Sony has recently provided a first look at the design of their next-generation VR headset, the PlayStation VR2. In a PlayStation blog post, Senior Vice President of Platform Experience, Hideaki Nishino goes over the design and feel behind the PS VR2 headset, which was “inspired by the look of the PS5 family of products.” This next-gen VR2 headset has more roundness included in the design since it is meant to have constant human contact. This is similar to the rounded edges of the DualSense controller and Pulse 3D headset. The PS VR2 also complements the console with its identical white and black color scheme to make it visually appealing in a player’s living room.
PlayStation implemented a new vent design, which is Senior Art Director at SIE, Yujin Morisawa’s favorite part. This will prevent the lens from fogging up while players are immersed in their VR games. “When I started to work on the design for the PlayStation VR2 headset, one of the areas I wanted to focus on first was the idea of creating a vent in the headset to let air out, similar to the vents on the PS5 console that allows airflow,” Morisawa said.
Extensive testing was conducted to ensure a quality product and comfortable feel for various head sizes. The headvisor will even allow for the lens to adjust its distance to allow for easy access for players who wear glasses. The first PS VR headset received positive feedback for a balanced headset weight and having a simple, adjustable headband. The same concept remained for its successor. PlayStation is also keeping the headset’s adjustable scope feature and the placement of the stereo headphone jack the same so players will be familiar with it. As for other adjustments besides aesthetics, the PS VR2 takes comfort to the next level by adding new features such as a lens adjustment dial, a slimmer design with slight weight reduction despite the new built-in motor for the headset feedback. As an added bonus, tiny PlayStation symbols were included to the front and back bands of the PS VR2 headset to add a comfortable feel.
The PS VR2 headset has a lot to offer in terms of added features and overall ergonomic upgrade, but inside of it contains new technologies to be anticipated. Some of these are not yet seen in other non-custom VR headsets, such as the OLED display equipped with eye-tracking sensors.
While both its features and look are now revealed, the release date of the PS VR2 is yet to be announced.