PlayStation VR 2 is on the way, and after originally being announced in 2021, Sony shared more details on its latest piece of gaming hardware at CES 2022. While a number of questions still need to be answered regarding pricing, a release date, or what PSVR 2 will even look like, what has been shown so far points to a major upgrade in comparison to Sony’s last venture into the VR space. Ahead of its upcoming release, we’ve rounded everything that we know about the headset below, including its specs, features, and rumored release date.

What is PSVR 2?

PlayStation VR 2 Sense controllers

This isn’t the first time that Sony has offered virtual reality technology, as its first PSVR headset was released all the way back in 2016 for the PS4. On the surface, the original PSVR was a peripheral that provided an entry-level approach to VR, requiring multiple cables as well as a camera and external lights for both head- and controller-tracking.

The successor t leverages more powerful technology in its design, as well as several other quality-of-life upgrades for the PS5-exclusive device that could potentially rival other mainstream VR headsets such as the Oculus Quest 2 and the Valve Index.

Other features worth mentioning are the eye-tracking cameras that follow your line of sight when you’re aiming or looking around. Using advanced foveated rendering techniques, this technology is potentially capable of adjusting image quality to pinpoint and enhance whatever you’re focusing on, thus creating an improved visual experience.

The four integrated cameras can track you and the DualSense controller in real-time, with that data being used to reflect your actions inside of the game. If you weren’t a fan of using the PS4 Camera for VR, this method trims a lot of fat off of the experience.

If you’d like a taste of the current PSVR, now’s a good time to track down one of the bundles that have been released over the years. There’s a solid library of VR games published on PS4, but if you’re planning to use it on PS5 via backwards compatibility, you will need to acquire a special adaptor so that the older kit’s camera can work on Sony’s latest console.

PSVR 2 price and versions

There’s no word yet from Sony on PSVR 2 bundles that’ll be available, but if it follows the same path as the original PSVR, expect a standalone version and special editions that include a free game. Such examples from the past include PSVR bundles that came packaged with games such as VR Worlds, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition, and a mega-pack of five games.

As for the price, that also remains to be seen. You’ll want to brace your bank account though, as the first PSVR sold for $300 when it first launched. A higher price on the PSVR 2 is possible, but you can probably expect the headset to be competitively priced against something like the Meta Quest 2 which costs $300 for its 128GB model.

PSVR 2 release date

Again, there’s no concrete information on a release date, but a report from last year claimed that the device would be released during the 2022 holiday season. That’s a safe bet, as not only is the Q4 window a lucrative period to sell new hardware in, but it also gives Sony time to shore up stock while it deals with the ramifications of the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.

The PS5 is still hard to come by long after launch, and ensuring that it has the maximum number of consoles out on the market before it rolls out a niche device makes for a sound strategy.

If you are a PS5 owner interested in the headset, you should sign up for Sony’s mailing list on the official PlayStation website.

PSVR 2 specifications

Sony has spilled some details on the internals of the PSVR 2. Right out of the gate, you can expect a 2,000×2,040 per-eye resolution using OLED HDR displays, a 110-degree field of view, and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. On top of that, the headset- and controller-tracking uses a six-axis motion sensor, four cameras throughout the setup, and an IR camera for eye-tracking. Audio is fed through a traditional 3.5mm jack, and dynamically adapts to your position and head movements.

Most importantly, the headset will be connected to the console through a single USB-C connection, trimming down the messy collection of cables from the first PSVR headset by a substantial amount.

Controllers

A more detailed look at the PSVR 2 Sense controllers

While PSVR made use of the existing PlayStation Move wands that were introduced in the PS3 era, PSVR 2 has what it calls the Sense controller. Essentially, this gives you input in games, as well as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, precision tracking, and finger touch detection, all combined into what appears to be an attractive, ergonomic design. Sony says that the orb-like shape is meant to create a realistic and natural gaming experience through a well-balanced design, while other actions can be made using traditional analog sticks and action buttons split across both controllers.

You’ll still be able to easily capture gameplay as there’s a dedicated Share button, and even when you’re not actively pressing a button, finger touch detection will kick in so that the Sense controller can replicate natural motions and gestures. Haptic feedback–which you can read more about below–is part of the Sense controller design and follows a similar path as the DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and subtle vibrations.

