Can PSVR 2 play 3D movies?

Want to watch 3D movies on PSVR 2? Here's what you need to know

(Credit: The Shortcut)

You may be wondering whether PSVR 2 can play 3D movies, particularly if you’ve amassed a large library of 3D Blu-ray movies over the years. After all, rival VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2 allow users to watch a healthy selection of films in the third dimension, and even the original PSVR lets you play 3D movies. It makes sense that PlayStation VR2 would be able to do the same, right?

Sadly, despite PSVR 2’s specs ticking most of the boxes VR enthusiasts expect, the headset only lets you play PSVR 2 games – you can’t play 3D movies. The omission is a frustrating one, as the original PSVR could play 3D movies using the headset’s Cinematic Mode.

The PlayStation VR2 is obviously a far more capable headset, but perhaps Sony felt demand wasn’t high enough to warrant the feature’s inclusion as 3D movies aren’t as popular as they once were. Still, don’t rule it out entirely as we could see 3D movies come to PSVR 2 in the future.

Sony may add additional functionality to its PS5 headset via future firmware updates, but right now it’s a device that’s strictly focused on gaming and that’s about it. Of course, you’ll need to have a PS5 disc vs Digital model if you do want to enjoy physical copies of 3D Blu-ray movies, though digital versions could be made available.

Why 3D movies would be great on PSVR 2

Those who have experienced 3D movies in virtual reality tend to say it’s a more impressive and engaging spectacle than when you wear typical 3D glasses at the cinema. Avatar: The Way of Water helped showcase the wonders of 3D to a wider audience and just how far the technology has come since it was prematurely shoehorned into almost every TV and then abandoned by manufacturers, so it’s a shame the option isn’t available on Sony’s next-gen VR headset.

When you consider the PSVR 2 price is $549 and you need a PS5 to use it (thankfully, PSVR 2 doesn’t need a camera to work), it’s a shame that it doesn’t include more functionality. It’s also frustrating that you can only play PS4 and PS5 games using the headset’s Cinematic Mode and you can’t use it to watch 3D movies like on the original PlayStation VR. Add in the fact that PSVR 2 isn’t backward compatible with PSVR games, and it feels rather bare bones in terms of features and value for money.

We’ve seen other headsets offer more ways to enjoy VR experiences and even AR, something I particularly enjoyed during my HTC Vive XR Elite hands-on review. With the PSVR 2 limited to just playing VR games, it seems rather restrictive by comparison. That feeling may only grow with the Meta Quest 3 releases, along with the Apple Vision Pro next year.

Can PSVR 2 play 360-degree videos or adult content?

As you may have surmised, the PSVR 2 also can’t play 360-degree videos and adult-oriented content is also off the table. That probably won’t be a deal breaker for those who only want to play the likes of Resident Evil Village and Gran Turismo 7 in VR, but again, the more bang for your buck a device can offer the better – particularly one that is fairly niche. You wouldn’t buy a smartphone if it could only make phone calls, for example.

Newcomers to VR may be wondering, ‘Is PSVR 2 worth it?’ and ‘Does PSVR 2 make you feel sick?’. Your mileage and expectations for PlayStation VR2 will vary, but there’s no doubt the headset can make you feel queasy in certain games.

Last updated: September 27, 2023