Sony has finally made it possible for the PlayStation VR2 headset to step outside the PlayStation 5 world. They’ve rolled out a $60 adapter that lets your $550 VR headset run with any Steam-based VR games you’ve got on PC. But before you rush to make that purchase, there are a few things you should know. Using the VR2 on a PC comes with some trade-offs, and some of its best features may not come along for the ride.
To set this up, you’ll need to connect the VR2 to your PC using several cables. According to Sony’s blog post, the process involves plugging the headset into an adapter box, which then links up to your PC using USB and DisplayPort connections. You can also attach an additional connection to a monitor so others can watch as you navigate the challenging puzzles in games like Half-Life: Alyx.
However, your PC must have a DisplayPort 1.4 output along with a compatible DisplayPort cable. The minimum system requirements include an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and at least an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500XT graphics card. Ideally, you’ll want a more robust setup if you aim to enjoy games with the VR2’s 4K capabilities. You’ll also need a Steam account to access your games, though specific Steam VR requirements may soon be alleviated by the ever-resourceful PC VR community.
Our initial review praised the VR2 as a fantastic headset with excellent eye-tracking and controls, offered at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, its utility was hindered by a limited selection of games available on the PlayStation 5. Sony’s new headset emerged before Meta launched the $500 Meta Quest 3, featuring updated AR capabilities and exclusive titles. The VR2 boasts impressive in-headset lenses with up to 4K resolution per eye and a wide 110-degree field of view.
Yet, bringing the VR2 to your PC isn’t without significant drawbacks. For instance, the headset’s eye-tracking feature won’t function with a PC setup, nor will it retain other crucial elements such as HDR and headset feedback. The controllers are also stripped of adaptive triggers, similar to those on the DualSense, and most of the haptic feedback, aside from the basic rumble, won’t be available. Although limited passthrough features are still accessible on PC, they mainly help prevent you from bumping into the furniture.
This adapter is slated for release via PlayStation Direct and other retailers in August. Through Sony’s Days of Play sale, the VR2 is currently $100 off at Direct and Best Buy until June 13.
Even with the discount, the VR2 remains quite an investment—especially with an additional $60 needed to break free from Sony’s PlayStation restrictions. We’re eager to try it ourselves to determine if this expands the VR2’s appeal to virtual reality enthusiasts. However, the connection requirements and feature limitations do cast a shadow over the excitement.
