The eagerly awaited Steam application for the Sony PlayStation VR2 will officially launch on August 7, bringing a new level of functionality and compatibility to the VR headset. This development allows owners of the PS VR2 to access and play VR games available on Valve’s popular distribution platform, Steam.
Originally launched in February 2023 as an accessory for the PlayStation 5, the PS VR2 was priced at $549.99 and featured significant hardware improvements over its predecessor. Despite its advanced capabilities, the PS VR2 did not achieve the sales success of the original PlayStation VR, leading Sony to halt production temporarily to address the surplus of unsold units. In a strategic pivot, Sony announced that the PS VR2 would support PC connectivity, a decision warmly welcomed by the gaming community.
The new Steam app for the PS VR2, set to release on August 7, marks a significant step in this new direction. According to its listing on the Steam platform, this app will enable users to play VR games and apps from Steam using their PS VR2 headset. It will also facilitate the setup of the headset on a PC, firmware updates, and customization of settings. To use the Steam app, owners will need a PS VR2 headset, Sense controllers, a DisplayPort 1.4-compatible cable, and a $59.99 PS VR2 PC adapter, which will also be available starting August 7.
Steam has detailed the minimum system requirements for the PS VR2 app, which include an Intel Core i5-7600 or AMD Ryzen 3 3100 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 700 MB of available storage, and either an Nvidia GTX 1650, AMD RX 5500 XT, or AMD RX 6500 XT graphics card. However, it is recommended to use an Nvidia RTX 3060 or AMD RX 6600 XT for optimal performance. The app requires AMD CPUs to be powered by Zen 2 or newer architectures, and Nvidia GPUs should be from the Turing era or newer.
While the PS VR2 was primarily designed for the PlayStation 5, Sony has indicated that some features like HDR, headset feedback, and eye tracking will not be available on the PC. However, the headset will support 4K resolution, a 110-degree field of view, finger touch detection, and a see-through view when used with a PC.
Sony’s shift in strategy comes amid reports of scaled-back funding for PS VR2 game development. Currently, the company is focusing on just two games for the headset. Despite this, several previously announced titles, such as "Alien: Rogue Incursion," "Metal: Hellsinger VR," and "Metro: Awakening," are still in the pipeline for the PS VR2.
The release of the Steam app represents a significant expansion of the PS VR2’s capabilities, offering users a broader range of VR experiences and further integrating the headset into the PC gaming ecosystem. As August 7 approaches, anticipation builds among PS VR2 owners eager to explore the new possibilities this integration will bring.
