The new virtual reality headset PlayStation VR 2 is scheduled to be available for the PS5 in early 2023, but those coming from the previous generation will be disappointed. The new model will not be backward compatible.
Anyone who already stocked up on all sorts of game fodder on the first PlayStation VR may have toyed with the idea of being able to enjoy it all on the new PlayStation VR 2 on the PS4. But now it’s clear: Unfortunately, that won’t be possible!
Sony has now confirmed that the new PSVR 2 will not be backwards compatible when it launches in early 2023. This means that previous generation virtual reality content cannot be played on the device.
The corresponding confirmation came as part of the current PlayStation podcast, in which Nideaki Nishino, Senior VP of Platform Experience at Sony, commented on the topic. The justification he gave there was that the PSVR 2 was designed as a “true next-generation virtual reality experience” and therefore had significantly more advanced features than the previous PSVR generation. Because of this, game development for PlayStation VR would also require a “different approach” and previous titles cannot be easily ported and played on PSVR 2.
In times when, above all, the Xbox has made backwards compatibility an important feature and Sony has almost pushed for comparable approaches on the PS5, this is certainly disappointing news. The more advanced features of PSVR 2 should certainly include the 4K HDR graphics, new controllers, up to 120 fps and the dual 2000×2040 OLED displays as well as the 110-degree field of view, the Fresnel lens and more.
PlayStation VR – What’s Next Trailer
Sony will soon be presenting the new titles for the VR headset PlayStation VR via video.
