Sony announced in 2021 that they were developing a next-generation VR system that promised improvements in resolution, field of view, tracking, and input. A year later, the PlayStation VR2 was officially unveiled, with a release date set for February 2023. However, despite the initial hype, the PSVR2 has struggled to live up to its potential. Issues such as a lack of exclusive first-party titles, a high price point, and delays in retail availability have hindered its success in the VR market.
The hardware of the PSVR2 is undeniably impressive, boasting features such as OLED displays, advanced controllers with haptic feedback, and eye tracking. However, the lack of compelling exclusive content has been a significant drawback. While the launch lineup included over 40 games, only a few were true PSVR2 exclusives, with Horizon Call of the Mountain being one of the standout titles. In comparison, competitors like Meta have thrived in the VR market due to their strong lineup of exclusive titles.
Third-party support for the PSVR2 has been mixed, with some games receiving lukewarm receptions while others have been better received. However, Sony’s lack of interest in having its first-party studios develop VR games has been a major issue. The recent layoffs and closure of VR-focused studios like PlayStation London have further raised concerns about the future of the PSVR2.
The comparison between the PSVR2 and the ill-fated PlayStation Vita is hard to ignore. Just like the Vita, the PSVR2 seems to be struggling due to a lack of support and other issues. The lack of AAA support for VR games is a common challenge in the market, with developers hesitant to invest in VR versions of their flagship titles.
While some industry experts believe that the PSVR2 still has potential, the lack of exclusive AAA titles and the focus on multi-platform releases have been cited as areas where Sony could improve. The decision to position the PSVR2 as an optional accessory for the PS5 may have contributed to its slow sales, as third-party developers are more inclined to focus on platforms like the Meta Quest ecosystem.
Marketing and pricing strategies have also been criticized, with the PSVR2 initially being sold exclusively on PlayStation Direct before becoming available at retailers. Despite selling nearly 600,000 units in the first few weeks, the PSVR2’s sales figures have fallen short of expectations. The holiday season saw Meta’s headsets outselling the PSVR2 by a significant margin, indicating a lack of consumer interest in Sony’s VR offering.
The future of the PSVR2 remains uncertain, with industry analysts predicting further declines in headset sales in the coming years. Sony’s decision to explore PC VR support may offer a glimmer of hope, allowing users to access a wider range of games. However, the overall lack of compelling content and Sony’s apparent disinterest in investing in VR games could spell trouble for the PSVR2 in the long run.
In conclusion, the PSVR2’s struggles highlight the challenges facing VR gaming as a whole. While the hardware is impressive, the lack of exclusive titles and poor market positioning have hindered its success. Sony must address these issues and invest in compelling VR experiences to ensure the PSVR2’s longevity in an increasingly competitive market.
