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UPDATE: 10/30/2016 - I tried this for a week, I really wanted to like it - love it even - but in the end, I just could not endure it. By that I mean it made me so physically nauseated. This might just be me, but let me explain the technical shortcomings which accelerated my decision not to keep it.
First and foremost is the visual shortcomings. By splitting the resolution in half for each eye/lens(1920x1080 comes out to 960x1080), you are already downgrading the visuals into PS2 category. Most of the PS3 games I have played looks better than most of the PSVR games I have tried, which includes the games in the included VR Worlds games, and the games in the VR demo disc. Games like Rez Infinite and Battle Zone tries to get around this by making the games themselves old-school 3D polygon games, which just emphasizes the point even further. I feel like this is 1999 and I'm playing PS2 games. DriveClub VR is even more egregious, because it's supposed to be a full-on PS4 game, yet the pixelation is so bad, it's the game that started my nausea. I have not seen a racing game graphically this bad since the PS2 days. This is an embarrassment to the PS4 brand - I recommend to NOT buy that game. Stick to the non-VR version, it's way better.
Second, is the "telescope" effect, because of the narrow 100 degrees of field of view. To simulate the human peripheral field of vision, you would need at least 120 degrees. It is apparent that you are looking through something, and not inside the "world" of the game, when you can see the limitations that are the dark areas to the outside of the image area.
I know that current technology of VR systems like this cannot be wireless for now, and must attach itself to the PS4(and the computer for the HTC Vive and Occulus Rift), but having the constant reminder that there is a wire attached to the headset by having it rest upon your body or getting tangled at your feet while you move around is a constant nag. It is even worse if you have to use wired headsets or earphones as the tangled mess of two wires criss-crossing each other and your body is very frustrating. Unless you have a big living room, you will always be reminded of the area constraints, exacerbated by the wires. Until you are be free of all wires, you can never have that total freedom of immersion. That is why now I appreciate the Samsung Gear VR more, because of its true freedom capability(although of course it has its own issues).
Although some parts and aspects of this headset is high-quality, some parts are really low quality that it is a bit ludicrous for a $400 product. The plastic parts of the headset is made of cheap matte plastic, which is 100% guaranteed to have markings on them at the slightest touch. Don't believe me? Just run your fingernail across any of the black plastic portions and you'll find out for yourself. In that aspect, it feels like those cheap $30 "VR headsets" you can find on Amazon from Chinese manufacturers who are flooding the market with them. Perhaps there is a part of some of those factories that crank out these headsets. I would not be surprised....
Also, the lens must be so close to your eyes to get into the immersion experience, that your eyelashes touch the lens, and all the heat your eyeballs give out will fog them up sooner or later. I have to wipe the lenses every 30 minutes of use, which is very annoying. Even Sony concedes to this shortcoming, as it includes a wipe cloth for you.
Finally, and although a minor niggle, is still an annoyance, is that the move controllers included in my system were the old PS3 ones Sony tried to get rid of, which they sell for about $30 each for the PS3. I know this because mine still have the older mini-USB ports, not the newer micro-USB ports, so I can't use my phone charging cables if I lose them in the future, and have to buy those older ones. This is ridiculous and unacceptable Sony - shame on you! I'm sure once they run out of these for this very first batch of the PSVR's, they will include the newer ones, but that does not excuse them for pulling such a cheap tactic for such a huge company.
Here are the things I do like:
The immersion factor is very cool, especially for someone who has never experienced VR on this level before. For certain games, you really do feel like you are in that world. As developers have more experience and as the game technology improves, I feel this whole ecosystem will deserve a bump in the ratings to at least three stars. It's just that at this beginning first stage, it only deserves two. Sony needs to develop their own AAA VR games to really convince people, as this first batch of games is barely passable. I do like Eve: Valkyrie because the graphics are decent, and the gameplay and immersion factors add a lot to the game, and not just dangle it in the gimmick zone. CCP Games is the developer, and they deserve a lot of credit.
The 3D sound is very effective and adds greatly to the experience. When you put on a good pair of headphones, the experience is almost magical. Using my Sennheiser HD700 is not easy fitting it over the PSVR headset, but made the immersion experience awesome.
I give Sony a lot of credit for making the PSVR the most balanced headset I've worn, which includes the Samsung Gear VR, Occulus Rift, and HTC Vive. Although it is heavier overall, the weight is expertly dispersed to mainly the ring structure of the head apparatus, so it feels like you're wearing a motorcycle helmet, and never feels front-heavy to drag your head down and give you neck fatigue. It is a wonderful achievement.
