Stress Level Zero has given another indication that the studio will release games on Sony’s upcoming PSVR2 system.
Developer Brandon J Laatsch responded “high possibility” to a tweet asking him about “the possibilities of SLZ [Stress Level Zero] games appearing on PSVR2.”
We know that Stress Level Zero is working on multiple projects, but we have very little info on the specifics of each or even how many projects are in development. The studio promised more news in 2021, but that year came and went without any significant updates. Here’s to hoping we learn more this year.
With Sony officially announcing PSVR 2 specifications at CES this year, Stress Level Zero will have multiple release avenues for future products. With the increased power of the PS5 and the upgraded specs of PSVR2, previous Stress Level Zero projects — like Boneworks — might even find new life on the PSVR platform, which it forwent during the game’s original launch.
PSVR 2 will feature a 4K HDR display, 110-degree field of view and foveated rendering, alongside some fun bonuses like the new Sense controllers, in-headset vibration feedback and eye tracking. You can read the full spec list here.
Would you like to see Boneworks on PSVR 2, or are you looking forward to playing new games from Stress Level Zero? Let us know in the comments.
If you asked me which new VR headset I was looking forward to most in 2022, the answer would easily be Sony’s PSVR 2.
This is not going to be the obvious response for everyone. Alongside the continued success of the Quest 2, Meta is releasing a high-end standalone codenamed Project Cambria that promises to up the fidelity for standalone VR and add flashy new features for a higher price. Apple, meanwhile, may take its first steps into the VR/AR hardware scene. Both tech giants competing for a stake in the long-term future of spatial computing and the so-called metaverse is sure to be the dominant narrative for VR in 2022 (as detailed in Ian’s overview from earlier this week).
In comparison, PSVR 2’s seemingly (at this point) singular focus on providing high fidelity gaming experiences for the installed base of PS5 users may seem a little narrow-minded. Much has also been made of that wire, which will tether the headset to your PS5. No one can quite seem to agree on the significance of its presence, but the reality is that PSVR 2 will release in the face of wire-free headsets that are increasingly being used for fitness, socializing and productivity alongside entertainment. Quest 2 is already beginning to reach a wider audience beyond gaming, whereas PSVR 2 will make the core PlayStation audience its front and center priority.
And it’s true that PSVR 2 also reintroduces many of those old hardware reservations Quest 2 and its predecessor vanquished. On top of the wire, it’ll need the already-expensive PS5 ($399/$499 depending on model) to run. Coming off the back of a holiday season in which the Oculus companion app climbed to the top of app store charts and developers reported record sales, it’s tough to imagine the PSVR 2 system with required PS5 powering it truly challenging Quest 2.
But, you know what? That’s more than fine. PSVR 2 doesn’t need to outsell Quest 2 to be considered a success. And, while its hardware carries unavoidable heft, the headset’s mission statement is vitally more immediate than any other headset on the market right now.
Managed Expectations And Hybrid Gaming
Speaking to GQ, Sony Interactive Entertainment boss Jim Ryan offered a key insight into the company’s mindset for PSVR 2 when the headset was first announced last year. If you read UploadVR regularly, you’ve more than likely heard me repeat it once or twice:
“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. More importantly, we see it as something beyond this coming iteration that really could be really big and really important.”
‘Good business’, to me, is a crucial understanding of PSVR 2’s position in the market, as one that’s a peripheral to another device and thus one that already has limits on just how many units it can sell. PlayStation has a long history of selling peripherals and it already has experience selling VR – it moved over five million units of its first $399 headset that worked with a $399 console that to date has reached an install base of well over 115 million. That’s great numbers in the context of the nascent VR market, but a fraction of the audience Sony reaches with its wider platform.
And it’s important that above all else, Sony has a grasp of that. It means the company has its expectations in check as it moves toward launch, and that we’re less likely to see it abandon the device over its lifespan. What we’re not likely to see is multiple AAA, VR-only games released a year on the scale of God of War: Ragnarok or Spider-Man 2. But Sony seems to be settling on a best of both world approach; we’ve seen reports that the company is seeking hybrid VR experiences for its platform alongside bleeding-edge VR exclusives. It’s tough to justify spending tens, let alone hundreds of millions on VR development budgets when the install base isn’t there to recoup those costs. Logically, it’s a much sounder idea to supplement a handful of those efforts — alongside multiplatform VR games that will make the bulk of their money on Quest — with existing, high-quality flatscreen games that won’t need page one rewrites to realize in VR and won’t be dependent on VR sales alone to succeed.
This was not easy to do on PS4, where the console’s limited power made it difficult to replicate the flatscreen experience in-headset. The games that did do this made noticeable concessions. Hitman 3 massively drew back the size of its crowds, for example, and No Man’s Sky is something of a blur. But with the power of the PS5 — not to mention foveated rendering via eye tracking — it’s a much more viable prospect for PSVR 2. Granted these might not be the most powerful expressions of VR, but as Resident Evil 4 VR has already proven by becoming Quest’s fastest-selling app ever, it makes for an easy way to generate hype and sales whilst others prove out native VR mechanics.
The second part of Ryan’s comment also suggests Sony knows what it will truly take to really bring VR to the mainstream, and that those plans for a possible future device are in the pipeline too. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the new VR headset the wider Sony Corp is hiring for is a standalone device that links to the PlayStation brand in some way, but also establishes a brand identity of its own. That’s likely a far-flung future prospect right now, though.
Tethered To A Console, But Not To Meta
In the meantime, what PSVR 2 can do is wave the flag for high-end VR experiences as future formats continue to prove themselves out. It promises to offer a destination for gamers that want higher fidelity than what’s on offer with Quest and deliver titles from beloved developers and franchises. More than anything PSVR 2 will be, to me, a device about instant gratification. It might have a wire connected to it but the actual prospect of PSVR 2 is significantly — and in many ways refreshingly — simpler than what others are aspiring to. This is a device that’s distanced from (though not necessarily free of) the courtroom dramas and privacy concerns that Meta and others have already brought to VR. There’s no Facebook account connectivity to worry about and, even with that requirement on the way out for Quest, that’s a significantly bigger deal to some than that wire is. And, crucially, no PlayStation executive has yet used the word “metaverse”, though I’ll concede that it’s early days.
And, whilst Meta continues to chip away at the visual fidelity of its own VR titles and offer fascinating but inarguably experimental excursions like hand-tracking and mixed reality passthrough (features likely to cement its long-term dominance in the future of VR) PSVR 2 promises to do the basics of compelling VR very well. We’ve already seen a glimpse of a Horizon game that looks like a generational leap over what was possible with PSVR 1, and the increased power of the PS5 will make such experiences possible without the stress of fine-tuning PC settings and prioritizing GPU performance. And I can only imagine how much better these experiences will also control by swapping out the ancient fossils that are the Move controllers for the hugely exciting PSVR 2 Sense devices.
