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Sony PlayStation VR Gets Better Reviews Than Oculus Rift Or HTC Vive

By Daryl Deino
Published on: 08:25 PST, Oct 7, 2016

The Sony PlayStation VR is the first commercial viable virtual reality set — at least according to critics. While the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have received mixed reviews, the PlayStation VR reviews are almost all positive. It’s important to note that the PlayStation VR doesn’t have the capabilities of both the Rift and Vive, but critics seem to agree that Sony’s device is best for the price.

The Express gives the PlayStation VR four stars.

“And having played it extensively ahead of its October 13 release date, Express Online can confirm that PlayStation VR is the year’s must-have gadget. In fact, it’s the most exciting thing to happen to gaming since Mario left the plumbing game to rescue princesses.”

The review adds that even though there are some throwaway experiences, the PlayStation VR is magical when it’s good. CNET gave the device three-and-a-half stars.

“The PlayStation VR is the most accessible, affordable and user-friendly full VR option on the market. Sony has promised support from a long list of developers down the track but the immediate launch games are pretty solid as well.”

The article adds that the single-camera tracking system occasionally doesn’t work, especially when you turn around. CNET, like others, notes that the graphics capabilities are noticeably lower than what’s possible with the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift.

The PlayStation VR has received excellent
The PlayStation VR has received overall positive reviews. [Image by Daryl Deino]

Trusted Reviews gives the device a perfect five-star rating. Reviewer Brett Phipps compliments the PlayStation VR for its easy setup, the comfortable fit (even with glasses), the fact that it has many great games already available, and its (much) cheaper price when compared to the HTC Vive or the Oculus Rift.

The PlayStation VR arrives on October 13, and there is already tons of excitement on Reddit from those who have received their shipping notices for Sony’s new VR device. There is also a lot of excitement on Twitter.

Still, there are a very small amount of reviews that say the PlayStation VR isn’t quite up to par.

“Compared to high-end gaming PCs needed to power the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the PlayStation 4 is under-powered. The fact that Sony was retrofitting its old 2010-released Move controllers and PlayStation Camera to work with PSVR, which were peripherals that weren’t initially designed for VR, also does not bode well for the platform.”

The review adds that there are some impressive elements of the device. However, Sony’s VR device just left them wanting more. Perhaps they are used to using more advanced virtual reality headsets.

2016 was supposed to be the year of virtual reality. However, some people aren’t so certain that virtual reality is really here to stay. The Guardian asks if the masses really want virtual reality.

“The technology is uniquely hard to demonstrate: watching someone use VR on TV doesn’t sell it, nor does seeing video footage of what’s coming through the headset on a normal monitor. Even sitting next to someone with a VR headset on will leave you with a sense of missing out, but not really a full understanding of what, exactly, you’re missing out on.”

The article adds that there is a very thin line between short-lived technology (3D televisions) and technology that transforms our lives (smartphones). Virtual reality devices need to jump over that hurdle soon, before it becomes too late.

Perhaps when virtual reality devices go down in price and improve their screen resolution, they’ll be adopted by more users. For now, anybody who works in the virtual reality field can’t take their jobs for granted; they may be unemployed in a couple of years.

[Featured Image by Yuya Shino/Getty Images]

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