Playstation VR FAQ: Everything you need to know about Sony VR glasses
13.10.2016
Translation: machine translated
The Playstation VR has been officially available since Thursday. Sony's answer to the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift focuses on greater comfort, a more attractive price and a broad base of console gamers with existing equipment. Before you take the plunge into virtual reality, here are the most important facts in brief.
What is Playstation VR anyway?
New here, eh? 😉 No problem. Playstation VR is a pair of virtual reality glasses that you put over your head and use to experience games from a completely new perspective. Inside is a display in the form of two lenses from which our brain creates a single image. Thanks to head tracking, you can move your head and the movement is transferred to the game. The same applies to the controllers that you can wave around with. The movement is captured by the Playstation camera.
How many games will be available at launch?
Around 30 games will be available at launch. By the end of the year or early 2017, there should be around twice as many. You can find the complete list for the USA here. The Swiss offer should be more or less congruent.
Are any games included with the purchase?
Sony includes a demo disc with the following games:
- Driveclub VR
- PlayStation VR Worlds
- RIGS Mechanised Combat League
- Tumble VR
- Battlezone
- EVE: Valkyrie
- Wayward Sky
- Headmaster
Can I also play my existing games with it?
Yes. With the Cinematic Mode feature, 2D content such as games and films can be played on a huge virtual screen.
Can you do anything other than play games with it?
There are several video apps where you can watch 360° films. Hulu would also be available - unfortunately, the service is only accessible in this country via detours. Cinematic Mode also allows you to watch all conventional content on the PS4 with VR glasses.
Can I play the VR games without the glasses?
No. However, there are games that support local multiplayer and allow other players to take part in the game via the TV and with Dualshock controllers.
What versions are available
We offer three different options. The goggles alone, the goggles with the Playstation camera and a set with goggles, camera and Move controllers. While the camera is mandatory, you can theoretically do without the Move controllers, but many games require them.
What do you need for this?
A PS4, PS4 Slim or the upcoming PS4 Pro and otherwise just an additional free power connection and a free USB port on the console (for the connection box). Depending on the game, you will need the Dualshock controller or two Move controllers.
Do I need the new PS4 Pro?
No, Playstation VR works with all PS4s. However, the experience should be better with the more powerful PS4 Pro. We will only find out more details when the PS4 Pro is released.
What's in the box
A lot of cables, the glasses, a connection box and, depending on the set, the camera and controllers.
How good is it compared to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive?
Most testers describe the wearing comfort as the best. The lower price is primarily reflected in the lower display resolution. 1920x1080 pixels distributed over two eyes makes 960x1080 pixels per eye. In contrast, the competition offers 2160x1200 pixels. On the other hand, the PS VR has a slightly better refresh rate of 90-120Hz (depending on the game) compared to a fixed 90Hz. The Vive and the Rift have a slightly larger viewing angle (110 degrees to 100 degrees). The HTC Vive is also the only one of the three goggles that recognises the room thanks to additional sensors, allowing the user to move freely (provided the room is large enough).
How much space do I need?
Since the PS VR does not register any movements apart from the head and hands, you only need a small amount of space. Many gaming experiences are seated anyway. Objects within reach should be placed out of reach as a precaution if you don't want to accidentally knock them over.
Do I have to play in the dark or in very bright light?
Normal room lighting should not affect PS VR. However, Sony recommends eliminating strong light sources, especially if they are behind the player, as they can interfere with the camera.
What is the additional box for?
The connection box connects the PS4 to the TV, provides 3D audio processing and Cinematic Mode. It also allows other people to follow the action on the TV.
Does 4K/UHD and HDR work with PS VR attached?
One disadvantage of the PS VR, or rather the connection box, is that although it has 4K passthrough, i.e. it forwards 4K image material to the TV untouched, this does not apply to HDR. So if you want to enjoy your games or films in HDR, you have to connect the PS4 directly to the TV.
Can I wear my glasses under the PS VR?
Normal sized glasses should not be a problem. Particularly large or unusually shaped ones may need to be removed.
Can someone else use the TV at the same time?
Yes. You can watch TV as normal, change the channel or switch the TV off completely.
You can find an even more detailed FAQ on the Sony blog.
Update: We are constantly trying to find new PS VR for you by all means. Currently, the suppliers are not able to cover our needs sufficiently.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.