New PlayStation VR2 to PC Adapter May Limit Key Headset Features

The PlayStation VR2 headset, originally tethered to the PlayStation 5, is now making a move to broader horizons. Sony has released a $60 adapter that opens the doors for this $550 virtual reality headset to connect with any of your VR games on Steam. However, before you rush to add it to your cart, there are some compromises you’re going to face when taking your VR2 to a PC that might dim its lustrous features.

This adapter facilitates the connection of the VR2 to a PC using a series of cables. According to images shared in PlayStation’s blog, the VR2 will need a wired connection to the adapter, which in turn hooks up to the PC via USB and DisplayPort. There’s even a separate connection option for a monitor, handy if someone else wants to watch you navigate those tricky hacking puzzles in Half-Life: Alyx.

Here’s the catch: your PC must be equipped with a DisplayPort 1.4 output and a separate DisplayPort cable. Beyond this, the system requirements are what you’d typically expect, needing at least an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and upward of a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. If you’re aiming to enjoy games in the stunning 4K resolution that the VR2 supports, you might want to consider an even more robust setup. Additionally, accessing your games will require a Steam account, though the keener modding community in PC VR might soon ease any existing Steam VR constraints.

Our evaluation of the VR2 recognized it as an impressive headset with sophisticated eye tracking and control features, offered at a reasonable price point. Unfortunately, it was somewhat shackled by a limited game library on the PlayStation 5. Sony rolled out its enhanced headset before Meta introduced its $500 Meta Quest 3, which boasts updated passthrough AR capabilities and several exclusive titles. The VR2 shines with its in-headset optics that support up to 4K resolutions per eye and a broad 110-degree field of view.

Yet, as enticing as this venture to PC appears, there are notable limitations to consider. The eye-tracking feature of the headset doesn’t function on PCs, nor do other key aspects like HDR and headset feedback. The controllers also forgo the adaptive triggers akin to those on the DualSense controller, offering only basic haptic feedback instead of more nuanced sensations. On the brighter side, the limited passthrough features remain operational with a PC, though their primary role is to prevent you from bumping into nearby furniture during your VR sessions.

Sony plans to make this adapter available through PlayStation Direct and other retailers starting in August. The VR2 itself is currently discounted by $100 at Direct and Best Buy during Sony’s Days of Play sale, which runs until June 13.

Even with these discounts, the VR2 still demands a significant investment, particularly if you need to shell out an additional $60 to break free of Sony’s PlayStation limitations. It’ll be telling to get our hands on one and determine whether it finally makes the VR2 a viable option for those curious about virtual reality, although the connection requirements and feature sacrifices might dampen expectations.