Earlier today Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) finally began to release details all PlayStation VR fans have been waiting for, news of what’s next. Sure, there have been plenty of patents flying around but now the official wheels have begun to turn. In addition to the announcement, PlayStation President and CEO Jim Ryan also had some rather interesting things to say.
In an interview with GQ, when the subject turns to a new PlayStation VR Ryan says: “this will be a completely new VR format for PS5,” which certainly sounds exciting. The new headset will feature a single cable to the console for a simpler setup plus the company is working on a new controller which will include ‘key features’ from the DualSense controller.
Up until now, the worry has always been that SIE might not continue with VR as the original headset did launch back in 2016. Competitors have released several iterations in that time, making PlayStation VR’s tech look dated. Ryan confirms SIE’s dedication to the format by saying: “We believe in VR and have been extremely happy with the results with the present PlayStation VR and think that we will do good business with our new VR system for PlayStation 5.”
That positive outlook will continue into the future: “More importantly, we see it as something beyond this coming iteration that really could be really big and really important,” he continues.
The PlayStation VR 2 – or whatever it’ll be called – won’t be arriving anytime soon with SIE confirming a launch will take place after 2021. Ryan does reveal, however, that “Dev kits are about to go out” so some studios are going to see what this new headset is capable of.
The news does mean there’s plenty of life left in the current PlayStation VR with Yupitergrad, Neon Hat, InnerspaceVR’s Maskmaker, Winds & Leaves, Fast Travel Games’ Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife, Stride, and team-based shooter Solaris Offworld Combat.
VRFocus will continue its coverage of PlayStation VR 2, reporting back with the latest updates.