Sony hasn't given up on VR games! PS VR2 Main Features Revealed

A picture of a gamer being filmed together through the broadcast function.[사진=플레이스테이션 블로그]

On the 27th, Sony Interactive Entertainment Korea (hereinafter referred to as Sony) announced the main functions of its virtual reality (VR) video game console ‘PlayStation VR2 (hereinafter referred to as PS VR2)’ under development.

PS VR is considered a representative product among commercialized VR game consoles. In particular, Sony’s capabilities in the field of game publishing have been added to present VR games of various genres, such as simulation, racing, rhythm action, survival and adventure, sports, puzzle, and horror. However, since the first product was introduced in 2016, it has not released a follow-up product to the VR game console, causing many gamers to mourn.

If you look at the representative features of PS VR2 that Sony unveiled today, first of all, it provides a ‘See-Through View’ function. Existing VR headsets cannot see anything other than the screen in front of your eyes when worn. Therefore, if you find a nearby cell phone or drop the controller in your hand on the floor, you have to take off the headset to find it.

In contrast, PS VR2 uses the front camera to show the surroundings on the headset screen. The wearer can execute this function by pressing the in-game control window or the function button attached to the headset, and nearby controllers can easily identify objects. In particular, the perspective view function is a simple screen transmission function and does not provide recording. In this way, concerns such as infringement of personal information while wearing it can be prevented.

PS VR2 prevents safety accidents and enhances convenience with its perspective view function and play area function. The picture is a perspective view function using the built-in camera.[사진=플레이스테이션 블로그]

PS VR2 also provides broadcasting function. If you connect a dedicated HD camera to the PlayStation 5 (hereinafter referred to as PS5), you can take pictures of gamers enjoying VR games by yourself. According to Sony, through this function, it is possible not only to show gamers’ strategies, but also to show actual gamers’ movements and reaction speed in boss battles. You can also share these video clips with other gamers and act as a VR game streamer.

The ‘play area’ of PS VR2 is a function to designate the space to be used for games in the room. You can expand or designate the play area using the VR headset’s built-in camera and dedicated controller. While playing a game with the headset on, a warning message appears if you approach the boundary of the area. In this way, various safety accidents can be prevented.

By using ‘VR Mode’, gamers can enjoy game contents in 360 degrees in a VR space. Contents are transmitted at a high refresh rate of 90Hz or 120Hz per second depending on the settings, and the UHD-level resolution (4000 x 2040 pixels) with HDR applied to the content is displayed in the field of view to enhance the sense of immersion.

In ‘Cinema Mode’, gamers can view all UI, non-VR games, and media content on the PS5 on the virtual theater screen. Cinema mode can be set to 24Hz, 60Hz, or 120Hz refresh rates depending on the content, and is displayed in full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) with HDR applied. It provides the feeling of enjoying a regular game on a large screen in a VR environment.

Meanwhile, the main features that have been released so far are being provided for PS VR2 game developers to use. Information such as the product release date and games to be added to the platform will be disclosed by Sony at a later date.