PSVR vs. PSVR 2

In comparison to its successor, the PSVR headset looks downright primitive. Here’s how they compare to one another:

PSVRPSVR 2Resolution960 x 1080 per eye2,000 x 2,040 per-eyeDisplayOLEDOLED HDRRefresh rate90Hz, 120Hz90Hz, 120HzField of view100°110°TrackingSix-axis motion sensor and LED tracking via PlayStation MoveSix-axis motion sensor, four cameras for headset and controllers, IR camera for eye-trackingFeedbackVibration on headsetNoneAudio3.5mm input3.5mm inputConnectionsUSB and HDMIUSB and HDMI

PlayStation VR2 Sense Controllers Specifications

Buttons​[Right]​
PS button, Options button, Action buttons (Circle / Cross), R1 button, R2 button, Right Stick / R3 button
​[Left]​
PS button, Create button, Action buttons (Triangle / Square), L1 button, L2 button, Left Stick / L3 buttonSensing/ TrackingMotion Sensor: Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer)
Capacitive Sensor: Finger Touch DetectionIR LED: Position TrackingFeedback ​Trigger Effect (on R2/L2 button), Haptic Feedback (by single actuator per unit)PortUSB Type-C PortCommunication​Bluetooth Ver5.1​Battery​Type: Built-in Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery​

Haptic feedback

Say hello to the DualSense’s PSVR 2 sibling

The DualSense controller raised the bar for haptic feedback on a gaming console, and PSVR 2 has its own hardware that can enhance the gaming experience. According to Sony, the headset is capable of delivering soft and responsive vibrations during gameplay by using a built-in motor. In theory, this means that a game can let you feel your character’s elevated pulse during tense moments, objects passing closely by your head, or even the sensation of speed when you hit the accelerator on a vehicle.

As for the PSVR 2 controllers, each one has adaptive triggers and are capable of delivering vibrations that range from nuanced to intense pulses. It’s a similar setup to the DualSense, that’s designed to replicate real-world feedback depending on the game that you’re playing.

Which games will PSVR 2 have?

Sony hasn’t confirmed many games yet for PSVR 2, but the handful of titles in development do provide a wide spread of genres and appeal. Horizon Call of the Wild is a spin-off of Guerrilla’s popular Horizon series and will let you play as a new character who explores the post-apocalyptic world of a robot uprising. This launch title is being developed by Firesprite, a studio that Sony acquired in 2021.

Next is Runner, under development by Truant Pixel. Part anime, part extreme motorcycle hot pursuit simulator, Runner merges its Akira influences to create intense motorcycle chase sequences and will also be available on other VR platforms. Lastly, Samurai Slaughter House uses a unique art style to deliver some brutal melee combat. Like Runner, it’ll be a multiplatform game for VR devices.

Is PSVR 2 backwards compatible?

There are a small number of games confirmed for PSVR 2, although backwards compatibility with PSVR has yet to be confirmed. At CES in January, gaming journalist Stephen Totilo asked Sony for clarification on PSVR 2’s backwards compatibility status and was told that Sony that has “nothing further to announce at the moment.”

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CD Projekt Red has announced a special video briefing coming up very soon. The Polish developer will hold a new “Red Streams” event tomorrow, February 15, where it will talk about items related to Cyberpunk 2077. But what can we expect? “Things, y’know,” CD Projekt said.

The event kicks off at 4 PM CET, which is 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET. GameSpot will bring you all the news as it happens. CD Projekt did not tease anything about what to expect, but the announcement came from the Cyberpunk 2077 account, so an update on the game’s PS5/Xbox Series X|S edition might be coming.

Recently, a PS5 edition of Cyberpunk 2077 was spotted on the PlayStation Network, suggesting the official announcement and launch might be coming up soon.

As announced previously, a new version of Cyberpunk 2077 for PS5 (and Xbox Series X|S) is in the works and is scheduled for release during Q1 2022. Everyone who already owns the game on PS4/Xbox One can upgrade for free, while a standalone edition will presumably be available as well.

Despite technical issues with Cyberpunk 2077 at launch, the game sold nearly 14 million copies in 21 days and is one of the highest-selling RPGs in the history of video games. It also surpassed 1 million concurrent players on Steam, becoming one of five games ever to do that.

