PlayStation fans were excited when Sony released more details about the upcoming PlayStation VR2 headset, and the gaming community was quick to compare PSVR 2’s specs with other VR headsets currently on the market, including the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index. The PSVR 2 improves upon the specs of 2016’s PlayStation VR and will be exclusively compatible with PlayStation 5 consoles. As well as its new headset, Sony announced its new PlayStation VR2 Sense controller, to be used alongside the PSVR 2 headset.
Since PlayStation announced the successor to the PlayStation VR, fans have been intrigued about the PSVR 2’s specs, and how it measures up against the other leading VR headsets available today. Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 is the most obvious competitor to Sony’s PSVR 2. While PSVR 2's price is unknown, it's expected to be similarly priced to the Oculus Quest 2 which launched in 2020 and quickly became Oculus’s best-selling VR headset. One of the Quest 2’s biggest selling points is that it's a standalone VR headset that doesn’t rely on any other hardware like a PC or console to function. For buyers, especially those who don’t have a next-gen PS5 console, this is a huge bonus.
In addition to Meta’s Oculus Quest 2, VR fans were interested to see how the PSVR 2 compared to SteamVR’s offering, the Valve Index. Despite its considerably higher price point, the Valve Index has succeeded due to its considerable offering of SteamVR games, including 2020's VR Game of the Year, Half-Life: Alyx. However, while the Quest 2 doesn’t require additional hardware to function, users do have the option to connect the Valve Index headset to a PC to play SteamVR games. Although the PSVR 2 likely won’t have access to many games offered through SteamVR, the headset will likely have access to some PlayStation exclusive games, which is a big selling point in itself.
PSVR 2, Oculus Quest 2 & Valve Index Display Specs Compared
Although game offerings are an important factor, what people are most excited about is the PlayStation VR2’s impressive specs. The PSVR 2 offers an OLED display, standing out from the crowd as the Quest 2 and Valve Index both feature LCDs. As seen with Nintendo's different Switch consoles, both OLED and LCD screens have their strengths and weaknesses. LCD provides a constant backlight, so are generally brighter displays, whereas OLED uses self-lit individual pixels, resulting in better contrast and darker blacks. The downside to OLED, aside from its higher price point, is its lower pixel density, which can result in lower image quality. It’s likely the PSVR 2 aims to combat this through a higher pixel density, however, it may bump up the price.
PSVR 2's Resolution Is Better Than PSVR, Quest 2 & Valve Index
One of the most talked-about features of the PlayStation VR2 is its panel resolution. At 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, the PSVR 2 is only second to HTC’s Vive Pro 2 that offers a 5K head-mounted display with a 2448 x 2448 pixels per-eye resolution. However, HTC’s Vive Pro 2 isn’t a direct competitor to the Quest 2 or Valve Index VR headset, as it costs double the price of either headset. PlayStation VR2’s resolution is a big jump up from the original PSVR’s 960 x 1080 pixels per eye. The Valve Index offers the lowest resolution at 1600 x 1440 pixels per eye, outdone by the Quest 2’s 1832 x 1920 resolution.
In terms of field of view, an important factor in VR gaming especially, the Valve Index comes out on top offering 130-degree FOV. PSVR 2 comes in second with 110-degree FOV, and Oculus Quest 2 comes in third with a more limited 90-degree FOV. The Valve Index also comes out on top for refresh rate, boasting up to 144hz. The PSVR 2 and Oculus Quest 2 both have a screen refresh rate of up to 120hz, slightly lower than the Valve Index.
PSVR 2 & Oculus Quest 2 Both Have Built-In Cameras For Tracking
In terms of cameras and tracking, another prominent feature of VR gaming, the PSVR 2 and Oculus Quest 2 both have inside-out tracking, with 4 built-in cameras for headset and controller tracking. PlayStation VR2 also uses an IR camera for eye tracking per eye. The Valve Index doesn’t use built-in cameras, instead opting for 2 SteamVR base stations. However, it’s rumored that Valve is working on a successor to the Valve Index headset that utilizes eye-tracking, similar to the PSVR 2. PlayStation VR2's eye-tracking is an exciting and unique selling point of the PSVR 2 that helps amplify the player's immersion in the virtual reality game they're playing.
PSVR 2 Replaces PlayStation Move With New Sense Controllers
One thing the PSVR 2 keeps from the original PSVR is its headphone jack. The Valve Index opts instead for built-in off-ear speakers, and the Oculus Quest 2 combines the two, giving users the option of built-in speakers and a headphone jack. Improving upon 2016’s PlayStation VR, which used PlayStation Move controllers, the PSVR 2 has PlayStation’s new Sense Controllers, designed for the PlayStation 5. PlayStation Sense Controllers have haptic feedback and adaptive triggers like the PS5 DualSense controller. The Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index also use proprietary controllers: the Oculus Touch and, the less creatively named, Valve Index Controllers.
The Oculus Quest 2 Is More Versatile Than PSVR 2 Or Valve Index
Another consideration for gamers is whether or not they want a wired connection to another device. For games that require a lot of movement, like Beat Saber, a wireless headset might be preferable. On the other hand, the ability to link a VR headset to a PC or console opens up opportunities for playing a wider variety of games. PSVR 2 is exclusively compatible with a PS5, meaning it cannot be used without one. This may be a dealbreaker for many prospective buyers, as Sony's PS5 stock shortages have persisted since the console’s launch in November 2020.
The Valve Index also relies on a wired connection to a gaming PC rather than a console. This is a little more versatile than the PSVR, as it grants access to all SteamVR games. The Oculus Quest 2 is the clear winner here, however, as it can be used wirelessly due to its in-built storage capabilities. The Oculus Quest 2 can also use a wired connection to a gaming PC to also gain access to SteamVR’s catalog.
PSVR 2, Oculus Quest 2 & Valve Index - Which VR Headset Is Best?
When it comes to specs, there’s no clear leader between the PlayStation VR2, Oculus Quest 2, and Valve Index. Instead, it comes down to the buyer’s preferences, and which key features of a VR gaming experience are most important to them. If it’s display resolution they’re after, the PSVR 2 has a higher resolution than other VR headsets, boasting an impressive 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye, and making use of OLED display technology. If portability and the ability to move freely is what buyers want, then Oculus Quest 2, which can cast on TVs and PC, is their best bet. The Valve Index has the greatest field of view, as well as being the only headset in the bunch with a refresh rate of up to 144hz.
However, it’s worthwhile for prospective buyers to keep in mind that both Valve and Meta (formerly Facebook) are currently working on new VR headsets that will offer improved specs from the Valve Index and Quest 2. Given Valve’s current focus on its Steam Deck, it’s likely the Valve Index 2 won’t be released until 2023. The Quest 3 is also anticipated to release in 2023, with Meta rumored to be releasing a high-end VR headset, the Quest Pro, sometime this year. PlayStation, meanwhile, is yet to provide a firm release window for the PSVR 2.