The fit is also excellent. The mechanism for the nose fit is made of soft rubber, and very comfortable for your nose, and your face overall. It never has that "snorkel goggle" feel, and I love how it rests on my face. Big points to Sony for the overall comfort level of wearing this, except, like I stated earlier, the wires and the lenses touching your eyelashes.
So weighing all the good with all the bad, I strongly believe at this point of the process, it only deserves two stars. Undoubtedly, the technology and ecosystem will improve, and as the games get better, so will the overall experience. However, at this point, we are just "not there yet."
Sony even admits so themselves, that this is just the first iteration of the PSVR, version 1.0 so to speak, and that there will be at least versions 2 and 3, as soon as the end of 2017. So for those of you who are not loyal fanboys(I am one too, but just cannot physiologically enjoy this for now) and early adopters, I would advise you to wait at least another year. With the PS4 Pro coming out in less than two weeks which can display faux-4K, I think PSVR version 2 will be a lot better. Truthfully, until we can get to 4K resolution so that the VR lenses can portray full 1080p resolution in each lens, we can't really be fully immersed, as the graphics will always hold it back. It is totally evident in all of the PSVR games I have tried thus far.
Original Review:
I would like to do a quick comparison between this PSVR and some other notable VR headsets:
Name HTC Vive Oculus Rift PlayStation VR Samsung Gear
MSRP $799.00 $599.00 $399.99 $99.99
Platform Windows PC Windows PC PlayStation 4 Samsung Smartphone
Field of View 110 degrees 110 degrees 100 degrees 96 degrees
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz 90 - 120 Hz 60 Hz
Display Resolution Per Eye 1080 x 1200 1080 x 1200 1080 x 960 1440 x 1280
Headset Weight 1.2 lbs 1.0 lbs 1.3 lbs 0.7 lbs (without phone)
I have the Samsung Gear VR, so I can do a direct comparison with that. Note that when it debuted in early 2015, the first Gear VR was $200, then quickly settling at $100 for the majority of the time, to now at $70. The 2016 version is $100 right now. The Gear VR by itself is lighter than the PS VR, but when you add in the phone, it suddenly becomes front-heavy and drags the headset down on your face. The PS VR, since there is more weight dispersion throughout the screen, does a better job of evenly distribution it all over the headset, making it definitely more comfortable to wear, and more comfortable over a longer period.
Although I cannot vouch for the PS VR over the HTC Vive and the Occulus Rift, here is the kicker for me: The PS VR can also display your Xbox One, Wii U, and PC inputs! Yes, all you need to do it hook up the HDMI cable to the processing unit of the PS VR, and you get a immersive intimate big-screen experience on your PS VR. Of course, you lose the head-tracking immersion experience, and you also lose the 3D audio, but this is a great extra gift that I have found out, which adds to the value and longevity of the device. Of course, you can also use the Netflix, Hulu, and all those video apps to watch movies like all the other headsets can, but they cannot accept input from the PS4, so this gives the PS VR a huge advantage over the current competition. When you add the cost of controllers to the Occulus Rift, the PS VR, even at the full $500 bundle, is still at least $300 cheaper than the nearest full VR system, not to mention, even if you had to buy a PS4 Pro, is still cheaper than a VR capable PC. So when you compare it that way, the PS VR is currently the best value. I will give a more in-depth review when I have more time to run through the apps and VR games.
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From the manufacturer
PlayStation VR
A radical new dimension in virtual reality gaming arrives October 2016
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Advanced VR DisplayThe feeling of ‘being there’ starts with what you see. Seamless visuals keep you connected to the virtual world through an expansive 5.7” OLED 1080p display running at up to 120 frames per second. |
Industry Leading DesignThe PlayStation VR headset was engineered to be balanced, comfortable, and completely adjustable. It’s designed to feel like it's not there – keeping you free from distraction as you explore new gaming worlds. |
Move With PurposeThe LEDs around the PlayStation VR headset, on the DualShock 4 wireless controller, and the PlayStation Move motion controller are tracked by the PlayStation Camera, providing an incredibly precise capture of your natural movement in virtual space. |
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Games Come FirstWith gamers in mind, PlayStation delivers a new world of unexpected gaming experiences through PlayStation VR. Play some of the most highly anticipated titles of 2016 on PS VR including an all-new Star Wars Battlefront gaming experience and games like PlayStation VR Worlds, Golem, and RIGS Mechanized Combat League. |
Just Plug and PlayGetting into PlayStation VR couldn’t be easier. Just plug the PlayStation VR headset and your PlayStation Camera (sold separately) into your PlayStation 4 system (sold separately). You're ready to go. |
3D Audio Technology3D Audio with PlayStation VR means that you’ll be able to pinpoint sounds above, below, and all around you. Instinctively turn your head to the source of a single footstep and be able to judge its distance, just as you would in real life. |
Discover a new world of unexpected gaming experiences with PlayStation VR. Redefine your expectations of immersion in gaming with moments so intense your intuition takes over. Step into incredible virtual worlds and overcome new challenges in extraordinary ways.
PlayStation VR Games
- Star Wars Battlefront VR Experience
- PlayStation VR Worlds
- Golem
- Harmonix Music VR
- Until Dawn: Rush of Blood
- RIGS Mechanized Combat League
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| HTC Vive | Oculus Rift | PlayStation VR | Samsung Gear | Google Cardboard | |
| MSRP | $599.00 | $399.00 | $299.99 | $129.99 | $15.00 |
| Platform | Windows PC | Windows PC | PlayStation 4 | Samsung Smartphone | Smartphone |
| Experience | Seated VR, Standing VR, Room-scale VR (up to 5 m diagonally), Positional tracking | Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR, Room-scale VR (additional sensor required) | Positional tracking, Standing VR, Seated VR | Standing VR, Seated VR | Seated VR |
| Field of View | 110 degrees | 110 degrees | 100 degrees | 101 degrees | Varies |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 90 Hz | 90 - 120 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Display Resolution Per Eye | 1080 x 1200 | 1080 x 1200 | 1080 x 960 | Varies | Varies |
| Headset Weight | 1.2 lbs | 1.0 lbs | 1.3 lbs | 0.76 lbs (without phone) | 0.2 lbs (without phone) |
| Fit | Adjustable headset strap, fits most glasses, 2 eye relief adjustments: lens distance from eye & interpupilliary distance | Fits glasses, Iinterpupilliary distance adjustment | Fits glasses, lens distance from eye can be adjusted, Iinterpupilliary distance adjustment | Fits glasses, focus adjustment | Varies |
| Included in the Box: | Headset, 2 x Controllers, 2 x Base Stations, Earbuds, Link Box, Link Box power adapter, Link Box mounting pad, 2 x Base Station power adapter, 2 x Micro USB chargers, Sync cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Cleaning Cloth, Alternate face cushion | Rift Headset , Sensor x2 Touch controllers, Printed Accessory Folio w/quick start, Manual, 2 AA batteries, Lens Cloth, Audio tool, 2 Oculus stickers | Headset, Processor Unit, connection cable, HDMI cable, USB cable, Stereo headphoes, AC power cord, AC adaptor, demo disc | Headset, controller, USB C device holder, Micro USB device holder, headstraps, controller strap | Headset |
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Customer Review: PS4VR is Amazing.................
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Amazon Video Games
UPDATE: 10/30/2016 - I tried this for a week, I really wanted to like it - love it even - but in the end, I just could not endure it. By that I mean it made me so physically nauseated. This might just be me, but let me explain the technical shortcomings which accelerated my decision not to keep it.First and foremost is the visual shortcomings. By splitting the resolution in half for each eye/lens(1920x1080 comes out to 960x1080), you are already downgrading the visuals into PS2 category. Most of the PS3 games I have played looks better than most of the PSVR games I have tried, which includes the games in the included VR Worlds games, and the games in the VR demo disc. Games like Rez Infinite and Battle Zone tries to get around this by making the games themselves old-school 3D polygon games, which just emphasizes the point even further. I feel like this is 1999 and I'm playing PS2 games. DriveClub VR is even more egregious, because it's supposed to be a full-on PS4 game, yet the pixelation is so bad, it's the game that started my nausea. I have not seen a racing game graphically this bad since the PS2 days. This is an embarrassment to the PS4 brand - I recommend to NOT buy that game. Stick to the non-VR version, it's way better.Second, is the "telescope" effect, because of the narrow 100 degrees of field of view. To simulate the human peripheral field of vision, you would need at least 120 degrees. It is apparent that you are looking through something, and not inside the "world" of the game, when you can see the limitations that are the dark areas to the outside of the image area.I know that current technology of VR systems like this cannot be wireless for now, and must attach itself to the PS4(and the computer for the HTC Vive and Occulus Rift), but having the constant reminder that there is a wire attached to the headset by having it rest upon your body or getting tangled at your feet while you move around is a constant nag. It is even worse if you have to use wired headsets or earphones as the tangled mess of two wires criss-crossing each other and your body is very frustrating. Unless you have a big living room, you will always be reminded of the area constraints, exacerbated by the wires. Until you are be free of all wires, you can never have that total freedom of immersion. That is why now I appreciate the Samsung Gear VR more, because of its true freedom capability(although of course it has its own issues).Although some parts and aspects of this headset is high-quality, some parts are really low quality that it is a bit ludicrous for a $400 product. The plastic parts of the headset is made of cheap matte plastic, which is 100% guaranteed to have markings on them at the slightest touch. Don't believe me? Just run your fingernail across any of the black plastic portions and you'll find out for yourself. In that aspect, it feels like those cheap $30 "VR headsets" you can find on Amazon from Chinese manufacturers who are flooding the market with them. Perhaps there is a part of some of those factories that crank out these headsets. I would not be surprised....Also, the lens must be so close to your eyes to get into the immersion experience, that your eyelashes touch the lens, and all the heat your eyeballs give out will fog them up sooner or later. I have to wipe the lenses every 30 minutes of use, which is very annoying. Even Sony concedes to this shortcoming, as it includes a wipe cloth for you.Finally, and although a minor niggle, is still an annoyance, is that the move controllers included in my system were the old PS3 ones Sony tried to get rid of, which they sell for about $30 each for the PS3. I know this because mine still have the older mini-USB ports, not the newer micro-USB ports, so I can't use my phone charging cables if I lose them in the future, and have to buy those older ones. This is ridiculous and unacceptable Sony - shame on you! I'm sure once they run out of these for this very first batch of the PSVR's, they will include the newer ones, but that does not excuse them for pulling such a cheap tactic for such a huge company.Here are the things I do like:The immersion factor is very cool, especially for someone who has never experienced VR on this level before. For certain games, you really do feel like you are in that world. As developers have more experience and as the game technology improves, I feel this whole ecosystem will deserve a bump in the ratings to at least three stars. It's just that at this beginning first stage, it only deserves two. Sony needs to develop their own AAA VR games to really convince people, as this first batch of games is barely passable. I do like Eve: Valkyrie because the graphics are decent, and the gameplay and immersion factors add a lot to the game, and not just dangle it in the gimmick zone. CCP Games is the developer, and they deserve a lot of credit.The 3D sound is very effective and adds greatly to the experience. When you put on a good pair of headphones, the experience is almost magical. Using my Sennheiser HD700 is not easy fitting it over the PSVR headset, but made the immersion experience awesome.I give Sony a lot of credit for making the PSVR the most balanced headset I've worn, which includes the Samsung Gear VR, Occulus Rift, and HTC Vive. Although it is heavier overall, the weight is expertly dispersed to mainly the ring structure of the head apparatus, so it feels like you're wearing a motorcycle helmet, and never feels front-heavy to drag your head down and give you neck fatigue. It is a wonderful achievement.The fit is also excellent. The mechanism for the nose fit is made of soft rubber, and very comfortable for your nose, and your face overall. It never has that "snorkel goggle" feel, and I love how it rests on my face. Big points to Sony for the overall comfort level of wearing this, except, like I stated earlier, the wires and the lenses touching your eyelashes.So weighing all the good with all the bad, I strongly believe at this point of the process, it only deserves two stars. Undoubtedly, the technology and ecosystem will improve, and as the games get better, so will the overall experience. However, at this point, we are just "not there yet."Sony even admits so themselves, that this is just the first iteration of the PSVR, version 1.0 so to speak, and that there will be at least versions 2 and 3, as soon as the end of 2017. So for those of you who are not loyal fanboys(I am one too, but just cannot physiologically enjoy this for now) and early adopters, I would advise you to wait at least another year. With the PS4 Pro coming out in less than two weeks which can display faux-4K, I think PSVR version 2 will be a lot better. Truthfully, until we can get to 4K resolution so that the VR lenses can portray full 1080p resolution in each lens, we can't really be fully immersed, as the graphics will always hold it back. It is totally evident in all of the PSVR games I have tried thus far.Original Review:I would like to do a quick comparison between this PSVR and some other notable VR headsets:Name HTC Vive Oculus Rift PlayStation VR Samsung GearMSRP $799.00 $599.00 $399.99 $99.99Platform Windows PC Windows PC PlayStation 4 Samsung SmartphoneField of View 110 degrees 110 degrees 100 degrees 96 degreesRefresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz 90 - 120 Hz 60 HzDisplay Resolution Per Eye 1080 x 1200 1080 x 1200 1080 x 960 1440 x 1280Headset Weight 1.2 lbs 1.0 lbs 1.3 lbs 0.7 lbs (without phone)I have the Samsung Gear VR, so I can do a direct comparison with that. Note that when it debuted in early 2015, the first Gear VR was $200, then quickly settling at $100 for the majority of the time, to now at $70. The 2016 version is $100 right now. The Gear VR by itself is lighter than the PS VR, but when you add in the phone, it suddenly becomes front-heavy and drags the headset down on your face. The PS VR, since there is more weight dispersion throughout the screen, does a better job of evenly distribution it all over the headset, making it definitely more comfortable to wear, and more comfortable over a longer period.Although I cannot vouch for the PS VR over the HTC Vive and the Occulus Rift, here is the kicker for me: The PS VR can also display your Xbox One, Wii U, and PC inputs! Yes, all you need to do it hook up the HDMI cable to the processing unit of the PS VR, and you get a immersive intimate big-screen experience on your PS VR. Of course, you lose the head-tracking immersion experience, and you also lose the 3D audio, but this is a great extra gift that I have found out, which adds to the value and longevity of the device. Of course, you can also use the Netflix, Hulu, and all those video apps to watch movies like all the other headsets can, but they cannot accept input from the PS4, so this gives the PS VR a huge advantage over the current competition. When you add the cost of controllers to the Occulus Rift, the PS VR, even at the full $500 bundle, is still at least $300 cheaper than the nearest full VR system, not to mention, even if you had to buy a PS4 Pro, is still cheaper than a VR capable PC. So when you compare it that way, the PS VR is currently the best value. I will give a more in-depth review when I have more time to run through the apps and VR games.
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 14, 2016
UPDATE: 10/30/2016 - I tried this for a week, I really wanted to like it - love it even - but in the end, I just could not endure it. By that I mean it made me so physically nauseated. This might just be me, but let me explain the technical shortcomings which accelerated my decision not to keep it.
First and foremost is the visual shortcomings. By splitting the resolution in half for each eye/lens(1920x1080 comes out to 960x1080), you are already downgrading the visuals into PS2 category. Most of the PS3 games I have played looks better than most of the PSVR games I have tried, which includes the games in the included VR Worlds games, and the games in the VR demo disc. Games like Rez Infinite and Battle Zone tries to get around this by making the games themselves old-school 3D polygon games, which just emphasizes the point even further. I feel like this is 1999 and I'm playing PS2 games. DriveClub VR is even more egregious, because it's supposed to be a full-on PS4 game, yet the pixelation is so bad, it's the game that started my nausea. I have not seen a racing game graphically this bad since the PS2 days. This is an embarrassment to the PS4 brand - I recommend to NOT buy that game. Stick to the non-VR version, it's way better.
Second, is the "telescope" effect, because of the narrow 100 degrees of field of view. To simulate the human peripheral field of vision, you would need at least 120 degrees. It is apparent that you are looking through something, and not inside the "world" of the game, when you can see the limitations that are the dark areas to the outside of the image area.
I know that current technology of VR systems like this cannot be wireless for now, and must attach itself to the PS4(and the computer for the HTC Vive and Occulus Rift), but having the constant reminder that there is a wire attached to the headset by having it rest upon your body or getting tangled at your feet while you move around is a constant nag. It is even worse if you have to use wired headsets or earphones as the tangled mess of two wires criss-crossing each other and your body is very frustrating. Unless you have a big living room, you will always be reminded of the area constraints, exacerbated by the wires. Until you are be free of all wires, you can never have that total freedom of immersion. That is why now I appreciate the Samsung Gear VR more, because of its true freedom capability(although of course it has its own issues).
Although some parts and aspects of this headset is high-quality, some parts are really low quality that it is a bit ludicrous for a $400 product. The plastic parts of the headset is made of cheap matte plastic, which is 100% guaranteed to have markings on them at the slightest touch. Don't believe me? Just run your fingernail across any of the black plastic portions and you'll find out for yourself. In that aspect, it feels like those cheap $30 "VR headsets" you can find on Amazon from Chinese manufacturers who are flooding the market with them. Perhaps there is a part of some of those factories that crank out these headsets. I would not be surprised....
Also, the lens must be so close to your eyes to get into the immersion experience, that your eyelashes touch the lens, and all the heat your eyeballs give out will fog them up sooner or later. I have to wipe the lenses every 30 minutes of use, which is very annoying. Even Sony concedes to this shortcoming, as it includes a wipe cloth for you.
Finally, and although a minor niggle, is still an annoyance, is that the move controllers included in my system were the old PS3 ones Sony tried to get rid of, which they sell for about $30 each for the PS3. I know this because mine still have the older mini-USB ports, not the newer micro-USB ports, so I can't use my phone charging cables if I lose them in the future, and have to buy those older ones. This is ridiculous and unacceptable Sony - shame on you! I'm sure once they run out of these for this very first batch of the PSVR's, they will include the newer ones, but that does not excuse them for pulling such a cheap tactic for such a huge company.