CD Projekt Red is also developing a new-generation version of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is scheduled to be released in Q2 2022.

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With just a few weeks to go before Savathun causes all manner of chaos in Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, now might be a good time for Guardians to take a break and charge their batteries for what lies ahead. There’s a massive solar system out there that’s just waiting to be explored, and in an age where space travel is finally in the hands of cosmically-powered super-soldiers instead of billionaires, you can visit another planet in style.

And what gives off a more chill vibe, than a spaceship which has a wood finish on its hull? You’ll need to be quick to grab it from the Eververse store before the weekly reset kicks in at 9AM PT / 12PM ET on Tuesday, February 15, but the Obdurate Economy is more than worth its asking price. It can, fortunately, be acquired for Bright Dust, an in-game currency that can be earned through Seasonal Challenges, bounties, Season Pass ranks, and Ritual Vendor challenges.

Obdurate Economy

What’s better than cruising the galaxy in a vehicle inspired by the Chevrolets and Ford station wagons of the past? Making certain that your Ghost isn’t left out, because you can also gift your little buddy with the Vantastic Shell. Or imprison your companion in pure 1970s kitsch, depending on your view of automobile fashion from that era:

Vantastic Shell

This isn’t the first time that Destiny 2 has given players a chance to travel in silly style. The Dares of Eternity offer Xur’s own spaceship–a really big rock–as a purchasable spaceship, and every so often there’s a new Sparrow that’ll turn heads with its ostentatious design.

Time is running out before Savathun makes her move, but the next era of Destiny 2 is one that you can start preparing for. In addition to our checklist on all the activities being vaulted soon, you can also get a sneak peek at some new Exotic weapons, see how Void 3.0 will transform Guardians, and some temptation to tackle the new campaign on Legendary difficulty.

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Smilegate’s recently released PC MMO Lost Ark continues to soar on Steam, recently surpassing 1 million concurrent players on its way to becoming the fourth most-played game in Steam’s history.

Lost Ark is also only the fifth game ever to pass 1 million concurrent players on Steam, the others being Cyberpunk 2077, Dota 2, CS: Go, and PUBG, according to SteamDB.

Following its early access launch for people who bought the founder’s pack, Lost Ark released officially for everyone as a free-to-play game on February 11 with some notable fixes at launch. The release was delayed slightly, but did eventually release that day.

Lost Ark has also seen huge numbers of viewers on Twitch(which is owned by Lost Ark’s publisher Amazon). The game saw more than 1.3 million viewers watching Lost Ark related streams during the game’s head start launch. Watching certain streams for the game grants players in-game rewards in the form of Twitch Drops as part of the Legends of Lost Ark launch event.

Lost Ark is the second success story for Amazon Games in recent months, following the big release of the MMO New World in 2021. Lost Ark was originally released in South Korea years ago.

For more on Lost Ark, check out GameSpot’s recent guides below.

Lost Ark Tips For Beginners: Trade Skills, Mokoko Seeds, Pets, And MoreLost Ark Powerpass Guide: How To Get Two Free Character BoostsLost Ark Class Guide: Gunlancer, Paladin, Berserker, And MoreRead MoreGameSpot – Game News

A Fortnite movie is coming. No, that’s not an announcement, though there have been rumors of a Fortnite movie for some time now. But it’s practically a foregone conclusion that one of the biggest names in entertainment, a brand with its hand in basically every intellectual property money pit right now, from Star Wars to Marvel and much more, is going to get a movie. It’s merely a matter of time.

One could argue that a movie is an old-fashioned way of doing things. Fortnite already features some incredible cinematic live events that players can live through themselves, which ends up feeling quite like being in a Fortnite movie already. But I do think, even in this weird era for movie theaters, that a Fortnite movie would be massive. It’s important to capitalize on the game’s still sky-high popularity, lest Epic Games and partners risk launching it when the game is losing steam, like the Angry Birds Movie.

With so many crossovers and characters constantly coming to Fortnite, no doubt a Fortnite movie would be packed full of more collaborations than Ready Player One, but for this exercise, I’m going to focus just on Fortnite’s homegrown heroes and largely pull from the most important characters in Fortnite lore, such as Jonesy, Doctor Slone, and Midas. Whether it’s a live-action adaptation or an animated feature with a star-studded voice cast, here’s who I envision as the stars of the inevitable Fortnite movie.