Sony’s mission here is straightforward: to deliver powerhouse immersion for an audience of enthusiastic gamers. At a time in which PC VR lacks clear direction and standalone VR can’t measure up on a visual level, that’s a compelling message.
So, while the metaverse is being built and Apple takes the fight to Meta, I’ll be in Horizon (the Sony one, not the Meta one) enjoying some of the best-looking and most immersive VR we’ve yet seen. PSVR 2 might not be the headset to lead the industry into the future but it’s going to keep me busy until we get there.
PSVR 2 is available now for $550, but what about PSVR 2 games?
Here’s our full rundown of all PSVR 2 launch titles and announced games. We originally published this article on January 6, 2022 and have been updating and republishing it periodically since then. As of this latest update, we’ve reviewed the PlayStation VR2 system after spending significant time with Sony’s next-generation headset and playing roughly half of the launch lineup.
Sony confirmed there are 100+ projects in the pipeline for PlayStation VR2. Our list below begins with games that released alongside PSVR 2 on February 22, 2023 and those coming in the month afterward. Release plans can change, of course, and we’re confirming additional announced or rumored games on an ongoing basis.
Here’s our full list of confirmed and rumored PSVR 2 games.
PSVR 2 Launch Titles
This section includes PSVR 2 launch titles that are available now and released alongside PlayStation VR2 on February 22, 2023.
The first title Sony itself officially announced for PSVR 2, Horizon Call of the Mountain is a spin-off of the popular open-world series and we’ve finished the whole game.
You might have already played Horizon Zero Dawn, in which protagonist Aloy learned about the near-extinction of humanity and the rise of dinosaur-like machines, or its sequel, Forbidden West on PS4 or PS5. Call of the Mountain is an all-new entry in which you play as a new character (though you will meet Aloy), developed by one of Sony’s newly-acquired studios, Firesprite. It features a full campaign with multiple paths, alongside a separate river ride experience.
Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Enhanced Edition
We’ve played the enhanced edition on PSVR 2 and you can check out our graphics comparison embedded above, with ILMxLAB saying the game has been rebuilt “to take advantage of many of the enhancements the hardware has to offer” including eye tracking and haptics in both the headset and Sense controllers.
Resident Evil Village
The entire Resident Evil 8 experience on PSVR 2 is a free upgrade to the existing PS5 game from Capcom.
First released in 2021, Resident Evil 8 reunited players with Ethan, the protagonist from Resident Evil 7, on an all new horror adventure. Capcom also released a demo for the VR mode alongside the update for PSVR 2 launch.
Gran Turismo 7
We’d long suspected Gran Turismo 7 would jump to PSVR 2 and, like Resident Evil Village, the entire game is playable in VR as a launch day update to the PS5-exclusive game.
Demeo
This tabletop RPG-inspired dungeon crawler was one of our favorite games when it released and as a February 22 launch day release for PSVR 2, it brings the entire experience to players both in PSVR 2 and on TVs with PS5.
Demeo from the PlayStation store features cross-play with Steam, Quest, and Epic Games store versions of this top tier multiplayer experience. You can find more info here.
Cities: VR – Enhanced Edition
Cities: VR – Enhanced Edition is a launch day release for PSVR 2.
Initially released on the Quest store, the PlayStation store “enhanced edition” brings the full Cities: Skylines experience into VR. According to the PlayStation blog, this version will use the PS5’s horsepower to bring “great detail” and ensure a “smooth experience” when observing you cities from all levels.
This version of the game adds eye tracking support and real-time shadows and is also designed to take advantage of the unique force feedback hardware in the Sense controllers and PSVR 2 headset, so that players will be able to feel elements like wind and water as they interact with the environment.
Vacation Simulator
Owlchemy Labs confirmed that both of its playful simulation games are seeing release at launch on PSVR 2 with free upgrades for existing PlayStation VR owners.
Developers say the games have improvements “including enhanced audio stabilizers, haptic feedback, and 4K image rendering.” Vacation Simulator on PSVR 2 will include the Back To Job free content update as well. Players who already own Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator on PlayStation VR will receive a PlayStation 5 version of the game they can download to their PS VR2 libraries at no additional cost.
Job Simulator
A new VR headset without Job Simulator would be unheard of at this point, and Owlchemy Labs isn’t letting 2016’s cornerstone VR game escape release at launch for PSVR 2.
Like its sequel Vacation Simulator, owners of the original game for PSVR get the PSVR 2 version of the game in their PS5 library for free, and it includes the “Infinite Overtime” free content update.
Pistol Whip
Pistol Whip is a launch day title for PSVR 2 with support for a bunch of the headset’s new features and capabilities. According to Lucas Sitanski from Cloudhead Games, the Sense controller haptics allow you to “feel the rush of a bullet grazing your head, the clicks of reloading your gun, and more realistic vibrations when firing.” Pistol Whip also supports 3D audio on PSVR 2 and should feature faster load times and scene transitions.
The PSVR 2 version of Pistol Whip is a free upgrade for owners of the original PSVR version.
Zenith: The Last City
The VR MMO Zenith is a launch day title for PSVR 2 free for players who already own the game for the original PSVR.
Since launching on other platforms, Zenith developers Ramen VR have added a bunch of new content and changes to the experience, all of which will carry over to the new PSVR 2 version. This includes an overhaul of the new player experience. The game uses the PSVR 2’s headset and Sense controller haptic feedback as well as the adaptive triggers for weapon effects, and PS5’s storage system should lead to dramatically faster loading times compared to other platforms.
After the Fall
After the Fall is a PSVR 2 launch day title. Vertigo Games is adding support for Sense controller haptics and adaptive triggers in this version of the game. Plus, it continues to support full cross-platform multiplayer, so PSVR 2 players can play with other After the Fall players on any other VR platform.
For owners of After the Fall on PSVR, the PSVR 2 version is a free upgrade.
Tentacular
An underrated gem on Quest, Tentacular makes its debut on PSVR 2 with support for adaptive triggers and haptics on the headset and Sense controllers. It also implements eye tracking functionality across the game, allowing you to use your eyes to interact with La Kalma residents and the game’s menus.
Moss and Moss: Book 2
Following a PSVR, PC VR, and Quest launch, confirmation that the Moss series would appear on PSVR 2 seemed inevitable. Developed by Polyarc, both fantasy adventure games release for Sony’s new headset at launch, offering visual improvements, haptic feedback, and adaptive trigger support. There’s no cross-buy if you already have them on PSVR.
Pavlov
Pavlov, the popular VR multiplayer shooter, is a PSVR 2 launch game after initially being one of the first games confirmed for the platform. Developer Vankrupt Games had suggested there may be crossplay support with the Quest version, Pavlov Shack, but that’s not the case at launch. Instead, Pavlov on PSVR 2 has crossplay with the PC edition.
