The PS VR2 will hit store shelves on 22 February 2023, which is excellent news. But it comes at a hefty price tag of $550, which is not so great. This is undoubtedly an expensive piece of hardware. So, is it really worth that price? Let’s review the facts.
How Much Will the PS VR2 Cost?
The most shocking part about the PS VR2’s price is that it exceeds the cost of the console you need to use it. The PS5 costs $500, making it $50 cheaper than the PS VR2. This is a hard pill to swallow for most gamers, especially those on a budget.
It is significantly more expensive than the original PS VR, which launched at $399. However, the original PS VR did not include the PlayStation Move Camera or the controllers required to operate the system. Considering that the PS VR2 comes with everything you need in one tidy package, the price evens itself out a little.
How Does the Price Reflect the Specs?
Is the PS VR2’s cost surprising when you factor in the specs? Undoubtedly, it is significantly more expensive than the original PS VR, but it is also far better. If you buy the PS VR2, you aren’t just getting a slightly newer version of the PS VR.
Instead, the PS VR2 features many quality-of-life improvements that make it far superior to its predecessor. Sony totally redesigned the way the headset tracks movement, foregoing the need for the PlayStation Move Camera. This also allowed them to revamp the controllers to offer far better tracking capabilities.
The screen and resolution were also significantly improved, providing a clearer image while minimizing the screen door effect. If you would like more of a deep dive into exactly what the PS VR2 has to offer, we have a guide explaining everything we know about the PS VR2 so far.
The PS VR2 utilizes many more top-of-the-range features and technology, which, in turn, significantly hikes up the manufacturing and production costs of the headset itself. Because of the increased component costs, you can expect a higher retail price.
How Does the Price Compare to Other VR Systems?
The price of the PS VR2, while shocking to many, is actually quite reasonable when compared to other VR headsets on the market. Even the PS VR2’s most comparable competitor, the Meta Quest 2, experienced a $100 price hike post-launch, bringing its entry price to $399.
This shows that the cost of manufacturing this type of hardware is not cheap and further closes the price gap between the two systems.
The PS VR2 is $151 more expensive than the Meta Quest 2. But in many respects, it’s also better. For example, the PS VR2 will utilize an OLED screen with a resolution of 2000 X 2040 per eye, compared to the Meta Quest 2, which features an LCD screen capable of a resolution of 1832 X 1920 per eye.
Furthermore, the PS VR2’s $550 price tag seems minimal compared to other headsets, such as the Meta Quest Pro, which costs $1500, or the Valve Index, which costs $999. These headsets are the most premium their brands offer and are suitable for those after an elite VR experience.
In comparison, the PS VR2 attempts to make a high-quality VR experience widely accessible.
Is the PS VR2 Worth Its High Price Point?
When it really comes down to it, the PS VR2 is expensive. But it is also a next-gen VR headset capable of bringing a luxurious and high-quality VR experience to the mainstream market.
Although the PS VR2 is far pricier than the original PS VR or the Meta Quest 2, it also features better hardware, leading to an improved experience. It does, however, make it more expensive to manufacture.
At the end of the day, many more VR headsets are pricier than the PS VR2. For a mid-range VR headset, the PS VR2 is reasonably priced for what it brings to the table. So, if you can afford it, the PS VR2 is absolutely worth the price that Sony charges for it—even if it’s more expensive than the PS5.
Given that, have we changed your mind about the price of the PS VR2? If so, check out our guide on preordering the PS VR2 to ensure you don’t miss out on getting your hands on one.
Better Hardware Often Means a Higher Price
It is always a shock when things become more expensive than anticipated, but it is not unheard of for companies to increase their prices when they release new technologies.
In the case of the PS VR2, after taking the time to sit back and reflect on its specs and the prices of other premium headsets, its price isn’t actually unreasonable.
