OLED displays, eye tracking, and PC compatibility: the PlayStation VR2 comes with some big advantages. But is Sony’s headset still worth buying in 2025? Our guide helps you decide.
Choosing the right VR headset depends on several key factors: comfort, technical features, and what you plan to use it for. Sony’s PlayStation VR2 brings solid hardware, strong exclusives, and now even PC compatibility. But is that enough to compete with newer devices like the Meta Quest 3 or Pimax Crystal Light? This guide breaks down who should buy it, and who might be better off with an alternative.
PlayStation VR2 in 2025: Hardware and Features
Released on February 22, 2023, the PlayStation VR2 arrived with plenty of hype — myself included. While Sony packed in some impressive technology, the headset wasn’t flawless even at launch. Like most VR gear today, it’s a compromise: more for some users, less for others. To see who it’s really for, let’s start with the technical features.
Technical Advantages of the PlayStation VR2
The PS VR2 shines with its OLED display, delivering deep blacks, high contrast, and rich colors — a huge edge over LCD headsets like the Meta Quest 3, which can only show shades of gray. Adaptive triggers on the Sense Controllers and haptic feedback built right into the headset add another layer of immersion by letting you literally feel the action.
With built-in eye tracking, the PS VR2 supports foveated rendering — boosting resolution exactly where you’re looking. That eases the load on the PlayStation 5, freeing up resources developers can use to improve performance. It also enables unique eye-tracking gameplay mechanics, as seen in titles like Synapse, Before Your Eyes, or The Midnight Walk.
Technical Drawbacks of the PlayStation VR2
For all its strengths, the PS VR2 comes with limitations. While the OLED panels produce gorgeous visuals, some players notice a clear screen-door effect (a faint grid across the image) as well as mura (a patchy veil or noise caused by pixel inconsistencies). The headset is also tethered by cable, which means less freedom of movement compared to wireless devices.
Battery life on the controllers runs just four to five hours, and without an expensive charging dock you’ll need two cables to recharge them. Exclusive PS VR2 titles are still limited, and with no backwards compatibility with PSVR1 games, the overall library feels restricted. There’s also no mixed reality mode, unlike competitors such as Meta Quest 3, Quest 3S, or Pico 4 Ultra. Comfort is another sore spot — depending on your head shape, the fit can cause pressure on the forehead, temples, or nose bridge.
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The biggest drawback, though, is the outdated Fresnel lenses. They create a sharp “sweet spot” in the center of your view, but everything around it gets progressively blurry. If the headset shifts slightly, so does your clarity. Even just glancing upward with your eyes results in blur. You have to move your entire head to stay in focus. It’s unnatural for most people and takes some getting used to.
PS VR2: Expanded Use Through PC Compatibility
As of August 7, 2024, Sony offers an official adapter that makes the PlayStation VR2 PC-compatible, priced at €59.99 / $59.99 / £49.99. To get it working, you’ll also need the PS VR2 app, SteamVR, and a DisplayPort cable.
Advantages of the PS VR2 PC Adapter
The main benefit is obvious: the PS VR2 becomes a PC VR headset with access to the massive SteamVR library — as long as your rig meets the requirements. That makes it appealing even for PC gamers without a PS5, especially since no other PC headset in this price range offers OLED displays.
Drawbacks of the PS VR2 PC Adapter
Sony’s optional adapter is pricey, and it doesn’t include the necessary DisplayPort cable. Even a year after release, controller Bluetooth connection issues persist.
In many cases you’ll need to buy a separate Bluetooth dongle, but even Sony’s recommended adapters don’t always work smoothly. The biggest drawback: none of the PS VR2’s special features work on PC — no headset rumble, no eye tracking, no foveated rendering.
Value for Money: How Does the PS VR2 Stack Up?
With its permanent price cut to around €449 / $399 / £399, the PS VR2 is now cheaper than many high-end PC headsets while offering comparable image quality. Comparisons to Meta Quest 3 (€549 / $499 / £469), Quest 3S (€329/$299/£289), or Pico 4 Ultra (€599/$599/£529) only go so far, though — all of those work standalone, without needing a console or PC.
The PS VR2 only works with a PS5 or a PC via the adapter, so new buyers need to factor in extra costs. As a dedicated PC VR headset, however, it’s a budget-friendly option and a clear value winner compared with rivals like the Pimax Crystal Light, which starts at about $800.
Conclusion: Who Should Buy the PS VR2 in 2025?
If you already own a PlayStation 5 — or plan to buy one anyway — the PS VR2 is still a smart addition in 2025, especially if you value graphical fidelity, features like eye tracking, and immersive rumble effects in the headset and controllers. You’ll also get access to exclusives from major Sony franchises, such as the VR version of Resident Evil Village and Horizon Call of the Mountain.
Last year also saw several graphically ambitious VR blockbusters that make the PS VR2 worthwhile, including Skydance’s Behemoth, Metro Awakening, Arken Age, and Alien: Rogue Incursion. For PC users seeking an affordable OLED headset with SteamVR access, it can also be a good buy — if you find a reliable Bluetooth adapter and can live without eye tracking or haptics.
Who shouldn’t buy: If you want maximum mobility, mixed reality, or a larger library of native games, the Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S are better alternatives. If you’re sensitive to forehead or temple pressure, the PS VR2 may also be a tough fit. While third-party comfort mods exist, the selection is limited.
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Opinion: The PS VR2 Has Earned a Second Life
I’ll admit: I was disappointed at launch. The tiny sweet spot, lack of comfort, and clearly visible mura effect pushed me to return the headset within weeks. But today I own another PS VR2 and don’t regret the purchase. If you enjoy graphically rich, big-budget VR games, the OLED panels are a game-changer. For me, the PS VR2 has become my favorite PC VR headset — even if controller Bluetooth hiccups and comfort issues force me to take breaks more often than I’d like.
What do you think of the PlayStation VR2? How do you rate it in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!