What the Bat?
UploadVR’s Game of the Year 2022 makes its way to PSVR 2. A VR sequel to 2019’s What The Golf?, you’ll tackle a series of increasingly absurd challenges using bats for hands, and you can check out our full What the Bat? review for the Quest edition.
Fantavision 202x
Sony confirmed a reboot of Fantavision as one of PSVR 2’s more surprising launch games. Originally a PS2 puzzle game by the now-defunct Japan Studio in 2000, Fantavision 202x is being developed by Cosmo Machia. You’ll catch fireworks of the same color and shoot them into the night sky in Fantavision 202x.
Kayak VR: Mirage
Kayak VR: Mirage first appeared on PC VR, offering a stunning adventure sim with asynchronous multiplayer. Now, developer Better Than Life brings Kayak to PSVR 2 for launch.
Altair Breaker
Thirdverse’s Altair Breaker is a multiplayer sword-fighting game in PSVR 2’s launch lineup. You and three other players fight AI across an abandoned floating city.
Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate
Dyschronia: Chronos Alternate, an ongoing episodic trilogy from MyDearest, is jumping onto PSVR 2. The third entry in the Chronos Universe, following Tokyo Chronos and Altdeus: Beyond Chronos, this adventure sees you playing detective after the city’s founder is suddenly murdered. Episode 1 and Episode 2 should be both be available at launch.
Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat!
First released in 2020 on Quest, Kizuna AI – Touch the Beat! returns as another PSVR 2 launch game. A rhythm game that places you in the audience, you hit notes that fly toward you with a penlight, playing with Kizuna AI. Notably, Kizuna is also supposed to launch for the original PSVR too in April 2023, though cross-buy support remains unconfirmed.
The Tale of Onogoro
Announced within a batch of PSVR 2 titles from Japanese studios, The Tale of Onogoro comes from Amata K.K, taking you to a mysterious parallel world. Teaming up with a shrine maiden, Hal, you’ll need to defeat five beasts that terrorize this land. The game releases as a launch title for PSVR 2 with a planned release for the original PSVR to follow.
Song In The Smoke: Rekindled
Confirmed in EDGE Magazine issue #380, 17-Bit is remastering its hit survival game as Song in the Smoke: Rekindled for PSVR 2, available at launch. Alongside haptic feedback support, PlayStation Blog confirms this contains an “all-new free jump and clamber mode completely unique to PSVR 2.” Cross-buy support is also confirmed for those who originally bought Song in the Smoke on PSVR.
Puzzling Places
Currently available on Quest and PSVR, Puzzling Places makes the leap to PSVR 2 where you can put together puzzles through 3D jigsaws. New enhancements include sharper textures, eye tracking support when selecting pieces, haptic feedback support, and a 1000 piece puzzle. If you already own it on PSVR, this will be available as a free upgrade.
Rez Infinite
Originally a PSVR launch title, Rez Infinite joins Sony’s new headset at launch once again. On PSVR 2, that comes with eye tracking for tracking and aiming at enemies, alongside haptic feedback from the headset and controllers. While an upgrade path is available, this one isn’t free and instead, it’s been discounted to $9.99 for PSVR owners.
Synth Riders: Remastered Edition
Synth Riders is already on most VR platforms, so it’s little surprise to see a Remastered Edition arriving on PSVR 2. Promising reduced loading times, updated visuals, multiplayer, and more, that’s another free upgrade for anyone who owns the PSVR version, and that also covers previously purchased DLC. Anyone who buys Remastered from launch can access the Lindsey Stirling music pack for one month until March 22.
Tetris Effect Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected is back once again, joining the list of PSVR ports. First released in 2019, this spectacular puzzle game received its Connected update in 2021, and that’s now coming to PSVR 2 and PS5. Just like Rez Infinite, an upgrade path is available but it won’t be free. Instead, it’s discounted to $9.99 for PSVR owners.
Another PSVR launch game from 2016, Thumper return for PSVR 2, taking us back to this rhythm-action hellride. While Thumper doesn’t come with a free next-gen upgrade for original owners, developers Drool tout 4K visuals, 3D audios, and haptic feedback among its improvements.
Cave Digger 2: Dig Harder
Gear up and explore ever-shifting caves extracting as many valuables as possible solo or in 4-player co-op! Cave Digger 2: Dig Harder is coming to PlayStation® VR2 digitally on February 22nd with a physical release on March 3rd! #PerpGamesVRShowcase#Cavedigger2digharder#PSVR2pic.twitter.com/0KRYVp69WP
— Perp Games | Greyhill Incident – Coming 2023 (@PerpGames) January 30, 2023
A sequel to 2019 mining sim Cave Digger, Perp Games confirms Cave Digger 2: Dig Harder features solo play and 4-player co-op, where you’ll collect valuable resources while exploring.
Townsmen VR
City builder Townsmen VR arrives on PSVR 2 following an early access period on PC VR. HandyGames confirms it utilizes headset feedback to feel environmental effects like earthquakes, alongside using the Sense controllers’ adaptive triggers.
Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded
Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded from XR Games’ is an arcade light-gun shooter that’s been “rebuilt for PlayStation VR 2”. Once a Quest exclusive, Zombieland: Headshot Fever is a self-contained story set after Zombieland: Double Tap, where you’ll shoot zombies through an on-rails course. You can read our review here.
NFL Pro Era
NFL Pro Era dropped onto PSVR and Quest last September and it’s a PSVR 2 launch day free next-gen upgrade for existing PlayStation VR owners.
The Light Brigade
From Funktronic Labs, the developers of Fujii, comes a new single player roguelike that sees you join the ranks of the titular Light Brigade and play through procedurally generated battlegrounds with “realistic physics-based gunplay” and spells. It’s available February 22 on both PSVR 2 and Quest 2.
Garden of the Sea
Garden of the Sea launches on February 22 for PSVR 2, after releasing for Quest 2 and PC VR last year.
Drums Rock
Following a Quest release last February, developers Garage51 recently announced that Drums Rock is coming to PSVR 2. An arcade-style drumming game, this utilizes PSVR 2’s headset vibration, haptic feedback, and eye tracking. It releases at launch on February 22.
No Man’s Sky
To the surprise of pretty much no one, the excellent VR support for No Man’s Sky has found its way to the PS5 version and PSVR 2. It released launch day for PSVR 2, alongside a big game update that added an overhaul of many VR mechanics as well.
Swordsman VR
Last year, Sinn Studio confirmed in a tweet that Swordsman VR would be a launch title for PSVR 2. It released alongside the headset on February 22.
Jurassic World Aftermath Collection
Coatsink is bringing the Jurassic World Aftermath Collection to PSVR 2, which it calls a “reworked version” of Part 1 and Part 2 releases on Quest, packaged into one complete offering. Coatsink says Aftermath is “targeting 4K at 90 FPS” on PSVR 2 and takes advantage of headset features like in-headset rumble and 3D audio.
