Does PSVR 2 need a camera to work on PS5?

Sony's PS5 VR headset comes with inside-out tracking, but you do need a camera for one aspect of PSVR 2

(Credit: The Shortcut)

Cost-conscious gamers will be pleased to know that the PSVR 2 doesn’t need a camera to work on PS5, a relief considering the PSVR 2 price is $549. That means you don’t need to rush out and buy the $60 PS5 HD Camera if you’re interested in playing the latest PSVR 2 games, as PlayStation VR2 features inside-out tracking.

If you’re not sure what inside-out tracking means, it’s a technology that uses cameras placed on a device to determine its location in the environment. The PSVR 2 has four embedded cameras on the headset, allowing it to track exactly where your head is positioned at all times.

That’s why unlike the original PSVR, which required users to also have the PS4 HD Camera, Sony’s PlayStation VR2 doesn’t need a separate external camera for tracking purposes. It’s also why the PSVR 2 is far more accurate than the original PlayStation VR, and why the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers don’t have glowing orbs on the end of them, like the PS Move controllers did. Simply put, it’s far more precise and advanced than the PSVR ever was.

That’s good news, then, as having to shell out an extra $59.99 just to use Sony’s headset on PS5 would have been a blow. What’s more, PSVR 2 comes with controllers and it also comes with headphones.

Why you might need a camera for PSVR 2

The PS5 HD Camera is necessary for one PSVR 2 feature, however: broadcasting yourself on streaming services. Just like if you plan on streaming the best PS5 games via Twitch or YouTube directly from your console, you’ll need the PS5 HD Camera to broadcast yourself. This won’t be something that everyone is interested in, admittedly, but bear this in mind if you’re planning on becoming a PSVR 2 streamer.

(Credit: Adam Vjestica/The Shortcut)

Annoyingly, unlike the Xbox Series X|S, the PS5 doesn’t support third-party webcams, so there’s no way of showing your audience that you’re physically climbing cliff faces in Horizon Call of the Mountain or leaning into every corner in Gran Turismo 7 without the official camera plugged in. That makes the camera one of the best PS5 accessories by default, as it serves a very specific purpose. Just keep in mind it will take up one of the PS5’s three USB-A ports.

To reiterate, then, you don’t need a camera for PSVR 2 to work on PS5, then, but you will have to grab one if you plan on broadcasting your adventures in virtual reality to the wider world.

If you’re still on the fence about VR, you may be asking ‘Is PSVR 2 worth it?’ and ‘Does PSVR make you feel sick?’. We’ve got the answers to all those questions and more in our extensive PSVR 2 coverage.

Last updated: September 27, 2023