The PlayStation VR2 is finally breaking free from its PlayStation 5 exclusivity, thanks to a new $60 adapter from Sony that lets you use your $550 VR headset with any Steam-based VR game. Before you rush to click “purchase,” though, be aware there are some drawbacks to using your VR2 on a PC—some of which strip away the device’s most notable features.
So, how does it connect? The adapter links the VR2 to a PC with several cables. According to the images in PlayStation’s blog post, you’ll need a wired connection from the headset to the adapter box, which then hooks up to the PC via USB and DisplayPort. Plus, there’s an option for a separate connection to a monitor, so your friends can enjoy watching you navigate the tricky hacking sequences in Half-Life: Alyx.
However, there’s a catch: your PC must have a DisplayPort 1.4 output and a separate DisplayPort cable. Otherwise, the minimum specs won’t surprise you. You’ll need at least an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. However, if you’re aiming to fully enjoy games at the 4K levels supported by the VR2, you’ll want a beefier setup. A Steam account is a must for accessing games, but considering how the PC VR community loves mods, any specific Steam VR requirements might not last long.
In our assessment of the VR2, we found it to be an excellent headset with notable eye-tracking and intuitive controls, all offered at a reasonable price. Sadly, it was somewhat hampered by the limited game selection on the PlayStation 5. Sony rolled out this updated headset right before Meta launched its $500 Meta Quest 3, which boasts upgraded passthrough AR capabilities and a variety of exclusive games. The VR2 impresses with top-tier in-headset lenses supporting up to 4K per eye and a 110-degree field of view.
Despite the excitement, taking the VR2 to PC involves several limitations. For starters, the eye-tracking feature won’t function on a PC. Other significant features, like HDR and headset feedback, are also unavailable. The controllers will lack adaptive triggers similar to those on the DualSense controller and won’t offer more than basic rumble feedback. Limited passthrough features are still operational on a PC, but they’re mainly there to prevent you from accidentally bumping into furniture.
The adapter is expected to hit PlayStation Direct and other retailers in August. Currently, you can snag the VR2 for $100 off through Direct and Best Buy during Sony’s Days of Play sale, which wraps up on June 13.
Even with the discount, the VR2 remains a pricey investment, especially if you’ll also shell out $60 to take it outside Sony’s restrictive PlayStation ecosystem. We’re eager to get our hands on one to determine if this makes the VR2 a worthwhile purchase for VR enthusiasts, though the connection requirements and missing features certainly dampen the excitement.