This version of the game also includes added volumetric lighting, enhanced post-processing effects and faster loading times, alongside a new “Dino Viewer” that lets you view the game’s dinosaurs in a museum setting. It’s available now for PSVR 2.
Startenders
Originally released for Quest and PSVR, Startenders will see you work as an intergalactic bartender, juggling multiple customers and increasingly complicated orders from alien customers on board a spaceship. It’s available now as a launch title for PSVR 2.
Les Mills Bodycombat
Lss Mills Bodycombat will get the blood flowing in VR. This workout app was originally available on Quest and is now available on PSVR 2 as a launch day title.
Ragnarock
Stand aboard a viking ship and bang the drums to the beat of rock music to keep your viking rowers powering through the water. Ragnarock is one of our favorite rhythm games and is available now on PSVR 2.
Unplugged
Unplugged is an amazing VR air guitar game that lets you play through some of your favorites rock tracks using a virtual guitar. Think Guitar Hero, but for VR. On other platforms like Quest, Unplugged uses hand tracking. However, PSVR 2 doesn’t support hand tracking at the moment, so this version of the game will use the PSVR 2 Sense controllers. A big part of Unplugged’s appeal comes from using your hands – not controllers – and we’ve not been able to test this version of the game out yet. Nonetheless, it’s available now on PSVR 2 as a launch title.
2MD: VR Football Unleashed All-Star
Nearly three years after 2MD: VR Football arrived on Quest and PSVR, Truant Pixels confirmed through PSVR Without Parole that a sequel, 2MD: VR Football Unleashed All-Star, is coming to PSVR 2. It’s available now as a launch day title for PSVR 2.
Confirmed PSVR 2 Games Coming Soon
This section starts with titles Sony confirmed as part of PSVR 2’s launch window and continues with those confirmed as coming soon. Release timing can always change, but “launch window” games are expected to release by the end of March 2023.
The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR
This horror-themed rollercoaster shooter will be a launch day title for PSVR 2, taking advantage of the headset’s unique features such as adaptive triggers and eye tracking. You can read more about the game here, which was a launch day title but is instead planned for release March 16.
Before Your Eyes
A game that revolves around blinking to move onto the next scene is a perfect fit for PSVR 2’s eye tracking. Before Your Eyes is an emotional, heartbreaking adventure from Skybound Games, which tracks your blinking to continue the narrative. It arrives as a launch window title for PSVR 2.
Creed Rise to Glory: Championship Edition
Nearly five years since it first arrived, Creed: Rise To Glory is back once again for PSVR 2 with a Championship Edition. For this latest release, Survios is promising “brand new game content, modes, and settings to create a more immersive and personalized experience for new and seasoned Creed players alike.” A reworked online PvP mode is also confirmed, bringing “optimized matchmaking” and crossplay support. It releases April 4 for PSVR 2.
Walkabout Mini Golf
Developer Mighty Coconut confirmed VR’s best mini golf game is coming “soon” to PlayStation VR2 with support for cross-play between Steam, Quest and Pico outside China. The game features outstanding course design with recent paid-on content taking players to Atlantis,Myst Island, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and even into Jim Henson’s Labyrinth. We can’t wait to see how the game looks and feels on PlayStation VR2.
Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue brings the viral flatscreen franchise into VR, launching on PSVR, PSVR 2 and PC VR. Steel Wool Studios are handling development, after launching popular VR title Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted in 2020. The game was initially set as a PSVR 2 launch title, but is now delayed with a new release date in late May.
Announced PSVR 2 Games
This section includes titles that have been announced by developers, or by Sony, as planned for PlayStation VR2. Release timelines here may be less defined or totally unknown.
Firewall Ultra
Firewall and Solaris developer First Contact Entertainment announced Firewall Ultra last year, releasing exclusively for PSVR 2. This follow-up to Firewall Zero Hour is described as an ‘evolution’ of the franchise, adding loads of new content while also carrying over and upgrading content from Zero Hour as well.
There’s a catch to this one. Capcom is remaking Resident Evil 4 for PS5 and it looks fantastic, but the PSVR 2 integration is currently described as “supported content”, which suggests we won’t get the full game in VR. That may have something to do with the fact the original Resident Evil 4 is available on Quest 2 as a platform exclusive. It remains to be seen exactly what this PSVR 2 content will look like, but the game’s out in March 2023.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 2 – Retribution
The original Saints & Sinners is one of PSVR’s best games, so it’s great to hear that the follow-up will reach both that headset and PSVR 2. The sequel released on Quest at the end of 2022 and is scheduled for launch on PSVR 2 in March of 2023.
Beat Saber
This one felt inevitable, though Sony and Meta certainly kept us waiting. At CES 2023, Jim Ryan revealed Beat Saber is officially coming to PSVR 2. However, that was pretty much all he confirmed during Sony’s keynote. There’s no news on multiplayer or a release date yet, but Ryan confirms they’ll have “more information to share in the near future.”
Among Us VR
Originally confirmed for PSVR 1, we now know Schell Games’ take on the ever-popular whodunnit game will be coming to PSVR 2.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
A collaboration between VR developer nDreams and Sony Pictures Virtual Reality, Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord is confirmed for release on PSVR 2. While the game will initially launch as an exclusive for the Quest platform in 2023, it will make its way to PSVR 2 sometime after – no exact date just yet.
In a recent funding announcement, UK-based nDreams confirmed that it’s working on multiple projects for PSVR 2. We now know that one of those is Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, but what about the others?
The studio has a long history with VR, but is best known for its 2020 stealth action VR, Phantom: Covert Ops, in which players infiltrated hostile territory in a kayak, and last year’s blockbuster PSVR shooter, Fracked. There’s no word yet on what these other new projects will be, but nDreams now consists of three studios making VR content, and we’d gladly replay Fracked on new hardware.
Crossfire: Sierra Squad
Crossfire: Sierra Squad is an upcoming arcade shooter, spun-off from popular FPS title Crossfire. It will feature over 60 campaign missions and 40 different weapons when it launches in Summer 2023 for PSVR 2. You can read more here.
VR Skater
Originally available for PC VR in 2021, VR Skater is coming soon to PSVR 2.
C-Smash VRS
This is a “complete reimagining” of arcade classic Cosmic Smash, arriving later this year for PSVR 2.
Another Fisherman’s Tale
Vertigo Games recently announced this sequel to one of 2019’s best VR games, promising a 5-6 hour adventure. It’s coming to PC VR, Quest 2 and PSVR 2 later this year.
Hellsweeper VR
Alongside the Fisherman’s Tale sequel announcement, Vertigo Game also recently announced that upcoming dark fantasy combat game Hellsweeper is coming to PSVR 2.
