The PSVR 2 beats Meta and Oculus Quest in one very important way

Sony's Jim Ryan at CES 2022 showcasing the PSVR 2

(Epitome credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The PSVR 2 is coming, and I'm quietly screaming with joy. And that's a little funny to me, equally someone who used to exist extremely lukewarm or non-plussed near VR headsets. But over the last yr, I watched as Oculus Quest two (now "Meta Quest ii") became the hot new thing on the block. VR, information technology seems, afterwards years of having been seen every bit "the next large thing," is finally here for real. All along, though, I rolled my eyes at the concept of even buying one.

My existing disinterest wasn't tied to the apps or the hardware, quite the opposite, actually. I've been curious about some of the best Oculus Quest ii games, including some titles that were on the original PlayStation VR, such as Beat Saber and Superhot VR. Merely it'south always seemed like getting into the original PlayStation VR right now was a bad investment, as it's pretty erstwhile. Every bit someone who is still looking for a successor to Ring Fit Adventure for at-abode gamified exercise, the news of Liteboxer VR for Oculus Quest 2 sounded like something I wanted to play.

Thankfully, the PSVR 2 looks to be the virtual reality headset I've been patiently waiting for, likewise as a reminder of why I should be happy I beat the bots in the PS5 restock fights of terminal year.

So, without further prelude, allow's break down why I'k and then excited about PSVR 2.

The Oculus Quest 2 may have been the pop gift of 2021, merely it is not for me. Why? I do not want to ain any device that is fully inside of, and under the control of Meta, the company formerly known every bit Facebook. I but begrudgingly have Instagram and Facebook accounts, but at least those services and apps have to play within the rules of the cyberspace and the Apple App Store.

Oculus Quest 2 in action — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

While you tin try to control Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp's access to your data past tweaking web browser and phone settings, the same cannot be washed as easily within a product Meta releases and controls entirely. Mark Zuckerberg's visitor is only going to give you the preferences and settings they deem worthy.

And, to be frank, final twelvemonth (and every twelvemonth earlier that) proved to me that Meta is not capable of making these decisions responsibly.

If you're wondering why am I and then staunch almost settings, just look back to October, when Facebook rebranded as Meta (which was done comically poorly, as you can see below).

The decision to try and shirk the Facebook branding for the overall parent company (the social network retains the proper noun) came during the heart of the Facebook Papers storm. The timing withal seems also obvious to ignore, as the Meta make was revealed while Facebook documents released by whistleblower Frances Haugen revealed that many of our worst suspicions about the company were correct.

The Washington Post's analysis institute that Facebook values user engagement over user condom; that the company failed to finer moderate content effectually the earth; and that Facebook had the proof that Instagram was harmful for the mental health of teenage girls.

Knowing all of that, I don't utilise any Facebook product without at least a tinge of guilt, and it gives me a serious reason to avert diving headset-first into an ecosystem entirely under its control.

Sony? I have no such qualms about trusting them with another piece of hardware in my house. Maybe they'll i day prove me wrong, only they're non screwing things up every bit badly as Meta/Facebook.

PSVR 2 sounds like it will support my other need

When the PSVR two news bankrupt, I was mining every article I could looking for one specific detail: can I apply it despite my shoddy vision. I'thou not blind, listen you, but I do require some sort of corrective eye-wear, exist it contact lenses or glasses. I'k not like my friend Hunter, who got LASIK for the purpose of a VR headset, either. I'm OK with wearing glasses, and I call up I'd rather miss a gaming experience than get cosmetic surgery.

Kickoff off, the precedent is here because the original PSVR had adapters for prescription lens support. Heck, it was even designed and so y'all could wear glasses while wearing the headset (though the dual layers seems a scrap much), as the FAQ page for the headset noted that users could "telescope the lens closer to, and farther away from, your face to get the optimal fit."

On top of that, there's a 2019 Sony patent (as reported past UploadVR) that gives me more reason to be optimistic. While patents aren't proof of annihilation y'all tin can bet on, this showed that Sony was looking into a pair of prescription glasses that would piece of work with a new version of PSVR, that included eye-tracking. And then Sony'southward announcement of PSVR ii included news that the glasses would support — you lot guessed it — middle-tracking.

So, bring on the PSVR ii games and experiences!

While I desire to support whatsoever visitor that's competing with Facebook, that won't be plenty on its own. Fortunately, Sony looks to be betting on quality.

I'yard excited to see the little glimpse of Horizon Call of the Mount provided in the to a higher place video, which will probably make me feel like I'g really using a bow and pointer. And I bet it will likely exist only the first of many exciting experiences for the PSVR 2.

I tin't wait to encounter Sony announces next. I only promise that the PSVR 2 doesn't cost as much every bit a PS5 (which is likely) and that information technology's easier to find in stock (which is less likely).

Henry is a senior editor at Tom's Guide roofing streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past six-plus years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Mag. He's too covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.