PSVR 2 controllers: everything you need to know about the PlayStation VR 2 Sense
The PSVR 2 controllers, also known as the PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers, were shared by Sony at CES 2022, following confirmation of the PSVR 2 in February 2021. Since, Sony has drip-fed information on the new PS5 peripheral over time, including the specs of the PSVR 2 at CES 2022 and the ergonomic design of the headset also.
The PSVR 2 controllers are designed to enhance VR immersion, with similar built-in haptic feedback and adaptive triggers like the DualSense Wireless Controller and finger-touch detection. In addition, the form of each controller has an orb-like design to ensure comfort during long gaming sessions. They also have a similar design to the DualSense controller and Pulse 3D wireless headset for reference.
The PSVR 2 controllers alongside the PSVR 2 will replace the original PSVR in February 2023, so the pair will not be compatible with the PS4, which is essential to note. But if you want to know more, we’ve compiled everything we know about the launch for you to discover.
PSVR 2 controllers: cut to the chase
- What is it? The next version of PlayStation VR's input accessories
- When is it out? February 22, 2023
- How much will it cost? TBC - but a set will be bundled in with PSVR2.
PSVR 2 controllers price and release date
After much speculation, Sony has finally confirmed PSVR 2's price. According to PlayStation Blog, it'll cost $549.99 / €599.99 / £529.99 for a standard bundle, which comes with PS VR2 Sense controllers and stereo headphones. No official Australian prices have been announced and we don't have individual prices for the controllers, however.
So, how much are we expecting PSVR 2 controllers to cost? One pair will almost certainly be bundled in with the hardware, but much like the PS Move controllers, Sony will likely offer standalone pairs. PlayStation Move controllers were initially available for $35 / £35 on PS3, or with the PlayStation Eye camera for $50 / £50. The Navigation controller (equivalent to the Wii's nunchuck) added an extra $25 / £25.
Given that the VR controllers share many technical elements with the DualSense pads, which cost $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109, we expect the PSVR 2 Sense controllers could get pricey. It's unclear whether the PSVR 2 controllers will have additional attachments, but we expect that the individual pricing would be slightly more than $35, with a pair costing more, given the tech built-in.
Sony hasn't confirmed pricing at this time though, so this is still speculation at this point. What we do know is how much Sony's official charging station accessory to go alongside it will cost. Available from launch, that'll cost $49.99 / €49.99 / £39.99 and, as with the headset, there's no confirmed Australian price yet.
PSVR 2 controllers design
The PSVR 2 Sense controllers look considerably different to the PlayStation Move controllers. Sense controllers are black and have an orb-like shape, which Sony claims makes them feel more natural to hold, offering a "high degree of freedom". Sony also claims that this design means there's no constraints with how players move their hands, allowing developers to create "unique gameplay experiences".
Furthermore, Sony said that the controllers are built with ergonomics in mind, taking into account varying hand sizes and insights from previous PlayStation controllers. This means that the sense controllers should feel well-balanced and comfortable to hold.
From the images we've seen, each PSVR 2 controller has two buttons (the left has Triangle and Square and the right has Circle and X), an analog stick, a 'grip' button (L1 or R1, can be used to pick up in-game objects) and either an Options button (right controller) or Share button (left controller). Each controller has an adaptive trigger, finger-touch detector (more on that below) and what appears to be a charging port on the bottom. A wrist strap is also visible in some images.
PSVR 2 controllers features
The PSVR 2 sense controllers look to improve immersion with significant new features, similar to what we've seen in the DualSense, which were absent from the PS Move controllers. Thanks to the adaptive triggers, we can expect Sense to add palatable tension when pressed. So, for example, when drawing a bow in a game, you should feel the string's tension in the trigger, feeling more realistic.
Another feature the PSVR 2 sense controllers take from the DualSense is haptic feedback. Haptic feedback uses touch to communicate with players, allowing you to feel sensations from a game through the controller itself. So, for example, in Astro's Playroom for PS5, when you're walking through sand, you can feel the texture difference reverberated through the DualSense controller.
The PSVR 2 controllers also have finger touch detection, allowing the controllers to detect where your fingers are without having to press a button. “This enables you to make more natural gestures with your hands during gameplay,” says Hideaki Nishino, head of platform planning and management at PlayStation.
These controllers will be tracked by the new PSVR 2 headset, achieved through a tracking ring across the bottom of the controller.
PSVR 2 controller specs
At CES 2022, Sony revealed the official specs of the PlayStation VR2 Sense controller. We'll have to wait until we go hands on determine things like battery life, but here's what you can expect.
PSVR 2 controllers: what we want to see
A decent battery life
Despite the upgrade to a Micro USB connection in 2017, the batteries inside the PS Move controllers are still woeful, so we'd love to be able to use PSVR 2 sense controllers for an extended period of time before recharging them. Whether this will happen still remains uncertain as the DualSense controller doesn't exactly hold it's charge well, meaning we often find ourselves needing at least one on constant charging standby.
Developers utilizing the features
The PSVR 2 controller features sound impressive and we are excited to experience even more immersive VR thanks to haptic feedback and adaptive controllers. However, it's up to developers to actually utilize these features. While we've been impressed by how the likes of Astro's Playroom, Returnal and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart utilize these features on the DualSense, we'd like to see more developers making use of them. Hopefully, they will with the PSVR 2 controllers.
Better accuracy and reliability
The PlayStation Move controllers weren't always the most reliable or accurate controllers, sometimes dropping out mid-game or not doing exactly what you wanted. Hopefully, the PSVR 2 controllers improve on this.
Not too expensive
VR is great fun with friends, so we're hoping Sony is price-conscious with the cost of buying additional pairs of PSVR 2 controllers, especially if they have to be bought in pairs (which seems to be the case). While we're not expecting extra controllers to be cheap, we're hoping Sony doesn't stray too far above the $70 mark (after all the DualSense retails for $70).
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