Sony has announced an exciting development for VR gaming enthusiasts: the PSVR 2 Steam app will officially launch on August 6. This new app will enable the PSVR 2 headset to be compatible with VR games available on the PC storefront, significantly expanding the range of VR experiences available to PSVR 2 users.

Compatibility and Requirements

To use the PSVR 2 headset with Steam, players will need several additional components. Firstly, the PSVR 2 Sense controllers are essential for interaction within VR environments. Additionally, a PSVR 2 PC adapter, priced at $60, is required to establish the connection between the headset and the PC. A DisplayPort cable compatible with DisplayPort 1.4 is also necessary to ensure optimal visual performance.

Once the initial setup is complete, the PSVR 2 app must remain installed on the PC for continuous use. This app facilitates the integration of the PSVR 2 with Steam, enabling players to access and play VR games seamlessly.

Supported and Unsupported Features

While the integration of PSVR 2 with Steam is a significant advancement, it does come with certain limitations. Key features such as HDR, headset feedback, eye tracking, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback (excluding rumble) will not be supported. However, users will still benefit from the impressive 4K visuals, a 110-degree field of view, 3D audio, and finger-touch detection, ensuring an immersive gaming experience.

Background and Context

The announcement of PSVR 2’s compatibility with Steam comes at a crucial time for Sony’s VR division. Earlier this year, there were reports that Sony had paused production on additional PSVR 2 headsets due to sluggish demand. This was compounded by the closure of First Contact Entertainment, the developer behind Firewall Zero Hour and Firewall Ultra, which cited a lack of support in the VR space as a contributing factor. Additionally, Sony’s layoff of 900 developers earlier this year impacted its VR division, raising concerns about the future of the PSVR 2.

Despite these challenges, the launch of the PSVR 2 Steam app represents a positive step forward. It demonstrates Sony’s commitment to enhancing the PSVR 2 ecosystem and providing users with a broader array of VR experiences.

GameSpot’s Review and Market Reaction

In GameSpot’s review of the PSVR 2, the headset was praised for its power and elegance. However, the review noted that Horizon Call of the Mountain was doing much of the heavy lifting regarding game offerings. The integration with Steam is expected to address this issue by making a vast library of PC VR games accessible to PSVR 2 users, potentially revitalizing interest in the headset.

Future Implications

The PSVR 2’s new compatibility with Steam could have significant implications for the VR gaming market. By bridging the gap between console and PC VR ecosystems, Sony is poised to attract a broader audience of gamers. This move could lead to increased sales of the PSVR 2 headset and its associated peripherals, as well as a surge in VR game development and innovation.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming launch of the PSVR 2 Steam app marks a pivotal moment for Sony’s VR ambitions. By enabling compatibility with a vast array of PC VR games, Sony is expanding the possibilities for PSVR 2 users and addressing some of the concerns raised about the headset’s initial game offerings. As the release date approaches, the gaming community eagerly anticipates the new experiences and opportunities this integration will bring.

Also Read: