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What is virtual reality?

Last checked October 11, 2026.

Virtual reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment viewed through a headset, where the displayed scene responds to the user's viewpoint. Many VR apps also respond to controllers, hands, or other tracked inputs. PlayStation describes PS VR2 as immersing players in 3D virtual spaces; the exact display, tracking, interaction and safety features depend on the product and app. [1]

VR is an experience, not one kind of headset

The word VR describes the way an experience is presented; it does not say where the app runs or how the headset connects. A game can be VR whether it runs directly on a headset, on a Windows PC, or on a console. Some headsets support more than one of those modes, but the software, accessories and compatible apps can differ between modes.

Standalone VR: the headset runs compatible apps itself. It does not need a gaming PC for those apps, although a model may also support PC streaming.
PC VR: a compatible computer runs the VR app and sends it to a supported headset by a documented cable, adapter or wireless method.
Console VR: a console runs the app and connects to a console-specific headset and accessories. Sony's PS VR2 also has a separate PC-adapter workflow; PS5 and PC support should not be assumed to be identical.

What the VR label does not promise

A headset or game being called “VR” does not by itself promise room-scale play, hand tracking, eye tracking, passthrough, a particular controller, or compatibility with every PC runtime. Check the headset's specification and the app's requirements for the exact feature you need.

Room-scale play also depends on a suitable physical space and the boundary features provided by the headset and runtime. For example, Meta describes separate Stationary and Roomscale modes for Quest, with its own minimum recommended space and settings; use the instructions for your exact headset rather than assuming every VR system uses the same boundary or menu. Meta's current Quest boundary guide [2].

Questions to answer before your first session

Where does the experience run? Check whether it is a standalone headset app, a PC title, or a console title. “VR” alone does not tell you where to buy or launch it.
Does this exact combination work? Confirm the headset model, software, game, runtime, PC requirements and required accessories against the current vendor and game listing.
What physical space and input does it need? A seated experience and a room-scale game have different movement needs. Use the headset's setup flow to make a clear play area, and check the app's controller or hand-input requirements.
Is the session appropriate and comfortable? Follow the exact product's age and health warnings, start with a comfortable experience, take breaks, and stop if you feel unwell. Meta and PlayStation publish separate, product-specific age and safety guidance; do not generalize one brand's rule to another. [3] [1]

Where to go next

This page covers what VR means and how to interpret the label. For the technical explanation of optics, tracking, rendering and input, read How does VR work? For a practical first-session walkthrough, see How to set up a VR headset; to compare PC, standalone or console models, check the relevant headset guides.

Sources

PlayStation: Safety with PS VR2 — product-specific VR experience, comfort, play-area and age guidance.
Meta Quest Help: Set up your boundary for Meta Quest — current Stationary/Roomscale choices and Quest-specific play-area guidance.
Meta Quest Safety Center — current Quest safety, boundary, comfort and age-information links.
PlayStation: Prepare to use PS VR2 with PC — illustrates that console and PC are separate supported-use paths for one headset.