VRHow / Headsets / PlayStation VR

PlayStation VR (original): specs, setup and compatibility

Short answer: The original PlayStation VR is Sony's PS4-generation console headset, announced for October 2016. It uses a 5.7-inch OLED display with 960 × RGB × 1080 per eye, 90/120 Hz modes and an approximately 100-degree field of view. This is the first-generation PS VR, not the later PlayStation VR2. Last checked October 11, 2026.

Key facts

Item	Verified detail
Maker	Sony Interactive Entertainment
Announced launch	October 2016; Sony's US announcement did not specify a day
Launch price (US)	$399 suggested retail price for the core headset; $499.99 for the launch bundle
Display	OLED, 5.7 inches; 1920 × RGB × 1080 total (960 × RGB × 1080 per eye)
Refresh rate	90 Hz or 120 Hz
Field of view	Approximately 100 degrees
Headset mass	Approximately 600 g excluding cable in Sony's current technical-spec page; Sony's 2016 FAQ said approximately 610 g
Models	CUH-ZVR1 and CUH-ZVR2; Sony lists the same core display specifications for both

Source conflict: Sony's technical-spec page reports approximately 600 g, while its launch-era FAQ reports approximately 610 g. Both are Sony figures; the difference is small enough that this page preserves the conflict rather than selecting one as definitive.

How the PS4-generation setup works

The original PS VR is not a self-contained headset. Sony's setup documentation calls for a PS4, PlayStation Camera and the PS VR processor unit, with HDMI, USB and AC connections between the console, processor unit, TV and headset. The processor unit handles functions Sony lists as 3D audio processing, Social Screen mirroring/separate mode and Cinematic mode. The camera sees the headset's blue tracking lights and supported controllers; the headset itself supplies accelerometer and gyroscope sensors.

Controller choice depends on the game. Sony's launch FAQ says most PS VR games use the DualShock 4 wireless controller. Many support two PlayStation Move motion controllers as an option, while a limited number require two Move controllers. Sony also identifies the PS VR Aim controller for supported games such as Farpoint. These peripherals are not interchangeable with the newer PS VR2 Sense-controller system, so a used listing should be checked for the actual camera, processor unit and controllers included.

CUH-ZVR1 versus CUH-ZVR2

Sony's support page identifies the two revisions by the processor unit and power control: CUH-ZVR1 has a sliding processor-unit cover, a serial number beginning P01/P02 and an inline-remote power button. CUH-ZVR2 has a solid processor unit, a serial beginning P03 and a power button under the headset scope. Sony's technical table gives both revisions the same 5.7-inch OLED, resolution, refresh-rate and field-of-view figures. The revisions therefore should not be treated as different display generations.

PS5 use and legacy availability

Sony's current quick-start guide supports original PS VR on PS5, but the arrangement remains the original camera-based system: connect the PlayStation Camera through a PlayStation Camera adaptor. Sony's support notice says that, as of November 26, 2024, or while supplies lasted, the adaptor would no longer be available. That is an important practical limitation for a PS5 buyer who does not already have the adaptor. The guide also distinguishes this product from PS VR2: the original PS VR uses the Camera adaptor on PS5, whereas PS VR2 is a separate PS5-only product.

Historical versus current: The $399 core price, $499.99 bundle price and October 2016 launch are historical announcements, not today's price or stock. Sony's adaptor notice supports the legacy-status warning above; it does not establish that every used headset is unusable. Check the included cables, processor unit, camera and controller requirements before buying used equipment.

Original PS VR versus PS VR2

These are separate generations and should not be compared as model revisions. Original PS VR is built around PS4-era camera tracking, the external processor unit and DualShock 4/Move/Aim controller support described here. PS VR2 is the later headset covered on its own PS VR2 page, with its own console, tracking and controller requirements. Do not use this page's resolution, camera setup or accessory list as PS VR2 specifications.

Verification note

This page uses Sony technical specifications, Sony support instructions and Sony's launch announcements/FAQ. It deliberately makes no hands-on performance claim, current-retail claim or unsupported game-compatibility claim. Where Sony's sources disagree on weight, the difference is shown explicitly above.