Looks like even Sony’s top execs are admitting it—the PlayStation VR2 didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Shuhei Yoshida, former head honcho at Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios, recently shared some thoughts (or rather, lack thereof) on the troubled headset during an interview. And by thoughts, we mean he basically said, “Yeah, let’s not talk about that.” Ouch.
PS VR2: The Hype vs. The Harsh Reality
PlayStation VR2 hit the shelves in 2023 with all the bells and whistles—eye-tracking, fancy haptics, and immersive visuals. But there was one big problem: the price. At $549.99, the headset cost more than the PlayStation 5 you needed to run it. And to make matters worse, it lacked backwards compatibility with PS VR1 games, meaning you were dropping serious cash for a fresh start.
Fans and critics were torn. Sure, the tech was solid, and the games were decent, but was it really worth the cost? Early reports suggested otherwise, with whispers of sluggish sales circulating before the thing even launched. Now, it seems even Yoshida himself is waving the white flag.
“I Was Wrong” – Yoshida’s Brutally Honest Admission
During a recent appearance on the Kinda Funny Gamescast, Yoshida reminisced fondly about his time working on the first PS VR headset. But when host Greg Miller asked if he still thought VR was the next big thing for Sony—something Yoshida had previously compared to the original PlayStation’s groundbreaking success—his response was… less than enthusiastic.
“I’m sorry, I was wrong,” he said bluntly. “PS VR2 didn’t become PS2.” And when pushed for more details? A quick, “Let’s move on.” Yikes.
What Went Wrong?
It’s not rocket science—VR is still a tough sell, especially when it comes with a steep price tag. Asking consumers to buy a high-end console and an expensive headset? That’s a tough pill to swallow, even for die-hard fans. The lack of backwards compatibility only made things worse, making the upgrade feel more like a fresh (and costly) start rather than a natural evolution.
Things got a little better in 2024 when Sony rolled out PC compatibility, but the question remains: is it too little, too late? The VR space is already crowded with more affordable and versatile options, and Sony’s hesitance to invest heavily in new VR titles isn’t exactly reassuring.
The Future of PS VR2 – Is It Game Over?
Sony’s been tight-lipped about the future of its VR division, with reports suggesting a slowdown in game development for the headset. With Yoshida’s latest comments, it’s clear that even internally, there’s doubt about whether PS VR2 has legs to stand on.
That said, PC compatibility might offer a glimmer of hope. It opens up the market beyond PlayStation users, potentially giving the hardware a second life. But will that be enough to turn the tide?
Final Thoughts
PS VR2 had all the ingredients to be a game-changer, but high costs, limited backwards compatibility, and a hesitant market left it struggling to find its place. If Sony wants to stay in the VR game, they’ll need to rethink their approach—and maybe, just maybe, find a way to make it more accessible to the average gamer.
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see if this pricey headset can claw its way back or if it’s destined to become another tech relic gathering dust on the shelf.
PlayStation VR2 – Now $350 (Was $550, Save $200)
Want to see what the fuss is about? The PS VR2 is currently on sale, offering eye-tracking, sense controllers, and high-end VR features. But hey, is it worth it at a discount? You decide.
