PlayStation VR Price And Date Announced – Will Require PlayStation Camera To Operate
Today at the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco, Sony finally announced hard details on their upcoming PlayStation VR headset. The headset, which Sony aims to take over virtual reality gaming, at least on console, is priced lower than both the Oculus VR headset and the HTC Vive, though that isn’t entirely surprising, as The Inquisitr reported before.
During the Sony presentation at GDC 2016, the price was officially unveiled for the PlayStation VR, or PSVR as it’s known. The unit will cost PlayStation users $399 to buy, making the headset as much as the original cost of the PlayStation 4 console. Additionally, Sony confirmed that users will be required to own the PlayStation Camera, which is sold separately, in order for the PlayStation VR headset to operate. Also, you will still need to buy the PlayStation Move controllers, bringing a total cost to well over the $399 price tag to get the PlayStation VR unit up and running.
Also detailed were the final consumer units specifications, giving prospective consumers the chance to compare and contrast their VR choices.
Display: OLED
Screen Size: 5.7?
Resolution: 1920 x RGB x 1080 (960 x RGB x 1080 per eye)
Refresh Rate: 120 hz, 90 hz
Sensors: 360 Degree Tracking / 9 LEDs
Field of View: Approximately 100 degrees
Latency: Less than 18s
Controller: DUALSHOCK 4 and PS Move
It’s not wholly surprising, or unexpected, that the PSVR is less than the Oculus Rift, although it’s important to note that the devices are far apart in terms of specifications. The Oculus Rift, which many deem as synonymous with VR, would have a much broader application other than simply gaming, and it’s internal specs are much higher than that of the PSVR unit. The Oculus has a better screen (2160 x 1200), a larger field of view (110 degrees), built-in microphone and headphones, and more. It’s application isn’t exactly set for just games as well, while the PSVR seemingly only is meant for gaming and theater experiences on the PlayStation 4.
It’s also important to remember that the PlayStation 4 isn’t powerful enough to run its VR unit on its own, requiring external processing in order to operate. While initial estimates put the processing box at the size of a Wii console, Eurogamer points out that its actually smaller than the former Nintendo console. Still, PSVR users should be aware that more than just the headset and the console will be required to run their VR games through the PlayStation VR.
PlayStation VR requires the PlayStation Camera, which is available separately. #psvr https://t.co/pzr4wgkU7Y pic.twitter.com/RM55rBZ2IT
— PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) March 15, 2016
It’s interesting that Sony didn’t choose to include the PlayStation Camera or Move controllers. Adding the extra cost onto the PlayStation VR unit does make it less appealing to those looking for a much cheaper alternative to the HTC Vive or Oculus Rift. However, it is a bit misleading to consumers who are looking at the PlayStation VR price and expecting it to work right out the box without the extra peripherals. When you add the cost of the camera and the Move controllers, the price would come to around $500 to get everything you need.
Looking forward to the PlayStation VR unit? Happy about the price, specifications, and so on? Sound off in the comments below with your thoughts about Sony’s announcement today.
[Images via Sony]
