Rumors have been floating around about the future of the PlayStation VR. Although Sony has not released much information on its future plans for VR, patents secured by Sony may point to a new PlayStation VR.
The current PlayStation VR is compatible with some PlayStation 4 games and has a fair amount of VR exclusives. Games like Prey VR have been leaked for PSVR, but are in limbo in terms of which console they will be available for. According to Mark Cerny, the architect for the PlayStation 5, the current PlayStation VR will be compatible with the PlayStation 5. However, based on the patent filed by Sony, a new PlayStation VR could be in development that could improve on the current model.
The new patent by Sony is described as a "Information Processing System" and has images that are almost identical to the current PlayStation VR. Many of the images are also depictions of TV screens, so the patent could also be an improvement of how the headset visuals are displayed on other screens. Although Sony is known for patenting technology that may never see the market, the two patents for a controller and the headset point towards a VR 2. Sony has kept pretty quiet and has not announced plans for a VR 2, but is expected to continue to deliver immersive experiences and games with VR.
Sony previously patented technology for a finger-tracking controller for the PlayStation VR. This patent prompted many to believe that the controller would be for a PlayStation VR 2. If that is the case, a new PSVR would set itself apart from the original model with an incredibly improved controller. However, this could also mean that some games may require the newer model, or hopefully will be compatible with both models.
Games such as Iron Man VR and The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners require the PlayStation Move controllers, so it would be no surprise if a new PlayStation VR headset would also require some games to use a potentially new finger-tracking controller. With the PlayStation 5's release on the horizon, it will be interesting to see what the future of VR holds for the console.
The PlayStation VR is an enjoyable experience, but could also be improved upon. Some of the complaints about the PlayStation VR is the lack of games, the high price point, and instances of cybersickness. If the PlayStation VR 2 headset is in development, Sony will most likely try to address these problems with the new system.
Source: PatentScope (via Comicbook)