In the realm of mixed reality discussions, PlayStation VR often finds itself overshadowed. Lately, the spotlight has been on debates between Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest. Yet, Sony has maintained a steadfast presence in VR, weathering the industry’s highs and lows over the years.
This week, the Japanese electronics giant announced intentions to invigorate the PS VR2 by testing its compatibility with PCs. The revelation was tucked away in a PlayStation.Blog post amidst announcements of new titles for the platform.
Gillen McAllister, Sony’s Interactive Content Communications Manager, briefly addressed the matter: “Also, we’re pleased to share that we are currently testing the ability for PS VR2 players to access additional games on PC to offer even more game variety in addition to the PS VR2 titles available through PS5. We hope to make this support available in 2024, so stay tuned for more updates.”
However, expressions like “we hope to make” may not inspire much confidence regarding the timeline for implementing cross-platform compatibility. With only late February upon us, the 2024 deadline encompasses a considerable timeframe if Sony manages to meet it.
The casual mention of this feature within a post primarily focused on new titles speaks volumes. Content availability has long been a challenge for mixed reality, but opening the headset to Windows titles could unleash a torrent of fresh experiences overnight.
The PlayStation’s exclusive nature likely contributes to why PS VR often feels disconnected from broader mixed reality discussions. Additionally, the peripheral’s concentration on gaming contrasts with the broader ambitions of companies like Apple, Meta, and HTC, which aim to integrate spatial computing, productivity, enterprise applications, and various entertainment avenues.
Gaming, however, remains a vast and significant category in its own right. It has been a driving force behind VR technology for decades, offering ample room for growth and innovation. Embracing PC titles will undoubtedly bolster PS VR’s standing in both gaming and technological advancement.