Here are the things I do like:
The immersion factor is very cool, especially for someone who has never experienced VR on this level before. For certain games, you really do feel like you are in that world. As developers have more experience and as the game technology improves, I feel this whole ecosystem will deserve a bump in the ratings to at least three stars. It's just that at this beginning first stage, it only deserves two. Sony needs to develop their own AAA VR games to really convince people, as this first batch of games is barely passable. I do like Eve: Valkyrie because the graphics are decent, and the gameplay and immersion factors add a lot to the game, and not just dangle it in the gimmick zone. CCP Games is the developer, and they deserve a lot of credit.
The 3D sound is very effective and adds greatly to the experience. When you put on a good pair of headphones, the experience is almost magical. Using my Sennheiser HD700 is not easy fitting it over the PSVR headset, but made the immersion experience awesome.
I give Sony a lot of credit for making the PSVR the most balanced headset I've worn, which includes the Samsung Gear VR, Occulus Rift, and HTC Vive. Although it is heavier overall, the weight is expertly dispersed to mainly the ring structure of the head apparatus, so it feels like you're wearing a motorcycle helmet, and never feels front-heavy to drag your head down and give you neck fatigue. It is a wonderful achievement.
The fit is also excellent. The mechanism for the nose fit is made of soft rubber, and very comfortable for your nose, and your face overall. It never has that "snorkel goggle" feel, and I love how it rests on my face. Big points to Sony for the overall comfort level of wearing this, except, like I stated earlier, the wires and the lenses touching your eyelashes.
So weighing all the good with all the bad, I strongly believe at this point of the process, it only deserves two stars. Undoubtedly, the technology and ecosystem will improve, and as the games get better, so will the overall experience. However, at this point, we are just "not there yet."
Sony even admits so themselves, that this is just the first iteration of the PSVR, version 1.0 so to speak, and that there will be at least versions 2 and 3, as soon as the end of 2017. So for those of you who are not loyal fanboys(I am one too, but just cannot physiologically enjoy this for now) and early adopters, I would advise you to wait at least another year. With the PS4 Pro coming out in less than two weeks which can display faux-4K, I think PSVR version 2 will be a lot better. Truthfully, until we can get to 4K resolution so that the VR lenses can portray full 1080p resolution in each lens, we can't really be fully immersed, as the graphics will always hold it back. It is totally evident in all of the PSVR games I have tried thus far.
Original Review:
I would like to do a quick comparison between this PSVR and some other notable VR headsets:
Name HTC Vive Oculus Rift PlayStation VR Samsung Gear
MSRP $799.00 $599.00 $399.99 $99.99
Platform Windows PC Windows PC PlayStation 4 Samsung Smartphone
Field of View 110 degrees 110 degrees 100 degrees 96 degrees
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz 90 - 120 Hz 60 Hz
Display Resolution Per Eye 1080 x 1200 1080 x 1200 1080 x 960 1440 x 1280
Headset Weight 1.2 lbs 1.0 lbs 1.3 lbs 0.7 lbs (without phone)
I have the Samsung Gear VR, so I can do a direct comparison with that. Note that when it debuted in early 2015, the first Gear VR was $200, then quickly settling at $100 for the majority of the time, to now at $70. The 2016 version is $100 right now. The Gear VR by itself is lighter than the PS VR, but when you add in the phone, it suddenly becomes front-heavy and drags the headset down on your face. The PS VR, since there is more weight dispersion throughout the screen, does a better job of evenly distribution it all over the headset, making it definitely more comfortable to wear, and more comfortable over a longer period.
Although I cannot vouch for the PS VR over the HTC Vive and the Occulus Rift, here is the kicker for me: The PS VR can also display your Xbox One, Wii U, and PC inputs! Yes, all you need to do it hook up the HDMI cable to the processing unit of the PS VR, and you get a immersive intimate big-screen experience on your PS VR. Of course, you lose the head-tracking immersion experience, and you also lose the 3D audio, but this is a great extra gift that I have found out, which adds to the value and longevity of the device. Of course, you can also use the Netflix, Hulu, and all those video apps to watch movies like all the other headsets can, but they cannot accept input from the PS4, so this gives the PS VR a huge advantage over the current competition. When you add the cost of controllers to the Occulus Rift, the PS VR, even at the full $500 bundle, is still at least $300 cheaper than the nearest full VR system, not to mention, even if you had to buy a PS4 Pro, is still cheaper than a VR capable PC. So when you compare it that way, the PS VR is currently the best value. I will give a more in-depth review when I have more time to run through the apps and VR games.
