PSVR on PS5: everything you need to know

the Playstation 5 is ready to push the game into many new territories. But VR? Not really. Yes you can play PlayStation VR games on a PS5, but that’s no reason to upgrade.

Sony’s dive into VR on PlayStation 4 came at a time in 2016 when VR was splashing big: Oculus Rift, the HTC Vive and VR glasses on phones were everywhere. Even years later, the PSVR is still a surprisingly powerful platform full of good games, but the Sony headset looks quite old and clunky compared to more advanced PCs and standalone options.

Read more: PS5 review: Sony built a space-age gaming console for your next-gen dreams

Sony might have a more advanced version of PlayStation VR that could see the light of day in a year or two, once the PS5 has had a chance to run on its own for a while. The PS4 was released in 2013, but the PSVR did not appear until three years later.

Dominic Mallinson, head of PlayStation R&D at Sony, told me last year that a new PSVR was never available to debut alongside the PS5. This headset, whenever it arrives, could come with new controllers, a higher resolution display, built-in tracking, and maybe it could be wireless (or at least require a lot less cables than the current).

Right now, the existing PSVR headset will work with the PS5, and existing PS4 VR games should work. But you will need a lot of other equipment to get there.

BYO PSVR, plus PS4 camera (and adapter)

The included PS5 HD camera, which sits near the TV, will not work with PlayStation VR. Instead, you’ll need a PlayStation 4 camera and an adapter to connect to the PS5. This camera is essential, because it’s what tracks the movement of the headset (the PSVR doesn’t have built-in tracking like the Oculus Quest or Valve Index, or most modern VR headsets).

Sony offers a free adapter to connect the PS4 camera to the PS5, which you will definitely need. It’s a shame the PS5 camera doesn’t work, because wouldn’t that make things easier?

BYO DualShock 4 and PlayStation Move controllers (as the DualSense will not work for VR)

Sony’s new, subtly vibrating DualSense PS5 controller has all kinds of haptic and force feedback effects on the triggers that look perfect for VR. Unfortunately, you cannot play all of your PSVR games with it yet. The DualSense lacks the motion detection that many PSVR games require and only functions as a stationary controller. For everything else, you’ll need to use a PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller instead, or a pair of older PlayStation Move chopsticks (which were originally designed for the PS3) with light balls on top, which work. with some games for more full motion controls.

Now playing:
Check this out:

PS5 review: full breakdown of all the new features

17:44

PSVR games can be subtly updated, but don’t expect much just yet

the Playstation 4 pro Improved the quality and resolution of PSVR graphics, which makes games look sharper and better on the headset. But with the PS5, you might not see such a big boost. Sony says the games will load faster and there may be improvements in the graphics of some games. But it is yet to be touted as a key differentiator for PS4-level PSVR games.

I haven’t played any VR games on PS5 yet, but those who haven’t noticed any major benefits. I to have played PSVR games on a PS4 Pro versus a PS4 and there is definitely an improvement on the PS4 Pro. It might be too early to say how VR games on PS5 will be upgraded, but for now it mostly seems to be playing PSVR games with faster load times.

Even stranger, it looks like PS5 games that have been updated with new graphics are also losing their VR component. No Man’s Sky and Hitman III have VR modes, but according to Upload VR, games don’t have VR modes in their PS5 updates. Instead, you’ll need to load the PS4 versions. Which is weird.

The PS5 should eventually become a VR powerhouse

The PS5 seems perfectly suited for VR, with spatial 3D sound and support for Unreal Engine 5, which will clearly be used for next-gen VR and AR. Unreal Engine 5 won’t arrive until the end of next year, however. And Sony’s plans for a new VR headset remain a mystery.

Right now, if you’re into VR, now doesn’t seem like a good time to buy a PSVR unless you’re prepared to live with plenty of limitations. If you’re using a PS4, maybe. But for PS5 owners, VR compatibility can be a lot less exciting than you might expect. Sony’s library of VR games is impressive, but the PS5 isn’t ready to take VR to the next level just yet.