VRHow / Guides / PlayStation VR vs PlayStation VR2

PlayStation VR vs PlayStation VR2

Short answer: PS VR is the older PS4-era headset with camera-and-LED tracking and access to the original PS VR catalogue. PS VR2 is a PS5-only successor with a higher-resolution OLED display, inside-out headset/controller tracking and Sense controllers, but it cannot play PS VR content. PS VR2 is the better fit for a new PS5 owner; PS VR only makes sense when access to its distinct PS VR library or an existing PS4 setup is the priority. Last checked October 11, 2026.

Specs side by side

SpecificationPlayStation VRPlayStation VR2
DisplayOLED, 5.7-inch, 1920 × RGB × 1080 total (960 × RGB × 1080 per eye)OLED, 2000 × 2040 per eye
Refresh rate90Hz or 120Hz90Hz or 120Hz
Field of viewApproximately 100°Approximately 110°
Lens adjustmentLens separation detail: unverifiedAdjustable lens separation
TrackingExternal PlayStation Camera tracks the headset and controllers; headset has nine tracked LEDsFour embedded cameras track the headset and controllers; IR eye-tracking camera per eye
ControllersDUALSHOCK 4 works with every PS VR game; selected games support or require PlayStation Move or PS VR AimTwo PS VR2 Sense controllers are included, with adaptive triggers, haptics and finger-touch detection
Console compatibilityPS4; supported PS VR games also work on PS5 with PS Camera for PS4 and a PlayStation Camera adaptorPS5 only; not compatible with PS4
Connection/setupCamera plus processor unit, HDMI, USB and power connectionsOne USB-C cable to PS5; initial setup also needs a TV/monitor and DualSense
Software compatibilitySony describes over 500 PS VR games and experiencesPS VR2 games only; PS VR games do not run on it
PC VRPC support: unverifiedWorks with SteamVR using the PS VR2 PC adapter (available August 7, 2024); $59.99 launch estimate, DisplayPort 1.4 cable and a qualifying Windows PC required. On PC, Sony says HDR, eye tracking, headset feedback, adaptive triggers and most haptics are unavailable.
Price / availabilityCurrent price and availability: unverified. Historical US core MSRP was $399.99 (2016); that is not a current price.US Direct listing checked October 11, 2026: $399.00 and “Currently Unavailable”. Sony’s launch MSRP was $549.99 on February 22, 2023; launch price is not a current seller quote.

This is a sourced specifications comparison, not a hands-on review. “PC VR” is not a single compatibility standard: the PS VR2 statement above is specifically Sony’s SteamVR adapter path, while PS VR PC support is unverified here. Current PS VR pricing is unverified rather than inferred from the 2016 MSRP.

Tradeoffs and which fits whom

Choose PS VR2 if you already have a PS5 and want the newer display, wider stated field of view, eye tracking, headset feedback, inside-out tracking and modern Sense controllers. Its one-cable PS5 connection is a materially simpler setup than PS VR’s camera, processor-unit and cable chain. The tradeoff is a closed library boundary: Sony explicitly says PS VR2 cannot play PS VR content, and the PS5 is required.

Choose PS VR only when the original PS VR library or an existing PS4/PS VR setup is the deciding criterion. It remains the relevant hardware for PS VR exclusives such as Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Blood & Truth listed by Sony, and supported PS VR games can run on PS5 with the older camera and adaptor. Its external-camera tracking and extra processor unit make setup more involved, and its current new price/availability is unverified.

For PC VR: PS VR2 has a documented, dated SteamVR route through Sony’s adapter, but PC removes several PS5-mode features. There is no comparable verified PS VR PC path in the sources checked for this page, so it is marked unverified rather than treated as equivalent.

Questions

Can PS VR2 play PS VR games?

No. Sony’s compatibility support page says PS VR cannot play PS VR2 games and PS VR2 cannot play PS VR content. Check each title’s store listing for its supported VR system.

Can either headset work with both PS4 and PS5?

PS VR can work with PS4 and supported PS VR games on PS5, but PS5 setup needs the PS Camera for PS4 and Camera adaptor. PS VR2 is PS5-only and is not compatible with PS4.

Does PS VR2 work on PC?

Yes, through Sony’s PS VR2 PC adapter and SteamVR. Sony’s minimums include Windows 10/11 64-bit, 8GB RAM, a qualifying GPU, DisplayPort 1.4, direct USB and Bluetooth 4.0 or later; those are PC-adapter requirements, not a general claim about every PC VR setup.

Sources