Apple’s Vision Pro Gets a Gaming Boost with PlayStation Controller Support
Apple is reportedly teaming up with Sony to bring PlayStation VR controllers to its Vision Pro headset, signaling a potential shift in the tech giant’s strategy for its mixed reality device.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed the news in his weekly Power On newsletter, citing sources familiar with the matter. The partnership would see Sony’s PlayStation VR hand controllers integrated with Apple’s Vision Pro, offering a more intuitive and immersive gaming experience. This move is significant because while the Vision Pro currently supports PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers, they lack the six degrees of freedom crucial for precise VR gameplay.
A New Focus on Gaming?
If the report proves true, it could represent a strategic shift for Apple’s Vision Pro, originally launched with a focus on immersive content viewing and productivity tools. The addition of PlayStation VR controllers could signal Apple’s growing interest in tapping into the gaming market.
Interestingly, reports indicate Apple previously explored developing its own specialized controller for the Vision Pro, nicknamed the “wand.” This Apple Pencil-like device was likely designed for precise in-headset control. However, the project was reportedly scrapped due to concerns about developer confusion and increased costs, Gurman noted.
Widespread Adoption Remains a Challenge
The news comes at a time when the Vision Pro is facing challenges in gaining widespread consumer adoption. Reports suggest that Apple has sold fewer than half a million headsets since its launch, with many customers reportedly returning the device or using it less than anticipated.
To address these difficulties, Apple is rumored to be considering a more affordable version of the $3,500 headset. This budget-friendly version would potentially offload computing power to the iPhone and offer fewer advanced features.
Content and Cost: Obstacles to Overcome
While the introduction of PlayStation VR controller support could attract gamers, content development remains a major hurdle for the Vision Pro. Developers may be hesitant to invest resources in creating games for a platform with a relatively small user base compared to established players like Meta’s Quest headset platform, which leverages exclusive content to drive demand.
Initially, the Vision Pro’s app selection focused primarily on productivity and immersive experiences. Although Apple reported recent updates and additions to its portfolio, the App Store still lacks a substantial library of compelling Vision Pro games that are truly breaking new ground.
In an October interview with The Wall Street Journal, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the earlier limitations of the Vision Pro’s price point: “At $3,500, it’s not a mass-market product. Right now, it’s an early-adopter product,” he admitted.
Could PlayStation VR controller compatibility be a deciding factor for gamers considering both the Vision Pro and other VR headsets?
Could PlayStation VR controller support be enough to change the narrative surrounding the Vision Pro and convince skeptics that Apple is truly committed to gaming on the platform?