Jonesy – Tom Holland

Gallery

Holland is already the famous face of Spider-Man and Nathan Drake on the big screen, but if you think he can’t also play the main character of the Fortnite movie, I’d have to guess you haven’t heard what Chris Pratt’s been up to. Holland suits Jonesy’s mix of a young everyman with some jokey reluctant hero tropes that he’s already doing well in his other movies. As with his role as Drake, he’s also young enough to play Jonesy for the years of sequels to come.

The Foundation – The Rock

Gallery

No need to get cute here. The Rock is already playing the muscular leader of The Seven in Fortnite, and there’s every reason to think he’d fulfill that role in the movie version too. The Rock has star power like few others, appealing to both kids and adults dating back to his WWF days. It’s a shine he’s never really lost, and he’d play off of Holland perfectly in the same buddy-cop way that The Foundation and Jonesy already do in the game.

Doctor Slone – Jasmin Savoy Brown

Gallery

Jasmine Savoy Brown’s last half-decade has seen her catapulted into the upper echelon of young stars, and hers is a star still rising. She’s already flexed her ability to play complicated morally dubious characters in projects like The Leftovers, Scream, and Yellowjackets, so she’d fit right in as the probably evil, but maybe misunderstood Doctor Slone.

The Cube Queen – Carrie-Anne Moss

Gallery

Coming off back-to-back high-profile roles in The Matrix Resurrections and Horizon Forbidden West, Carrie Ann Moss makes a lot of sense as the formidable Cube Queen. This is a character who may not appear in the first Fortnite movie, assuming it rehashes the story to a predictable degree, but Moss would make for a big name attached to the sequel in the way studios love to do, and she’s got the commanding energy the Cube Queen demands.

Midas – Oscar Isaac

Gallery

One thing Epic got wrong about Midas, in my opinion, is that he’s meant to be Jules’ dad, but the two characters look nearly the same age. If the movie was live-action, that could be fixed by casting an older actor, but still someone who feels dripping with style and dangerous allure. Of course, I’m speaking of Oscar Isaac. He’s the perfect age and would bring his soon-to-be-earned Marvel fandom with him.

Jules – Ariana Grande

Gallery

This would be fun for a few reasons. For one, Grande is starting to try acting, as seen in Netflix’s Don’t Look Up recently. But more than that, Grande is already a big name in Fortnite thanks to her Rift Tour concert in the summer of 2021. For Grande to show up in the Fortnite movie as a character created by Epic would be a fun nod to the game’s own internal history, not to mention Grande is a few fake tattoos away from resembling Jules pretty closely.

The Paradigm – Mackenzie Davis

At the time of writing this, Epic is still drip-feeding us story about why The Paradigm was cast out of The Seven (and why the group may now be considering bringing her back). It seems like the writers have big, big plans for this mysterious hero, and if that translates to the movie, you’ll need a rising star to fill the role. After nailing it in things like Black Mirror and Station Eleven, I love Mackenzie Davis for this role. She’s believable as a hero with a checkered past, which seems to be who Epic is telling us The Paradigm is.

The Scientist – Joel McHale

Gallery

Like The Foundation, The Scientist’s in-game voice actor could comfortably slide into the movie role just as well. Joel McHale has done a great job as The Scientist, bringing a comic relief character to the story that, while colorful and silly in general, tends to be about the universe collapsing in on itself when you really get down to the details. He’s basically playing Jeff Winger from Community–but isn’t he always? As sardonic as ever, McHale has the right amount of star power to fill out this cast.

Peely – Donald Glover

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Look, if we’re not gonna get the Community movie, then I’m using this as my own personal wishing well to reunite at least some of the cast in something. Glover has incredible comedic chops and would obviously kill it as the Fortnite world’s anthropomorphic banana. Plus he’d do wonders with the eventual dancing banana segment that you’ve gotta know makes the final cut of any Fortnite movie. While we’re at it, let’s get Danny Pudi on the fitness fast-track to play Meowscles, Midas’ buff cat, too.

The Fortnite universe is massive, so this is only a main cast, more or less. Who else would you like to see in an eventual Fortnite movie? If you like this sort of thing, join me every week for my weekly column dedicated to the Fortnite storyline, Friday ‘Nite.

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