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PSVR2's Future in Doubt After Three Years

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 15:17 GMT by Push Square
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Thursday, February 26th, 2026 - It's been three years since the launch of the PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2), and the initial excitement surrounding Sony's next-generation VR headset has waned considerably. While technologically impressive, the PSVR2 finds itself at a critical juncture, prompting serious questions about its long-term viability and Sony's commitment to the virtual reality space. A recent video analysis by VR content creator 'VR Oasis' has reignited the debate, painting a sobering picture of a headset struggling to find its footing.

Launched in February 2023, the PSVR2 promised a substantial leap forward in VR gaming, boasting features like eye-tracking, haptic feedback in the headset and controllers, and stunning visual fidelity leveraging the power of the PlayStation 5 console. Early reviews lauded the technological advancements, touting immersive experiences that rivaled even high-end PC VR setups. However, those initial accolades haven't translated into sustained success.

The core issue, as highlighted by 'VR Oasis' and echoed by many in the VR community, is a lack of compelling, consistent content. While several high-profile VR titles have graced the PSVR2 - Horizon Call of the Mountain being a notable launch title - the stream of new and substantial releases has slowed to a trickle. The PSVR2 library, compared to competitors on the PC VR platform like SteamVR (supporting headsets from Valve, HTC, Meta and others), feels sparse. This isn't simply about quantity; it's about quality and variety. Players need a consistent flow of experiences to justify the initial investment and continued engagement.

This content drought is further exacerbated by the PSVR2's relatively high price point. At launch, the headset retailed for $549, and while discounts have occasionally appeared, it remains a significant financial commitment, especially when factoring in the cost of the PlayStation 5 itself. Compared to standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 - which offers wireless freedom, hand tracking, and a growing content library at a lower price point - the PSVR2's tethered nature and high cost of entry represent a considerable barrier to adoption.

The competitive landscape is shifting rapidly. PC VR, fueled by SteamVR and a diverse ecosystem of developers, continues to thrive. Meta's Quest platform, despite facing its own challenges, has built a substantial user base and a robust library of games and experiences. These platforms benefit from open standards and broader developer support, allowing for a more dynamic and innovative VR ecosystem. Sony's walled garden approach, while offering a degree of quality control, limits accessibility and developer enthusiasm. The rise of mixed reality, exemplified by headsets like the Apple Vision Pro (while a vastly different price point), further complicates the picture, showcasing new interaction paradigms and highlighting the need for continuous innovation.

So, what can Sony do? The future isn't necessarily bleak, but it demands decisive action. A significant investment in first-party VR content is crucial. Sony possesses a wealth of popular franchises - Gran Turismo, God of War, Spider-Man - that could be adapted for compelling VR experiences. Beyond first-party development, Sony needs to actively incentivize third-party developers to create content for the PSVR2, perhaps through financial incentives, marketing support, or streamlined development tools.

Furthermore, Sony needs to address the limitations of the hardware. While the PSVR2's technical specifications are impressive, the tethered connection is increasingly seen as a drawback. Exploring wireless capabilities, even as an optional accessory, could significantly enhance the user experience. Openness to cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to access PC VR content on the PSVR2, could also broaden the appeal and unlock a much larger library of games and experiences.

The next year will be pivotal. If Sony fails to address these issues and demonstrate a renewed commitment to the PSVR2, it risks relegating the headset to a footnote in VR history. The question isn't just about whether the PSVR2 is 'dead' today; it's about whether Sony will allow its VR ambitions to die a slow and quiet death.