First and foremost is the visual shortcomings. By splitting the resolution in half for each eye/lens(1920x1080 comes out to 960x1080), you are already downgrading the visuals into PS2 category. Most of the PS3 games I have played looks better than most of the PSVR games I have tried, which includes the games in the included VR Worlds games, and the games in the VR demo disc. Games like Rez Infinite and Battle Zone tries to get around this by making the games themselves old-school 3D polygon games, which just emphasizes the point even further. I feel like this is 1999 and I'm playing PS2 games. DriveClub VR is even more egregious, because it's supposed to be a full-on PS4 game, yet the pixelation is so bad, it's the game that started my nausea. I have not seen a racing game graphically this bad since the PS2 days. This is an embarrassment to the PS4 brand - I recommend to NOT buy that game. Stick to the non-VR version, it's way better.
Second, is the "telescope" effect, because of the narrow 100 degrees of field of view. To simulate the human peripheral field of vision, you would need at least 120 degrees. It is apparent that you are looking through something, and not inside the "world" of the game, when you can see the limitations that are the dark areas to the outside of the image area.
I know that current technology of VR systems like this cannot be wireless for now, and must attach itself to the PS4(and the computer for the HTC Vive and Occulus Rift), but having the constant reminder that there is a wire attached to the headset by having it rest upon your body or getting tangled at your feet while you move around is a constant nag. It is even worse if you have to use wired headsets or earphones as the tangled mess of two wires criss-crossing each other and your body is very frustrating. Unless you have a big living room, you will always be reminded of the area constraints, exacerbated by the wires. Until you are be free of all wires, you can never have that total freedom of immersion. That is why now I appreciate the Samsung Gear VR more, because of its true freedom capability(although of course it has its own issues).
Although some parts and aspects of this headset is high-quality, some parts are really low quality that it is a bit ludicrous for a $400 product. The plastic parts of the headset is made of cheap matte plastic, which is 100% guaranteed to have markings on them at the slightest touch. Don't believe me? Just run your fingernail across any of the black plastic portions and you'll find out for yourself. In that aspect, it feels like those cheap $30 "VR headsets" you can find on Amazon from Chinese manufacturers who are flooding the market with them. Perhaps there is a part of some of those factories that crank out these headsets. I would not be surprised....
Also, the lens must be so close to your eyes to get into the immersion experience, that your eyelashes touch the lens, and all the heat your eyeballs give out will fog them up sooner or later. I have to wipe the lenses every 30 minutes of use, which is very annoying. Even Sony concedes to this shortcoming, as it includes a wipe cloth for you.
Finally, and although a minor niggle, is still an annoyance, is that the move controllers included in my system were the old PS3 ones Sony tried to get rid of, which they sell for about $30 each for the PS3. I know this because mine still have the older mini-USB ports, not the newer micro-USB ports, so I can't use my phone charging cables if I lose them in the future, and have to buy those older ones. This is ridiculous and unacceptable Sony - shame on you! I'm sure once they run out of these for this very first batch of the PSVR's, they will include the newer ones, but that does not excuse them for pulling such a cheap tactic for such a huge company.
Here are the things I do like:
The immersion factor is very cool, especially for someone who has never experienced VR on this level before. For certain games, you really do feel like you are in that world. As developers have more experience and as the game technology improves, I feel this whole ecosystem will deserve a bump in the ratings to at least three stars. It's just that at this beginning first stage, it only deserves two. Sony needs to develop their own AAA VR games to really convince people, as this first batch of games is barely passable. I do like Eve: Valkyrie because the graphics are decent, and the gameplay and immersion factors add a lot to the game, and not just dangle it in the gimmick zone. CCP Games is the developer, and they deserve a lot of credit.
The 3D sound is very effective and adds greatly to the experience. When you put on a good pair of headphones, the experience is almost magical. Using my Sennheiser HD700 is not easy fitting it over the PSVR headset, but made the immersion experience awesome.
I give Sony a lot of credit for making the PSVR the most balanced headset I've worn, which includes the Samsung Gear VR, Occulus Rift, and HTC Vive. Although it is heavier overall, the weight is expertly dispersed to mainly the ring structure of the head apparatus, so it feels like you're wearing a motorcycle helmet, and never feels front-heavy to drag your head down and give you neck fatigue. It is a wonderful achievement.
The fit is also excellent. The mechanism for the nose fit is made of soft rubber, and very comfortable for your nose, and your face overall. It never has that "snorkel goggle" feel, and I love how it rests on my face. Big points to Sony for the overall comfort level of wearing this, except, like I stated earlier, the wires and the lenses touching your eyelashes.
So weighing all the good with all the bad, I strongly believe at this point of the process, it only deserves two stars. Undoubtedly, the technology and ecosystem will improve, and as the games get better, so will the overall experience. However, at this point, we are just "not there yet."
