New PlayStation VR2 to PC Adapter May Limit Key Headset Features

Sony’s PlayStation VR2 headset is breaking free from its PlayStation 5 exclusivity. Now, with a $60 adapter, you can enjoy your $550 VR headset with any Steam-based VR game. But before you rush to make that purchase, be aware of a few compromises that come with taking your VR2 to your PC setup—some of which may strip away its best features.

Setting it up isn’t as simple as plug-and-play. You’ll connect the VR2 to your PC using several cables. Images from PlayStation’s blog show that the headset requires a wired link to the adapter box, which then hooks up to your PC via USB and DisplayPort. There’s also an option to connect it to a monitor so others can watch as you navigate tricky challenges, like those in Half-Life: Alyx.

However, there’s a catch. Your PC needs a DisplayPort 1.4 output and an additional DisplayPort cable. The basic specs call for a minimum of an Intel Core i5-7600 or an AMD Ryzen 3 3100 CPU, at least 8 GB of RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500XT. If you’re aiming to experience games at the full 4K capability of the VR2, you’ll likely want a more robust setup. Plus, you’ll need a Steam account to access your games. Any specific Steam VR requirements might not be an issue for long, thanks to the inventive PC VR modding community.

When we reviewed the VR2, it impressed us with its excellent eye tracking, inventive controls, and competitive pricing. Sadly, its utility was limited by a rather sparse selection of games available on the PlayStation 5. Sony launched this updated headset ahead of Meta’s $500 Meta Quest 3, which offers new passthrough AR features and a collection of exclusive titles. The VR2 boasts sharp in-headset lenses that support up to 4K resolution per eye and provide a wide 110-degree field of view.

Despite this promising possibility, taking the VR2 to PC does have its drawbacks. For starters, the headset’s eye-tracking won’t function on a PC, and you’ll also miss out on other notable features like HDR and headset feedback. The controllers won’t have adaptive triggers akin to DualSense and will only include basic rumble feedback, lacking the more nuanced haptics. Though the limited passthrough features remain effective on PC, they primarily serve to keep you from tripping over nearby furniture.

The adapter should be available for purchase on PlayStation Direct and at other retailers come August. Currently, the VR2 is enjoying a $100 discount through Direct and Best Buy during Sony’s Days of Play sale, which ends on June 13.

However, even with a price cut, the VR2 still comes with a hefty price tag—especially when factoring in the additional $60 cost for stepping outside of Sony’s tightly knit PlayStation system. We’re eager to try it out ourselves to determine whether it truly makes the VR2 worth it for those curious about diving into virtual reality, but the connection hassles and feature cuts do dampen the excitement a bit.