TechGamingGaming ConsolesPSVR 2 or PS5 Pro – which would be the better buy for a PlayStation 5 owner?T3 analyses the pros of buying both pieces of next-gen PlayStation hardware, both confirmed and rumoredWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechGamingGaming ConsolesPSVR 2 or PS5 Pro – which would be the better buy for a PlayStation 5 owner?T3 analyses the pros of buying both pieces of next-gen PlayStation hardware, both confirmed and rumoredWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
T3 analyses the pros of buying both pieces of next-gen PlayStation hardware, both confirmed and rumored
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: VR4Player.fr)
(Image credit: VR4Player.fr)
I don’t know about you, but as aPS5owner I’m now looking at 2023 with a mixture of great anticipation and anxiety.
I’m excited asPSVR 2is landing in February (andpre-orders are now openfor everyone), and there’s also, almost certainly, newPlayStationconsole hardware arriving, too.
A new PS5 console that comes witha removable optical disc drivehas been widely reported to be landing late next year, and just yesterday did we getan update from an industry insiderthat says that this console, which is most likely an incomingPS5 Slim, is currently with developers ahead of its launch next year.
But I’m also excited because, as I wrote last week (inShould I wait for a PS5 Pro or just buy a PlayStation 5 now?),Sony’s previous-gen release schedule points toward potentiallyanothernew PS5 console launching next year, too – aPS5 Pro.
But, if a PS5 Proisgoing to launch next year, the same year as the PSVR 2, then which piece of hardware would be the better buy for a gamer already with a PS5 console? And especially so as they would likely retail in the same ballpark of $549.99 / £529.99 / AU$879.95. Right here I briefly outline my thoughts arguing for each.
(Image credit: Sony)
(Image credit: Sony)
PSVR 2: reasons to buy
Here are the reasons I think it could be argued it makes sense for a PS5 gamer to spend their money on PSVR 2.
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PSVR 2, literally, delivers another dimension in gaming,and does something that Xbox simply cannot match. If a PS5 gamerdoesn’tbuy PSVR 2 then they are leaving incredibly immersive virtual reality gaming on the shelf, and when Sony is bringing its best IPs to the platformsuch as Horizon, it makes sense for a PlayStation 5 gamers to add PSVR 2 to their gaming armory.
PSVR 2 looks really advanced, too, with a raft of incredibly impressive next-gen VR tech and features on offer. Yes, this is no kid’s toy, this is an orders of magnitude mega upgrade on the originalPlayStation VRgaming headset, with twin OLED displays delivering a super sharp resolution of 2000 x 2040 per eye, a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, a wide maximum FOV of 110 degrees, an IR camera for eye tracking per eye, 4 embedded cameras for headset and controller tracking, a motion sensor, in-built haptic feedback engine and support for 3D audio. PSVR 2 is going to be a virtual reality gaming powerhouse.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
PS5 Pro: reasons to buy
These are the reasons I think you can make an argument for a gamer to save their money for a PS5 Pro purchase over PSVR 2.
There would be plenty of PS5 games to play on PS5 Pro,but not so many PSVR 2 titles. This is just a fact. If a PS5 Prodoeslaunch next year then PS5 gamers who upgraded would have a vast selection of games to play on it, and to make use of its awesome next-gen power. PSVR 2 on the other hand, will likely only have a small selection of launch games and a few more releases around the winter holidays. So it can be argued it makes sense to buy PS5 Pro first and then PSVR 2 a bit down the line when more games have released for it.
Frames win games,so if the gamer was into their multiplayer then owning a PS5 Pro that could run games at higher framerates/refresh rates would theoretically give them an in-game advantage. Also, if the game could be displayed at an 8K resolution then that would make spotting details and enemies easier. It would likely be a small advantage but marginal gains can make all the difference.
(Image credit: VR4Player.fr)
(Image credit: VR4Player.fr)
PS5 Slim + PSVR 2: is this the golden ticket?
But don’t forget about the third option here – that aPS5 Slimand PSVR 2 could be the best combo.
Yes, sure, the PS5 Slim isn’t likely going to improve the core gaming performance over a standard PS5, but it will be able to power PSVR 2 and will likely boast a smaller, sleeker, more compact design that is also more power efficient and quieter.
So the idea of the PS5 gamer buying a PSVR 2 in February next year, enjoying playing on it until a PS5 Slim is launched, then selling their OG PlayStation 5 and then buying a PS5 Slim replacement, also can be argued for.
Yes, this would be the most expensive option, but if the gamer could get a good price for their OG PlayStation 5 then it could still be affordable for most people, especially if they start planning for the purchase now.
Want to know what a PS5 Slim could look like? Well, the below concept video is based off today’s very latest rumors and gives us out best look yet.
So, there you go. That is my opinion on whether it makes sense to buy PSVR 2 or wait for a potential PS5 Pro launch, as well as if PS5 Slim and PSVR 2 actually make the most sense. I think a case can be made for each option, with the deciding factor likely how much each person either values having access to virtual reality gaming, or simply the highest-fidelity traditional console gaming experience they can get.
Personally, from my point of view, I always think it counter-intuitive to second guess future developments to the extent that you end up not enjoying a gaming experience that is available to you just because something else coming down the line might also offer you joy. If I can play great games now then that’s what I want to do – I don’t want to go, “well, if I wait a year I might be able to play this game or that game at a higher resolution or frame rate”.
Only each gamer can speak for themselves in terms of what they will personally do, but what I do think is certain is that all PlayStation gamers should be excited about the next year, as it’s looking like one stuffed with exciting new software and hardware. Bring it on!
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