Sony even admits so themselves, that this is just the first iteration of the PSVR, version 1.0 so to speak, and that there will be at least versions 2 and 3, as soon as the end of 2017. So for those of you who are not loyal fanboys(I am one too, but just cannot physiologically enjoy this for now) and early adopters, I would advise you to wait at least another year. With the PS4 Pro coming out in less than two weeks which can display faux-4K, I think PSVR version 2 will be a lot better. Truthfully, until we can get to 4K resolution so that the VR lenses can portray full 1080p resolution in each lens, we can't really be fully immersed, as the graphics will always hold it back. It is totally evident in all of the PSVR games I have tried thus far.
Original Review:
I would like to do a quick comparison between this PSVR and some other notable VR headsets:
Name HTC Vive Oculus Rift PlayStation VR Samsung Gear
MSRP $799.00 $599.00 $399.99 $99.99
Platform Windows PC Windows PC PlayStation 4 Samsung Smartphone
Field of View 110 degrees 110 degrees 100 degrees 96 degrees
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz 90 - 120 Hz 60 Hz
Display Resolution Per Eye 1080 x 1200 1080 x 1200 1080 x 960 1440 x 1280
Headset Weight 1.2 lbs 1.0 lbs 1.3 lbs 0.7 lbs (without phone)
I have the Samsung Gear VR, so I can do a direct comparison with that. Note that when it debuted in early 2015, the first Gear VR was $200, then quickly settling at $100 for the majority of the time, to now at $70. The 2016 version is $100 right now. The Gear VR by itself is lighter than the PS VR, but when you add in the phone, it suddenly becomes front-heavy and drags the headset down on your face. The PS VR, since there is more weight dispersion throughout the screen, does a better job of evenly distribution it all over the headset, making it definitely more comfortable to wear, and more comfortable over a longer period.
Although I cannot vouch for the PS VR over the HTC Vive and the Occulus Rift, here is the kicker for me: The PS VR can also display your Xbox One, Wii U, and PC inputs! Yes, all you need to do it hook up the HDMI cable to the processing unit of the PS VR, and you get a immersive intimate big-screen experience on your PS VR. Of course, you lose the head-tracking immersion experience, and you also lose the 3D audio, but this is a great extra gift that I have found out, which adds to the value and longevity of the device. Of course, you can also use the Netflix, Hulu, and all those video apps to watch movies like all the other headsets can, but they cannot accept input from the PS4, so this gives the PS VR a huge advantage over the current competition. When you add the cost of controllers to the Occulus Rift, the PS VR, even at the full $500 bundle, is still at least $300 cheaper than the nearest full VR system, not to mention, even if you had to buy a PS4 Pro, is still cheaper than a VR capable PC. So when you compare it that way, the PS VR is currently the best value. I will give a more in-depth review when I have more time to run through the apps and VR games.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 26, 2016
Top reviews from other countries
Paranoid Android
Gran experiencia
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on March 8, 2017
Paranoid Android
Reviewed in Mexico 🇲🇽 on March 8, 2017
La instalación es sencilla pero toma su tiempo ya que son muchos cables los que hay que conectar pero las instrucciones son muy claras y la instalación no representa mayor problema salvo el tiempo que toma realizarla. Ya instalado la configuración es rápida y de un par de pasos.
En cuanto al producto aún no lo he jugado mucho pero desde la primer experiencia puedo decir que quedé realmente sorprendido. Es cierto que la resolución no es la mejor pero la verdad es que te involucras tanto en lo que está sucediendo que ni lo notas. Si utilizas audífonos este dispositivo te atrapa de tal modo que logra engañar a tu cerebro haciéndote sentir físicamente la velocidad y el vértigo, te sientes en otro mundo, de verdad una gran experiencia.
Un contra es que al poco tiempo de usarlo el calor se empieza a acumular y los cristales se llegan a empañar un poco pero se resuelve separando un poco el dispositivo de la cara para que entre un poco de aire fresco. En cuanto a los mareos que han reportado varios usuarios la verdad es que a mi no me pasó y eso que soy una persona que se marea muy fácil y con cualquier cosa. Lo cierto es que los movimientos bruscos en las imágenes me llegaron a hacer sentir raro y ansioso pero nada grave y sin mareos.
En general puedo decir que si tienes los recursos para darte este gusto lo hagas sin dudarlo, la experiencia es increíble y al menos en mi experiencia este vendedor resultó muy confiable y recomendable.
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Alexandre Bragio Bonaldo
Entrei em uma furada
Reviewed in Brazil 🇧🇷 on October 16, 2019
