Until now, the impressive-on-paper PlayStation VR2 headset has left its dedicated fans with a lackluster selection of games. Due to its PS5 exclusivity, VR developers have faced a series of challenges in making their games accessible to the early adopters of the $550 display. This has resulted in a significant portion of the vast VR game library available on PC not being ported over, leaving players in a state of virtual limbo. This situation is particularly concerning given the PS VR2’s scarcity of serious exclusives to offset the lack of ports.
The long-awaited PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter offers a solution by transforming the device into a SteamVR headset, albeit without some of its premium features like HDR and adaptive triggers. Priced at $60, the adapter is a worthwhile investment if you already own a PS VR2 and a capable gaming PC. After a weekend of using the plug-and-play adapter (following a somewhat chaotic setup process), I can confidently say that the PS VR2 is now my preferred PC VR headset.
The sleek, all-black PC adapter is compact, featuring a flat square design with a USB-C port on the front and a short, non-detachable USB-A 3.0 cable on the back, along with a DisplayPort 1.4 slot and an AC input. The PS VR2 connects to the front USB-C port, while the back ports link the adapter to the gaming PC. The adapter’s small size allows it to blend seamlessly into various setups, and it conveniently fits into my unconventional PC arrangement, where I connect my VR headset from across the room.
However, unlike Meta’s headsets, where controllers pair directly to the headset, the PS VR2 and its Sense controllers rely on your PC’s Bluetooth being 4.0-capable or stronger. My built-in Intel Bluetooth adapter proved to be unreliable, causing issues with controller connectivity. Fortunately, a $20 external Bluetooth 5.0 adapter resolved the problem. It would have been helpful if the PS VR2 PC Adapter included an onboard Bluetooth radio, but it does not.
The packed-in instruction manual warns against using extension cables or USB hubs with the adapter, as this may cause malfunctions. Initially, I tried using an external USB 3.0 hub and a DisplayPort extender, resulting in a blurry, distorted display in the headset. The issue was resolved by using a USB 3.0 extender and a longer DisplayPort 1.4 cable, though it would have been convenient if a DisplayPort 1.4 cable was included in the box.
The PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter is available through PlayStation Direct and other major retailers for $60. While it offers a premium PC VR experience, you’ll need a powerful gaming rig to support it. The setup process can be challenging, especially if additional purchases like a DisplayPort 1.4 cable or an external Bluetooth adapter are needed.
The introductory setup tutorial in the PlayStation VR2 PC app is basic but effective, guiding users through configuring the Sense controllers and adjusting the headset. However, before fine-tuning my settings, I experienced significant frame stutters and GPU lag, which I resolved by disabling Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling and adjusting global SteamVR settings. Once the setup was complete, the adapter integrated well with SteamVR, allowing for easy controller adjustments and haptic feedback tweaks.
Despite the initial setup challenges, the PS VR2’s OLED display and head-relative foveated rendering deliver stunning visuals in most games. While a few titles, like No Man’s Sky and The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, struggled with compatibility, most games showcased rich colors and deep blacks on the PS VR2’s 4K OLED display. The Sense controllers’ finger touch detection also worked flawlessly in compatible games, and Steam’s 3D audio system provided an immersive experience.
However, the PS VR2’s full potential remains untapped on PC, as many of its advanced features are not yet supported. Additionally, the PS VR2 is incompatible with Meta’s PC VR games, making the Quest 3 a better option for those relying on Meta’s library.
Overall, the PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter offers a robust VR experience with some notable caveats. The setup can be challenging, but the visual experience is excellent once it’s complete. If future updates unlock more of the PS VR2’s features, this adapter could become a must-have for PC VR enthusiasts and PlayStation fans alike. Compared to other PC VR headsets, the PS VR2 stands out for its OLED display and vivid visuals, though it lacks some advanced features and the freedom of wireless play. If you’re willing to navigate the setup challenges, the PS VR2 and its PC Adapter are worth considering. Just be prepared for a bit of a journey to get everything running smoothly.