Green Hell VR
Following a Quest and PC VR launch across 2022, Green Hell VR is officially coming to PSVR 2 in 2023. While the initial announcement was unclear about which specific headset was being supported, developer Incuvo later confirmed this survival adventure is targeting Sony’s latest headset.
Mixture
This upcoming action-adventure platformer from Polish studio Played With Fire will see you take control of two protagonists at once in 2023. We tried the Quest version of the game out earlier this year, which offered an interesting combination of platforming and roomscale gameplay.
Runner
Horizon might be the first game Sony announced for PSVR 2, but Runner developer Truant Pixel announced its intention to release on the platform nearly a year before that. This is an anime-inspired biking game in which you speed down futuristic highways fending off enemies with dual-wielding weapons.
Low-Fi
The long-anticipated sci-fi title from Iris VR has been promising to join the line-up of PSVR 2 games for years now. Low-Fi is designed to be a futuristic life-simulator inspired by the likes of Blade Runner in which players can make their own choices about how to proceed. It’s been in early access on Itch for a few years, with the developer continuing to bolt on new features. Hopefully 2023 will see the launch of the full version of the game on PSVR 2.
Samurai Slaughter House
Another indie studio that’s been very quick to confirm it’ll join the list of PSVR 2 games, Samurai Slaughter House is a bloody melee combat game with a black and white art style and physics-based fighting. The game’s also planned for PC VR and Quest 2.
Requisition VR
General Producer Oliver Smirnoff confirmed to UploadVR that Arcadia are planning to release a port of Requisition VR on PSVR 2 in 2023, after release on PC VR and Quest.
Myst developer Cyan World’s latest game was originally planned to come to PSVR. But the studio recently confirmed that it’s stopping work on that version of the game and will instead bring it to PSVR 2, now expected in 2023.
Alvo
Having started life as a PSVR-exclusive shooter with support for the Aim controller, Alvo was one of the first games to confirm it’ll make the jump to PSVR 2. This is a rewarding modern-era shooter inspired by the likes of Counter-Strike. The Aim controller might not be directly supported anymore (Sony hasn’t made any comment on compatibility), but the game’s already up and running on Quest 2, so expect a similar control scheme to that version.
Across The Valley
Across the Valley is a new VR farming simulator from FusionPlay, where you’ll maintaining crops and keeping the livestock happy. Announced at the Upload VR Showcase Winter 2022, we’ve only had a brief announcement trailer so far, but it’s coming to both PSVR 2 and PC VR in 2023.
Behemoth
Following a brief teaser at Meta’s annual Connect conference, Skydance Interactive confirmed its next game, Behemoth, is also coming to PSVR 2. Behemoth sees you fighting monolithic beings in the face of a looming threat. Described as having “brutal yet tactical VR combat,” it should arrive in late 2023.
Blacktop Hoops
Developed by Vinci Games, Blacktop Hoops is an arcade-style basketball game. Promising a full single-player campaign, online multiplayer, and more, it’s currently in open alpha testing on Quest and Steam. However, a PSVR 2 release was confirmed by the developer via Reddit last year.
Ovrdark: A Do Not Open Story
One moth to go #PSVR2 and a few months later, a new exclusive adventure for #VR players
Ovrdark: A Do Not Open Story is a new VR horror game coming to PSVR 2 this year. Developed by NoxNoctis, Ovrdark replaces the recently cancelled VR port for flatscreen horror game Do Not Open, which was first announced for PSVR in 2020. Featuring a new protagonist, this isn’t a launch title but it’s scheduled to arrive in 2023.
Galaxy Kart
Galaxy Kart is one of PSVR 2’s confirmed racing games. Developed by VRMonkey, that arrives in Q1 2023, and they released this outline on Steam:
“An arcade kart racing game focused in COMBAT and the UNIQUE SKILLS of each driver! In a Galaxy full of crazy racers an amazing championship decides who is the best driver of all! Not only the racers can get weapons in the tracks, each one of them have individual skills!”
Medieval Dynasty
Medieval Dynasty proved popular when its flatscreen PC release launched in 2021, but developer Render Cube isn’t stopping there. As revealed in a Polish interview, it’s being ported to both Quest 2 and PSVR 2, and Render Cube’s creating a version designed specifically for VR. There’s currently no release date.
The Last Worker
We’ve known for some time that The Last Worker is heading to VR. Featuring a notable cast that includes Zelda Williams, Jason Isaacs, and Tommie Earl Jenkins, Wired Productions confirmed this narrative adventure game is getting a PSVR 2 port in its recent trailer. We don’t have an exact release date yet, but it will launch sometime in 2023.
Survival Nation
As seen during the UploadVR Winter Showcase 2022, Survival Nation is a new outdoor adventure sim with zombies. Promising “hunting, scavenging, surviving a bear hunt, and more,” Wenkly Studio’s upcoming game only has a vague 2023 release window on PSVR 2 right now.
The Exorcist Legion VR: SIN
It’s been over a year since Fun Train’s survival horror follow-up to The Exorcist: Legion VR was announced. Originally targeting a late 2022 release, The Exorcist Legion VR: SIN will now release in the second half of 2023 with online co-op and single-player support.
The Twilight Zone VR
Previously released on Quest 2 last July, The Twilight Zone VR is heading for PSVR 2 next, though Fun Train hasn’t announced a release date. Split between three stories, each penned by different writers, this adventure spans between different genres, including horror and science fiction.
Undead Citadel
Undead Citadel’s been in development since 2018 but until recently, there’d been little news about when we’ll finally see it. As spotted by PSVR Without Parole, developers Dark Curry announced via its Discord server that Undead Citadel was aiming to arrive as a PSVR 2 launch title, but we’ve yet to receive further confirmation or news on that front. We’ve reached out to Dark Curry for clarification and will update if we receive a response.
Volcanic Core
Developed by OlivierJT, Volcanic Core promises vehicular combat in a musical universe. Currently targeting a PSVR 2 release in Q1 2023, you can find its description from the official website below:
“Thrilling vehicle combat within a musical universe! Face fierce pilots & reach a near unbeatable boss… Train to improve your skills or venture in very diverse challenge areas.”
X8
Alongside Altair Breaker, Thirdverse is bringing more of its lineup to PSVR 2 with tactical 5v5 shooter X8. Presenting a fictional crossover, a digital cataclysm causes heroes from fictional shooters to unite, splitting into 5v5 online teams with up to 16 rounds. However, X8’s release date on Sony’s new headset remains to be confirmed.
