Can the PSVR 2 cable be extended?

PSVR 2 is a wired headset, but don't let that one cable pull you back

(Credit: The Shortcut)

If you’re interested in buying Sony’s PS5 VR headset, you might be asking: ‘Is PSVR 2 wireless?’. Unfortunately, the answer is no. While the PSVR 2 specs are up there with the best VR headsets on the market, the long, dangling wire that’s permanently affixed to the rear of the headset is definitely a mark against it. But can the PSVR 2 cable be extended?

The PSVR 2 can only be used when it’s wired up to a PS5 and only a PS5 – it’s not compatible with PS4 and can’t be used with a PC. Thankfully, only one USB-C cable is required, rather than the tangle of wires the original PlayStation VR needed.

Even so, it’s a restrictive design – especially if you’ve grown accustomed to playing VR games without worrying about a cable – and the 4.5-meter cable might not be long enough if you want to give your legs a workout in a large room or enjoy PSVR 2 games you can play sitting down on your couch.

Thankfully, the solution is a simple one: buy an extension cable. Plenty of online retailers and electronics stores stock USB-C extension cables, and they’re usually pretty cheap. In fact, a USB extension cable is one of the best PSVR 2 accessories you can buy.

(Credit: Adam Vjestica/The Shortcut)

Before you rush out and buy one, though, the cable needs to support a high data transfer speed. You can judge a cable’s rating just by its version of USB: 

• USB 3.1 – 10 Gbps

• USB 3.2 Gen 1 – 5 Gbps

• USB 3.2 Gen 2 – 10 Gbps

• USB 3.2 Gen 3 – 20 Gbps

Anything older than USB 3.1 is likely too slow for VR purposes, and while USB 4.0 does offer transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, that kind of headroom is redundant (and pricey).

Of course, you should also pay attention to the length of the cable. Make sure it provides enough extension but also isn’t overly long. Longer cables tend to have a lower transfer speed, and you don’t want a coil of cable sitting in the corner of your living room, threatening to trip you up when you’re in the virtual world.

Check out a whole batch of suitable cables at Amazon below:

Weighing up the PSVR 2 vs Meta Quest 2, it’s clear that one of the main advantages of Meta’s headset is its full wireless connectivity. Extending the PSVR 2’s USB cable goes some way to alleviating its biggest drawback, and with time, the feeling of a wire hanging across your back won’t be so jarring.

Plus, the cost of picking up an extension cable really is negligible next to the full PSVR 2 price. Don’t let a short cable color your decision of whether PSVR 2 is worth it.

Last updated: July 17, 2023