is great in the direction for VR. However, the other one isn’t. It will be interesting to see how the situation plays out.