Afterlife VR
Not to be confused with Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife by Fast Travel Games, Afterlife VR joins an increasing list of PSVR 2 horror games. Developed by Split Light Studio, this first appeared on SteamVR last year and while a release date wasn’t confirmed for Sony’s new headset, Split Light states development is “going in the right way”
Awesome Asteroids
Strange Games Studios announced that Awesome Asteroids is coming to PSVR 2. The game “should” be ready when the headset launches, but a release date has yet to be confirmed.You can watch some early gameplay footage above, which showcases asteroid tracking and missile barrages, though not much is otherwise known about this upcoming game.
D-Day Enhanced
Four years after launching on PSVR, World War II VR shooter Honor And Duty: D-Day is getting an enhanced edition on PSVR 2. A specific release date remains unconfirmed, though Strange Games Studios states a 2023 release is targeted. If you already own Honor And Duty, the team confirms there will be a free next-gen upgrade.
Ghosts of Tabor
Ghosts of Tabor is a new survival shooter coming to PSVR 2. Inspired by Escape from Tarkov, ARMA and DayZ, this takes place in a post apocalyptic near-future setting, where your objective is to “scavage, complete scenarios and survive.” That hits Steam early access in March 2023, while the PSVR 2 version arrives in Q3 2023.
Madison VR
Launched to critical acclaim last year on PC and consoles, publisher Perp Games revealed that flatscreen horror Madison is making the leap to PSVR 2 and PC VR in 2023. We didn’t learn much else during this reveal and developer Bloodious Games says they’ll have more to share across 2023. For now, you can watch the announcement trailer above.
VR Skater
VR Skater came to Steam early access nearly two years ago and while it’s not received a full release yet, that hasn’t stopped Deficit Games confirming a PSVR 2 port is on the way. Announced during the Perp Games Showcase, no release date was provided.
Windlands 2
Confirmed on a PSVR Without Parole podcast, Psytec Games CEO, Jon Hibbins announced Windlands 2 is coming to PSVR 2. Advising that Psytec prioritized the Quest 2 port first, Hibbins revealed that Windlands 2 won’t be a PSVR 2 launch game. However, he does confirm it’ll arrive “as soon as possible.”
PSVR 2 Games: Rumored Or Leaked
This section includes titles that have been rumored, leaked, or reported as possible PSVR 2 games.
Farpoint 2
Farpoint became one of PSVR’s most popular shooters thanks to its reliance on the excellent rifle-shaped Aim Controller. The game had a full single-player campaign and a fun — if limited — multiplayer option, sending players to an alien world to fight spider-like monsters.
Developer Impulse Gear recently put out another great shooter named Larcenauts for Quest and PC VR. Around that time, we asked the studio’s Greg Koreman about a possible return to the series. He told us: “We definitely don’t have anything to announce at the moment but that is our roots and we’re very happy with what we did on Farpoint. And I think you look at that game and that universe and there’s absolutely a lot more to explore there.”
Half-Life: Alyx
What must be one of the most hoped-for PSVR 2 games is a port of Valve’s stunning return to its flagship franchise from 2020. Alyx absolutely delivered on the AAA VR dream with a long, highly-polished campaign that really capitalized on the platform. Before launch in 2019, Valve’s Greg Coomer had this to say to PushSquare on the possibility of a PSVR port for the game: “We believe Sony’s VR platform has been a huge success for the medium, and we assume that lots of Sony customers would love to experience this new chapter of Half-Life.” Could we see Alyx arrive on PSVR 2 with this in mind?
Solaris Offworld Combat 2
Sony listed four previously unconfirmed games coming to PSVR 2 in a gallery on its German blog. The link to the blog doesn’t seem to work anymore but when it was up there was a subheader listing an unannounced sequel to First Contact Entertainment’s Solaris Offworld Combat. Soon afterward, First Contact tweeted “more details coming soon” with the image above seeming to confirm Solaris Offworld Combat 2.
Wanderer
Wanderer was one of four previously unconfirmed games briefly listed in a PSVR 2 section PlayStation’s official German blog. It’s a VR escape room adventure in which you travel through time, solving puzzles to fix the present. It released previously on PSVR and our review called it “easily the best-looking VR game since Lone Echo 2.”
GORN
Gorn released for the original Playstation VR headset and was one of the four previously unconfirmed games briefly listed in a PSVR 2 section Sony’s official blog for PlayStation in Germany. Our review called it a “toybox filled with razor-sharp playthings and endless action figures to use them on”
Project Wingman
We called PC-based flying game Project Wingman “the Ace Combat spinoff fans have always dreamed of” and it was one of the four previously unconfirmed games briefly listed in a PSVR 2 section Sony’s official blog for PlayStation in Germany.
PSVR 2 Games: Cross-Gen Games With PSVR 1 Support
This section includes games that are on both PS4 and PS5 already and have PSVR support on PS4, thus making them likely candidates for PSVR 2 games in the future.
Hitman 3
Arguably the last truly huge PSVR release, Hitman 3 featured timed-exclusive support for the headset when it launched in January 2021. Not only could you play the entire game in first-person using the DualShock 4’s motion controls, but you could import the campaigns from Hitman 1 and 2 and play them there too. The timed-exclusivity window is now up, with VR support available on on PC too, with two-handed motion controls. It’s a very good indication that, when PSVR 2 drops, the PS5 version of Hitman 3 could add support for PSVR 2 as well.
Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7’s PS5 remaster shipped in 2022. It includes ray tracing support, improved framerates and integration with DualSense’s’ haptic feedback and resistance triggers. There’s been no confirmation of PSVR 2 support thus far but, given this remains one of the best games on the original headset, we’ll keep our fingers crossed. If PSVR 2 gets Resident Evil 7 and 8? We’ll be very lucky indeed.
The Persistence
Sony bought Horizon Call of the Mountain developer Firesprite in 2021, but the Liverpool-based team had been showing support for PSVR long before that. It created the fantastic timed-exclusive, The Persistence, first for PSVR. It’s a thrilling, procedurally generated survival horror game that established palpable atmosphere. The Persistence eventually found its way to other headsets and flatscreen platforms including PS5. Once the new headset’s released, it’s a solid bet that this will be one of the new PSVR 2 games we can enjoy on the device.
Kona
Kona is something of an oddity. It’s a first-person investigation game set in snowy Northern Canada. You look into strange events that have left a small town deserted and survive the blizzard. The PS4 and PC versions of the game got premium VR DLC that let you play the entire experience with a headset. A PS5 version arrived somewhat out of the blue with a free upgrade. Hopefully we’ll see this version also get PSVR 2 support once the headset arrives.
And that’s the current list of PSVR 2 launch titles, confirmed games and rumored releases! What are you looking forward to? Are there any other titles you’re hoping get announced? Let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s note: Since it was originally published on January 6, 2022 by former UploadVR Editor Jamie Feltham this list has been continuously updated by UploadVR staff including Harry Baker, Henry Stockdale, and Ian Hamilton.
Today during Sony’s CES 2022 press conference the company revealed the first details on PlayStation VR 2, including eye-tracking, a “4K” HDR display, and a 110° Field-of-view.
