➡️ The Shortcut Skinny

• 👍 Sony has given us a quick peek at the user experience features of PSVR 2

• 👀 The headset includes a see-through view, so you don’t have to take the headset off

• 📷 You’ll be able to broadcast yourself while playing if you have a PS5 HD Camera

• 🛋️ You can customize your play area using the headset’s cameras and PSVR 2 Sense controllers

• 🎥 You can switch between two modes: VR Mode and Cinematic Mode

• 🔜 The PSVR 2 launch date will be shared soon

We still don’t have a PSVR 2 pre-order date to share, but Sony has shown off some of the user experience features we can expect when its next-gen virtual reality is available.

As the PlayStation Blog outlines, players can look forward to a see-through view, which lets you check your surroundings while wearing the headset. The PSVR 2’s embedded front cameras let you easily return to the real world by pressing the function button on the headset or by using the Card in the Control Center on PS5.

The PSVR 2’s see-through view is sure to be handy if you’ve miss placed your controller or if you’re worried your dog is chewing on the skirting boards. 

Sony says that you can’t record anything while in see-through view, which should alleviate some concerns some may have about using the headset for nefarious purposes.

A new broadcast feature is also coming to PSVR 2, which finally adds more functionality to the PS5 HD Camera, one of the best PS5 accessories, albeit mostly by default. Those who own the accessory can record themselves swinging wildly and reacting to the game while in VR, which is always fun to watch.

If you’re worried about having enough play space, you’ll be able to customize your room using the PSVR 2 headset and PSVR 2 Sense controllers. The cameras can scan your room, and you can adjust the play area using the PSVR 2’s controllers. You’ll be alerted if you’re close to a boundary while playing, and your play area will be saved unless you move into a different area. 

Interestingly, you can play in VR Mode or Cinematic Mode while wearing the PSVR 2. In VR Mode, you’ll be able to play PSVR 2 games in a 360 view environment, with the content being displayed in a 4000 x 2040 HDR video format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with a 90Hz/120hz frame rate. 

• 👉 Check out all the PS5 120fps games

Cinematic Mode, meanwhile, lets you view the PS5 system and UI and all non-VR games and media on a virtual cinema screen. Content is presented in 1920 x 1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and 120Hz frame rates. It’s unclear exactly how big the virtual screen will be, but I wouldn’t mind playing some of the best PS5 games on a 70-inch plus screen.

Do we have a PSVR 2 release date yet?

Sony has promised to share more PSVR 2 information soon, including a headset launch date and additional games coming to the platform. PSVR 2 will likely ship in early 2023 — fingers crossed Sony can ensure a plentiful supply for those interested in VR.

If you’re still on the hunt for a PlayStation, our PS5 restock page has the latest info.