PlayStation VR2 review: Is it worth buying the PSVR2 in 2025?

The PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2) is Sony's second foray into the VR market and represents a significant technological leap compared to its predecessor. This review explores all aspects of Sony's second VR flagship and compares it with current competitors on the market.

The PSVR2 launched in February 2023 and is Sony's second generation of virtual reality headsets, following the first generation of PSVR, which was released in October 2016. Designed as an exclusive accessory for the PlayStation 5 (PS5), the headset aims to impress with cutting-edge technology, innovative features, and a simplified user experience. But can the €450 PSVR2 still live up to the high expectations two years after its release? We've tested the headset extensively for you – here are our results.

tl;dr (Conclusion): Impressive technology with minor weaknesses

With the PlayStation VR2, Sony has undoubtedly achieved a technological leap. The headset impresses with its high-quality workmanship, impressive OLED image quality, and innovative features such as eye tracking and haptic feedback. The simplified setup with just one cable and no external cameras makes using the VR headset significantly easier than its predecessor. The ability to now use the PSVR2 on a PC also opens up new horizons for the headset and makes it a serious alternative to established PC VR headsets. The PSVR2 could be the right choice, especially for users who value OLED image quality and innovative features. In March 2025, the price was increased by €150 compared to the previous recommended retail price. 449,99 euros (including 19% VAT) This makes Sony's VR headset even more attractive and definitely worth purchasing.

On the downside, there's the relatively high bundle price if you don't already own a PS5, the still limited selection of exclusive games, and minor technical limitations like the Mura effect and the small sweet spot of the lenses. The limited battery life of the controllers and the lack of some popular social VR applications also somewhat tarnish the picture. Overall, however, the PlayStation VR2 is a VR headset worth considering, especially for PlayStation enthusiasts with a PS5. With more exclusive games, it could realize its full potential even more effectively.

Strengths and weaknesses of the PSVR2 at a glance

✅ Advantages:

• High-resolution OLED displays with 2000 × 2040 pixels pro Eye and HDR support.
• PC compatibility through official adapters (since 2024) significantly expands the range of applications.
• Exclusive VR games like “Horizon Call of the Mountain” and high-quality ports of AAA titles.
• Haptic feedback in the headset and adaptive triggers on the Sense controllers ensure a particularly immersive gaming experience.
• Very comfortable, ergonomic design with individually adjustable lens distance and pleasant weight distribution.
• Precise inside-out tracking thanks to four integrated cameras – no external accessories required.
• Good audio quality thanks to the included in-ear headphones.

⛔️ Disadvantages:

• Exclusive game selection is still too limited.
• No backward compatibility with PSVR and PS4.
• Short battery life of the controllers.
• No wireless operation possible, which somewhat limits freedom of movement.

Image: Sony

PSVR2 design and hardware: Better than its predecessor

The PlayStation VR2 offers several technical improvements over its predecessor. The white design, matching the PlayStation 5, looks modern and high-quality. With a weight of approximately 560 grams, it's mid-range among current VR headsets and can be comfortably adjusted thanks to the adjustable headband with dial.

At the heart of the PSVR2 are two high-resolution OLED displays, each with 2000 × 2040 pixels, which together produce a 4K resolution. These displays support HDR and refresh rates of up to 120 Hz and offer a field of view of approximately 110 degrees, which is an improvement over its predecessor and can compete with current premium headsets.

One of the biggest and most important innovations is inside-out tracking with four cameras integrated into the headset. This technology eliminates the external PlayStation camera of the predecessor and significantly simplifies the gaming experience in our test. The connection to the PS5 is via a single, 4,5-meter-long USB-C cable – a significant simplification compared to the tangled cables of the predecessor.

Wearing comfort and ergonomics: Top but with minor drawbacks

The PSVR2 impresses with its comfortable fit, which is especially important during longer gaming sessions. The weight is evenly distributed, and the headset can be easily adjusted to different head sizes. A significant improvement over the previous model is the ability to individually adjust the distance between the lenses to optimally adapt the VR headset to your individual eye distance. Unfortunately, the PSVR2's Fresnel lenses have a relatively small "sweet spot"—the area where the image is optimally sharp. Therefore, precise adjustment of the headset may take some time and take some getting used to.

The included in-ear stereo headphones deliver great sound and are well integrated into the VR headset. A "pass-through view" allows you to see the real-world environment through the integrated cameras without having to remove the headset—a practical feature that increases comfort in everyday life and proved itself in our test. proworks without problems. One criticism, however, is the large button on the back of the headband, which can be annoying when tilting your head back, for example, while watching a movie.

Operating the PSVR2: New Sense Controllers deliver

Another highlight are the new PS VR2 Sense controllers. They replace the outdated Move controllers and offer enhanced features such as adaptive triggers (similar to the PS5's DualSense), haptic feedback, and finger touch detection. The ring-shaped design also enables precise tracking via the headset's cameras. Overall, the Sense controllers feel very ergonomic and fit comfortably in the hand. Using the various triggers and buttons is intuitive and easy to learn.