For the first time today, Sony confirmed that its next-gen VR headset for PS5 will be called… *drumroll*… PlayStation VR 2. Although it’s not really much of a surprise, it’s the first time the company has officially revealed the headset’s name.
During the company’s CES 2022 press conference today Sony also confirmed a range of features and specs for PSVR 2. Here’s what we know so far:
Sony said that the headset will include foveated rendering. This is a rendering technique which uses eye-tracking to render high detail only at the center of the user’s field-of-view (where the eye sees most of its detail), while reducing detail in the periphery. This allows for more detailed virtual scenes without giving up much performance.
Eye-tracking and foveated rendering tech has been available in high-end enterprise VR headsets for some time now, but so far no major consumer-class headset has adopted the technology. Unless another headset beats Sony to the punch, PSVR 2 will be the first in its category to adopt the technology.
Similarly, PSVR 2 will include HDR (high dynamic range) technology which has yet to be seen in commercial headsets, even among high-end enterprise devices. HDR allows for a much wider range of brightness which more closely mimics what your eye can see in the real world. Sony hasn’t specified exactly how bright the display can get, so it’s tough to know at this point how impressive the feature could be. Luckily the underlying display in PSVR 2 is based on OLED, which is generally a good sign for quality HDR capabilities.
Eye-tracking and HDR aren’t the only new technologies that Sony is embracing for PlayStation VR 2. The device will also be the first to include on-board haptic feedback on the headset itself. Sony says haptics on the headset will allow for greater immersion (and it could even combat motion sickness).
According to Sony, PSVR 2 will go a long way toward simplifying the VR setup compared to its predecessor. The new headset is ditching the PS camera (which was previously used to track the headset and controllers) in favor of inside-out tracking via cameras mounted on the headset itself. Four infrared cameras will look out at the real world to track the movement of the headset and also track the controllers when they are in view.
And beyond inside-out tracking, PlayStation VR 2 will connect to PS5 with a single USB-C cable. We don’t have the full details yet, but it sounds like there will be no breakout box between the headset and the console. That’s going to get a cheer from fans of the original headset who were used to dealing with a big VHS-sized breakout box which had multiple cables running in and out of it, and needed its own power supply.
Generally the specs on PSVR 2 seem very impressive except for one area… from the specs provided, it appears that the headset will not have on-board audio, instead expecting users to either use their TV speakers or attach their own headphones with a 3.5mm jack. Like the original headset, it’s possible that PSVR 2 will come with a pair of earbuds, though this isn’t an ideal solution for VR headset audio. These details are still early so we’re hoping there might be something we’re missing about audio on the headset that will be revealed once the company releases more info on the hardware.
Although Sony shared a decent set of specs and features today, the price and release date for PSVR 2 is still unannounced, and we still don’t actually know what the headset itself looks like.
Today during Sony’s CES 2022 press conference the company not only confirmed a bunch of PSVR 2 specs, but also announced Horizon Call of the Mountain, a new made-for-VR game that will take players inside the world of Horizon, one of the company’s most popular PlayStation exclusive franchises.
More than five years after the launch of its original PSVR headset, Sony is just starting to ramp up marketing ahead of its next-gen VR headset, PSVR 2.
Today the company gave players something to look forward to, a made-for-VR game based on one of the most popular PlayStation exclusive franchises.
Horizon Call of the Mountain is in development by PlayStation studios Guerrilla Games and Firesprite, and is said to be designed from the ground-up to show what’s possible with PSVR 2. Today the studios released a brief teaser:
The only details we have on the game for now are what’s in the teaser, and some brief comments from Guerrilla Games which has confirmed that although players will meet Aloy (the main character of the Horizon games) and “other familiar faces,” they will play as a completely new character.
There’s no word on a release date, but it seems likely that Horizon Call of the Mountain will be released as a launch title for PSVR 2 (unfortunately we also don’t know when that’s happening, but expect it will be sometime this year).
Sony’s CES 2022 press conference today has finally delivered a few more teasing details regarding its next virtual reality (VR) headset, crucially, what it’s actually called. It comes as no surprise that the follow-up to PlayStation VR will be called PlayStation VR2, much in the same way the company brands its consoles.
Making the announcement was PlayStation President and CEO Jim Ryan who didn’t simply step onstage to reveal the headset’s name, he also confirmed a few more exciting details. Rumours have persisted regarding some of the tech PlayStation VR2 will contain, this will include responsive feedback so you’ll actually get tactile haptic sensations. So hit your head on a virtual branch or get shot in the head and you’ll know about it by the sounds of it.
Ryan continued with a few more details, most interestingly of which was eye tracking. The tech has come to more high-end, enterprise-focused VR devices with PlayStation VR2 becoming the first – depending on when it arrives – consumer headset to actually feature eye tracking. This will offer a range of benefits for both gamers and developers, one of which will be foveated rendering ensuring the image where you’re actually looking offers the best visuals, with the quality reducing towards your peripheral vision.
When it comes to those visuals, the PlayStation VR2 will provide 4K, HDR gaming with 2000×2040 per eye resolution at 90/120Hz and a 110-degree field of view (FoV). It’ll also include inside-out tracking, 3D audio and a simplified single-cord setup.
PlayStation VR2 Specifications
Display method
OLED
Panel resolution
2000 x 2040 per eye
Panel refresh rate
90Hz, 120Hz
Lens separation
Adjustable
Field of View
Approx. 110 degrees
Sensors
Motion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer) Attachment Sensor: IR Proximity sensor
Cameras
4 cameras for headset and controller trackingIR camera for eye tracking per eye
Feedback
Vibration on headset
Communication with PS5
USB Type-C®
Audio
Input: Built-in microphoneOutput: Stereo headphone jack
Alas, the press conference didn’t reveal what PlayStation VR2 will actually look like, when it’ll launch or how much it’ll cost, so there’s still plenty of info to come. At least Sony did mention something, making it one of the early VR highlights of CES 2022.
All that’s been shown so far are the controllers which Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is now calling PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers, with a lot of the tech including the adaptive triggered coming from the PlayStation 5 controllers. For further updates on PlayStation VR2, keep reading VRFocus.
During an online showcase today, Sony revealed a VR headset prototype with a 4K OLED microdisplay. While it appears to be a wholly different project than the upcoming PSVR 2, the company says it expects the display itself to be “used in the entertainment field,” which could include other VR headsets.
Today during the Sony Technology Day showcase the company highlighted new technology from across its various businesses.
During the event the Sony Group R&D Center revealed a VR headset prototype which employs a 4K OLED microdisplay. The headset is shown connected to a PC and uses a hand-held form-factor rather than a headstrap. The prototype appears to only support rotation tracking for the time being.
