The PS VR2 is just a few days away from release. Unlike most hardware launches, it is a little hard to predict how it will fare on the market. This is because virtual reality gaming is in a transitory stage where it's rapidly becoming mainstream, but many gamers aren't entirely convinced yet. The PS VR2 is in a position to have a very successful launch thanks to a series of wise decisions Sony made with the PS5.
Despite the global microchip shortage, Sony has been able to pump out a steady supply of consoles and keep enthusiasm for it high. Hence, even in 2023, the PS5 sees increasing popularity. This, coupled with the fact that the PS5 houses many franchises that will be making their way to virtual reality, is very advantageous to the success of the PS VR2.
There Are Plenty of PS5s In the Wild
When the ninth generation consoles were about to launch in 2020, excitement was high for the new era of gaming. Unfortunately, the supply of the consoles was limited by the global microchip shortage which made it difficult for various tech industries around the world to manufacture enough to meet demand. The problem was worsened in the gaming industry by PlayStation and Xbox scalpers who snatched up as many consoles as possible and sold them at prices far higher than market value.
Despite this, the PS5 has soldiered through, and it has seen astronomic sales numbers. The PS5 enjoyed the largest console launch in Sony’s history, and to date, it has sold over 30 million units globally. Demand isn’t showing signs of slowing down, and as supply increases, so too are sales. In January 2023, the PS5 saw a 2,000% increase in sales in Europe. This is all good news for the PS VR2 which relies on the PS5 to run. The more PS5s there are in the wild, the more potential PS VR2 purchasers there are. It appears that Sony is also expecting the PS VR2 to see healthy sales, as it has stated that it plans to have two million headsets ready for launch. This is significant, as the PSVR sold five million units in its entire lifetime.
Many PS5 Games Will Be Going VR
The PS VR2 has a stellar launch game lineup, and this has been facilitated by the PS5. Gamers who have Resident Evil Village will be able to take Ethan Winters’ horror-filled story into the VR world for free when the headset launches. For gamers who have more of a need for speed, Gran Turismo 7 will also be receiving a free PS VR2 mode. This will be an excellent way for fans to the get most out of the game as they await the upcoming Gran Turismo movie. Some PlayStation franchises will also be receiving VR spin-offs. This is the case with Guerrilla Games’ Horizon franchise, which has Call of the Mountain lined up for the headset’s launch.
As VR gains more of a foothold in gaming, players are likely to see more developers support it and flex their creativity in that realm. According to Sony, there are over a hundred games in development for the PS VR2, so gamers have plenty to look forward to even after the launch period. A successful PS VR2 launch benefits gaming as a whole, as it leads to greater mainstream adoption of VR gaming.
PlayStation VR2 is set to launch on February 22.