The controllers connect to the console or PC via Bluetooth 5.1 and, in our tests, offer a battery life of approximately 5 hours, which is on the lower end compared to other VR controllers. For people with large hands, the plastic ring may occasionally be a hindrance when tapping the action buttons.

Image quality and visual performance: OLED brilliance with strengths and weaknesses

The PSVR2's OLED displays are one of its greatest strengths. While many current VR headsets have switched to LCDs, OLEDs offer better black levels and higher contrast, ensuring impressive image quality, especially in dark game scenes. HDR support is another unique feature among VR headsets, ensuring vivid, rich colors. The haptic feedback directly in the headset is also unique. Vibration motors can simulate, for example, a passing gust of wind or the proximity of a monster, thus significantly increasing immersion.

A high resolution of 2000 × 2040 pixels pro Eye also significantly reduces the "screen door effect" (visible pixel grid) and ensures a sharp image. However, in our test, the so-called "mura effect" occurred a few times: On solid-colored surfaces, this leads to slightly uneven color representation.

Image: Sony

Games on PSVR2: Light and Shadow

The PSVR2 is only compatible with the PlayStation 5 and is not backward compatible with the PlayStation 4. Games from the first PSVR generation do not run directly on the PSVR2, but must be specially adapted, which is only possible in isolated cases. At launch, the game selection included around 30 titles, with "Horizon Call of the Mountain" as the exclusive flagship title. Other notable games include VR versions of "Gran Turismo 7," "Resident Evil Village," and "Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge." Unfortunately, Sony has recently been somewhat reluctant to release its own games for the PlayStation VR2, leaving the development of new games to third-party developers. However, some game releases are now available, such as Slender: The Arrival, Aces of Thunder, Dreams of Another, Hitman World of Assassination and The Midnight Walk are coming up, which, in combination with the price reduction, make the VR headset more attractive again.

Sony continues to work on technical improvements that benefit the gaming experience. The company recently released an update that enables support for low-latency hand tracking. This innovation allows developers to create games for the PlayStation VR2 that can track the player's hand position and movements via the PS VR2 headset's cameras and implement them accordingly. With this new feature, players can now enjoy intuitive controls in supported games such as Waltz of the Wizard Overall, however, more exclusive games should be developed to further differentiate the VR headset from the competition.

Image: Sony

PSVR2 software ecosystem: Intuitive operation

The PSVR2's user interface is intuitive, and even VR novices can quickly get to grips with the controls. However, in terms of social VR applications, the PSVR2 currently offers fewer options than some competing platforms. Apps like "Pokerstars VR," "Pavlov," and "Zenith" enable social interactions, but popular platforms like "VR Chat" and "Rec Room" are currently missing from the PSVR2.

The PSVR2 is also suitable for watching movies and series via streaming services like Netflix. Cinema mode displays the content on a virtual giant screen in a black environment. While the image quality is good for this purpose (Full HD with HDR support and up to 120 Hz), it unfortunately doesn't offer the full resolution of the headset. Nevertheless, this feature is an interesting alternative, especially if you don't have a large TV available.

PC compatibility: New horizons with the PC adapter

A significant development for the PSVR2 is the Release of a PC adapter, which allows the headset to be used on Windows PCs for approximately €55. This extension opens the door to the extensive PC VR ecosystem, including SteamVR. Setup is relatively straightforward, and the PC's Bluetooth module can support the Sense controllers in most cases. prorecognize without difficulty.

The superior image quality of the OLED display compared to LCD-based headsets and the lack of compression compared to wireless solutions like the Quest series are particularly advantageous here. Games like Half-Life: Alyx become an immersive experience. I think the PSVR2 has already replaced some Quest headsets as the preferred PC VR solution.

Image: Sony

Comparison with the competition: Where does the PSVR2 stand?

The PS VR2 is positioned in the mid-to-upper price segment and competes with devices like the Meta Quest 3, the Valve Index, and the Pico 4 Ultra. In comparison, the PS VR2 scores with an OLED display, eye tracking, and adaptive triggers, but is wired.

PS VR2 price-performance ratio: The price reduction helps

Since March 2025, the PSVR2 from Sony itself for €449,99 (including 19% VAT) in a bundle with "Horizon Call of the Mountain." This represents a price reduction of €150 from the previous recommended retail price of approximately €599,99. An optional charging station for the controllers is available for approximately €50.

For PS5 owners looking for a high-quality VR experience, the PSVR2 offers good value, as it's technically state-of-the-art and works seamlessly with the console. The ability to use the headset on a PC further improves the value.

However, for users who don't yet own a PS5, the total investment (PS5 + PSVR2 = approximately €1000) represents a significant financial hurdle, especially given the currently limited selection of exclusive games. However, with the help of the adapter, the PSVR2 can also be used as a PC VR headset.

Picture: TechnikNews

Many thanks to Sony Interactive Entertainment for providing the PSVR2 for this review.

Recommendations for you

• Sony PlayStation VR2: upcoming headset design revealed
• Apple TV app now on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S
• Sony PlayStation 5 and “Digital Edition” without a drive are official
• Oculus Rift S review: VR cheap and without compromiss?