PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter Review: Unlocking New Possibilities for VR Gaming

Until now, the PlayStation VR2 headset, which boasts impressive specifications, has faced challenges due to a limited selection of games available to its dedicated fan base. The headset’s PS5 exclusivity has forced VR developers to navigate a complex and often confusing series of hurdles to bring their games to the platform. As a result, a significant number of VR titles that are readily accessible on PC remain unavailable to PlayStation users, leaving them in a frustrating state of virtual limbo. This situation is compounded by the fact that the PS VR2 lacks compelling exclusive titles to offset the absence of popular PC game ports, further diminishing its appeal.

However, the introduction of the long-awaited PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter offers a promising solution. This adapter enables users to transform their PS VR2 into a SteamVR-compatible headset, allowing access to a broader library of VR games while retaining some of its premium features, such as the 4K OLED display and 110-degree field of view, along with the Sense controllers that feature advanced finger tracking. The adapter comes with a price tag of $60, and it assumes that users already own the PS VR2 headset and have a capable gaming PC to support it. After a weekend of using the PS VR2 with the adapter—albeit after an initial challenging setup phase—I can confidently declare it my preferred PC VR headset going forward.

The PC adapter itself is designed with a sleek, all-black exterior and a compact footprint, resembling a flat square. It features a single USB-C port on the front, along with a short, hardwired USB-A 3.0 cable located at the back between a DisplayPort 1.4 slot and an AC input. Connecting the PS VR2 is straightforward, as the headset plugs into the front USB-C port, while the back USB-A and DisplayPort slots facilitate data transmission between the adapter and the gaming PC. Its compact size allows it to blend seamlessly into any existing setup, making it an unobtrusive addition to my unconventional PC arrangement, where the VR headset connects perpendicularly across the room from my desktop.

A notable distinction between the PS VR2 and Meta’s VR headsets lies in their controller pairing process. While Meta's controllers connect directly to the headset, the PS VR2 and its Sense controllers depend on the gaming PC's Bluetooth capability, specifically requiring a version of 4.0 or higher. I encountered some initial concerns regarding my motherboard’s built-in Intel Bluetooth adapter, which is known for being unreliable. As anticipated, it struggled to maintain stable connections for more than a minute per controller, which slowed down the setup process. Fortunately, I was able to resolve this issue by purchasing an external Bluetooth 5.0-capable adapter, which significantly improved the connection stability. However, it would have been convenient if the PS VR2 PC adapter had included an onboard Bluetooth radio.

The instruction manual provided with the adapter contains a critical note advising against using extension cables or USB hubs, as this could lead to malfunctions. Despite this warning, I attempted to connect the adapter through an external USB 3.0 hub due to my specific setup constraints. I also used a DisplayPort extender to connect to my GPU. However, this configuration resulted in a blurry and distorted visual experience in the headset, which confirmed the importance of adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines. After switching to a USB 3.0 extender and a longer 6-foot DisplayPort cable, I successfully resolved the issue. Nevertheless, it would have been beneficial if a DisplayPort cable had been included in the package, as many users may not have one readily available.

The PlayStation VR2 PC app offers a straightforward setup tutorial that covers the basics of using the Sense controllers and configuring the headset for optimal fit and comfort. While it may not provide the immersive onboarding experience seen with Meta's headsets, the tutorial efficiently guides users toward the SteamVR home area, where they can access their installed games.

Initially, I encountered significant frame stutters and GPU lag while attempting to play VR games, which was perplexing given my gaming rig's specifications, including an Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti and AMD Ryzen 3900X. Ultimately, the solution involved disabling Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling and adjusting several global SteamVR settings. By enabling motion smoothing and setting a custom resolution of 3,000 x 3,000 per eye, I resolved the performance issues that had plagued my initial experience. Despite the setup challenges, these were more reflective of my unfamiliarity with PC VR settings after a year-long hiatus and the recent GPU upgrade, rather than a fault of the adapter itself.

In summary, the PlayStation VR2 PC Adapter opens up new possibilities for PS VR2 owners, allowing them to tap into the expansive library of VR games on Steam while retaining key features of the headset. While initial setup can present challenges, the adapter ultimately enhances the overall VR experience for users who are willing to invest the time and effort to optimize their settings.