In the virtual reality space, Sony's original PlayStation VR was a huge hit, selling 5 million units as of January 2020. That number is likely much higher now, leading Sony to greenlight a second generation headset. In 2021, the company showed off the controllers that PSVR 2 will be using and said that more news would be shared in 2022. It seems that reveal may be coming sooner rather than later as it has now been rumored that PSVR 2 is currently about to begin its production.
Speculation is running rampant and according to rumors Sony's successor to its PlayStation VR headset is about ready to start the production process. A Chinese supply chain source claims the company named Goertek has landed a contract for the process. This seems to track as Goertek previously partnered with Sony on components for its original PSVR and also supplies parts for the PlayStation 5. It would seem that Sony is indeed attempting to push this new device out this year, likely in time for the holidays, or even earlier.
Currently, Goertek is enjoying a record year share price-wise, likely due to its ongoing collaboration with Meta on the Meta Quest 2 headset (formerly known as Oculus Quest 2). Goertek expects similar results in 2022 and expects a "major Japanese" partner to ship around 1-2 million units of its next-generation headset this year. Considering there aren't many major players in the virtual reality space at the current moment, especially Japanese ones, there is no doubt this is in reference to Sony's PSVR 2. If this holds true, the market can expect about that many units come the new headset's launch.
The original PSVR is still being supported as Sony announced a few games recently including a sequel to Moss. Sony hasn't posted sales numbers for PlayStation VR since January 2020 so it is unclear whether they are disappointing or Sony is just going all-in on PSVR 2 at the moment. Once PSVR 2 hits this year, it is likely the original headset will be phased out rather quickly.
How the current problem with chip shortages will effect the amount of units that Sony is able to produce is unclear at this time, but the company is sure to take that into consideration. A reveal for PSVR 2 is rumored for the beginning of this year, and so far, this bit of news tracks with that still being the case. Hopefully the reveal puts all of Sony's cards on the table and offers an in-depth look at the headset, controllers, and games that will be available for the product's launch. For now at least, it seems everything is right on track for PSVR 2 to enter households later this year.