Sony and PlayStation have strengthened tremendously in recent months following the highly successful release of the PlayStation 5 console.
The next-generation system has flown off the shelves with fans all across the world desperate to get their hands on the newest piece of kit from the developer. The PS5 offers a number of improvements to its predecessor, including the introduction of solid-state drive storage, 120hz capabilities, and 8K output potentials. These impressive features have meant a spike in demand for the kit, with stock set to remain low for the time being.
Sony dipped their hand into the virtual reality world in October 2016 with the release of the original PS VR headset. With a number of new accessories revealed in conjunction with the PlayStation 5 including a new camera, headset, and media remote, many were surprised when an updated version of the technology was not revealed.
It was recently unveiled that Sony was working on an update to their VR system , and now, an official confirmation has been received.
VR COMES TO PLAYSTATION 5
In a post on PlayStation.Blog , Senior Vice President of Platform Planning & Management Hideaki Nishino confirmed that plans are in place for the future of virtual reality on the PlayStation 5. This will include a new VR controller inspired by the successful DualSense and is currently not set to release in 2021.
Nishino wrote that the PlayStation 5's VR system will “enhance[s] everything:”
"We’re continuing to innovate with our new VR system so that our fans can continue to enjoy the unique experiences that are synonymous with PlayStation. We’re taking what we’ve learned since launching PS VR on PS4 to develop a next-gen VR system that enhances everything from resolution and field of view to tracking and input. It will connect to PS5 with a single cord to simplify setup and improve ease-of-use, while enabling a high-fidelity visual experience."
VALVE, OCULUS, AND PLAYSTATION FIGHT FOR TOP SPOT
An updated version of PS VR was something that most fans expected to see at some point, considering the original released almost five years ago now. Given the huge steps that competitors such as Oculus and Valve have made with their own iterations of the technology, PlayStation has now seemingly gathered enough information to effectively improve their already successful headset.
The announcement does seem to come at a strange time, however, given the recent movements of Sony and PlayStation. The PS5 launched with the surprising gem in the form of Astro's Playroom, a fun platformer that effectively released as a tutorial guide for the brand-new DualSense controller. Given that Astro made its mark in the PlayStation world originally as a virtual reality title, many believed that Sony had begun to move away from their VR accessory, something this announcement has now dispelled.
It's interesting to see what Microsoft will do following this announcement, given their avoidance of a virtual reality kit as yet. The closest Xbox players have come to a VR kit was the lackluster launch of Kinect, the interactive camera that eventually ceased production due to its poor reception from fans. Given the treatment Kinect received over its short lifespan and the drastic change in strategy from Microsoft since its pause in production, it's unlikely that Xbox will look to re-enter the world of virtual reality anytime soon.
With the updated PS VR set to release in 2022 and onwards, only time will tell what PlayStation has planned for the future of their virtual reality sector of gaming and whether Xbox will keep a keen eye on the potential success.
XBOX Writer