The headset’s 4K OLED microdisplay is ostensibly Sony-made. It’s not only significantly higher resolution than what was in the original PSVR headset, (roughly 1MP vs. 16MP per-eye) it’s also much more compact. The exact specifications weren’t given but a 1-inch² size was suggested.
While the original PSVR used a single large display that spanned both eyes, the display shown in the prototype headset has a nearly square form-factor which makes it better for VR headsets since one display can be used for each eye (which improves design flexibility and pixel utilization).
Image courtesy Sony
Although the new display is more compact, it’s appears to be so small that zooming and focusing the image for an immersive field-of-view would necessitate more advanced optics than what’s in most consumer VR headsets today. Doing so could lead to a rather compact headset, though the presentation doesn’t offer a clear sense of the headset’s fundamental size, nor what kind of optics are used.
Image courtesy Sony
The prototype headset appears to be a totally different project than what Sony’s PlayStation group is working on with the upcoming PSVR 2, however it’s an intriguing possibility that PSVR 2 might make use of the same displays.
Although Sony is in the display business, the original PSVR actually used a Samsung-made OLED display. While many first-gen VR headsets similarly used OLED displays, second-gen headsets have largely moved to LCD for improvements in price, resolution, and brightness, at the cost of the rich colors and dark blacks that OLED displays are known for.
For Sony’s part, however, the company says it expects its 4K OLED microdisplay will be used in “industrial applications” as well as the “entertainment field.” This suggests that if PSVR 2 doesn’t use the display, we might ironically see it in other non-Sony VR headsets. The size suggests it might be best fit for compact VR headsets like Vive Flow.
Sony today showcased work on its own 4K OLED microdisplay for possible use in a future VR headset.
The display, which was developed at Sony’s R&D Center and not under the PlayStation division called Sony Interactive Entertainment, was showcased in a video as part of ‘Sony Technology Day’. You can see the footage below.
Sony Reveals 4K OLED Microdisplay VR Prototype
In the clip, engineers Yasuka Ishihara and Kei Kimura present a VR headset prototype that features two 4K microdisplays and new low latency technology. The microdisplays achieve 4K resolution whilst being only a fraction of the size of most current VR displays. This would allow the size and weight of a headset itself to be significantly reduced.
This isn’t the first work we’ve seen with VR and microdisplays – Panasonic has repeatedly shown off its own compact VR goggles that use the technology, though there’s also no sign of a consumer release. Work on lower latency, meanwhile, apparently combines different data to deliver response times of under 0.01 seconds.
To be clear, this technology seems to be in the prototype stages of design and certainly won’t feature in the new PS5 VR headset expected to release in 2022.
There’s also a render of a slim VR headset to open up the footage but, again, we highly doubt this is the PSVR 2 design. You can follow everything we know about the upcoming headset right here.
That said we reported last year that the wider Sony Corp was hiring for work on new ‘next-generation VR headsets beyond the launch of PSVR 2. It’s quite possible that, given VR’s applications beyond game, Sony plans to release a non-PlayStation branded VR headset in the future. In fact, the video above talks a lot about remote collaboration and live events. But, given the nearing arrival of PSVR 2, we wouldn’t expect to see any such product for a long time yet.
We’ve just had another glimpse at the promising motion controllers for Sony’s upcoming PS5 VR headset, this time from a recently-spotted patent filing.
The filing, which was published last week, is for a light-emitting ‘Input Device’ that’s detected by a camera. Several drawings feature the new orb-like design for the unnamed controllers, which Sony shared official renders of right back at the beginning of the year.
Given we’ve seen these controllers before, there isn’t too much new to share here, save for some new angles of the device. The drawings also show exactly where the tracking lights are placed on the device, giving us some idea of how the headset will track the controllers with an onboard camera. We already knew that the headset would track the controllers, rather than an external camera as with the original PSVR, but these designs suggest the controllers will practically be covered in lights to ensure stable inside-out tracking.
We haven’t seen the headset itself yet, nor has it been officially named, but we’re all calling it PSVR 2 for now. You can keep up with everything else we know about the device right here.
As always, we have to note this is merely a patent filing and not official proof of a final product but, given that we’ve already seen the final renders, it’s quite likely what’s being displayed here matches up with the actual design. We’re expecting these controllers to feature capacitive sensors for some form of finger tracking and, of course, the inclusion of analog sticks will be a huge relief to anyone that’s used the PSVR Move controllers.
Earlier this year we also confirmed that PSVR 2 will offer 4K resolution with foveated rendering and onboard motors for some level of haptic feedback. Sony previously confirmed the device won’t be launching in 2021, but we’re hoping to see more of it in 2022 at the very least.
For the launch of Oculus Rift way back in 2016, Psytec Games challenged players with navigating environments by using grappling hooks in Windlands. Its sequel Windlands 2 improved the gameplay whilst adding a multiplayer component. In 2018 when Windlands 2 arrived for PC VR headsets the studio did mention a PlayStation VR version was in the works before going quiet until this summer, reemerging saying that a launch wasn’t far away. And now there definitely isn’t long to wait, as the swinging adventure arrives in a few days.
So that makes Windlands 2 a 2018 virtual reality (VR) title coming out in late 2021, with a lot more competition in this particular space from the likes of Yupitergrad, Swarm, Grapple Tournament and more. In it, you’ll be swinging from trees, buildings, and basically anything the dual grappling hooks can attach themselves to, exploring the colourful, wide-open vistas. You don’t have to spend all your time in the air though, as you can run around surface side to find hidden secrets.
What you’ll notice is that for the most part Windlands 2 is a fairly serene, swing-based puzzler. Psytec Games did add an action element to this sequel by adding in Titans, giant bosses to kill to progress through the campaign. Whilst you can take on these monsters alone, the addition of a 4-player co-op mode makes these sections even more enjoyable, enabling a team-based strategy. You’re not using your grappling hooks, of course, instead, you have to master swinging through the air whilst unleashing shots from your bow.
There’s more in store once you’ve completed the main campaign. Skill-based Speed Run Races really put those swing skills to the test or you can always try the collection challenges. Both of these feature global leaderboards. Or then there’s are the multiple advanced modes which include “no hooks”, “one life” and “hook anything” to keep things interesting.
While it has certainly been a long delay, the studio does plan on continuing to support Windlands 2 into the future, confirming to VRFocus that PlayStation VR 2 support will be patched in eventually. In collaboration with Perp Games, Psytec Games will be releasing Windlands 2 in both digital and physical formats on 26th November 2021. For continued updates, keep reading VRFocus.
Perp Games | Greyhill Incident – Coming 2023 
(@PerpGames) 
A collaboration between VR developer nDreams and Sony Pictures Virtual Reality, Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord is confirmed for release on PSVR 2. While the game will initially launch as an exclusive for the Quest platform in 2023, it will make its way to PSVR 2 sometime after – no exact date just yet.
