Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR2: Which One Wins?

It’s been six years since PlayStation VR (PS VR) came out. But now that the PS VR is losing popularity to the Oculus Quest 2 (now called Meta Quest 2), Sony hopes to bounce back with the PlayStation VR2 (PS VR2). However, gamers are curious whether the PS VR2 will deliver better than the Oculus Quest 2. 

Oculus Quest 2 is among the best standalone VR in the market today. On the other hand, the PS VR2 has made great advancements such as eye tracking, 4K resolution, and a 110-degree field of view, but it comes with a heavy price tag. So, which one should you buy? In our Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR2 guide, we compare these two dominant VRs and see which is best for gaming.

Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR2: Side-by-Side Comparison

Meta Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset

$459.98

• Smooth and seamless gaming experience
• Compatible with both new titles and old favorites
• Premium carrying case for durable protection
• High resolution display with 50% more pixels

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

03/03/2023 11:14 am GMT

Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR2: What’s the Difference?

We can expect better features on the PlayStation VR2 because it’s launching this year. However, some of the features PS VR2 will offer are already present in Oculus Quest 2. For example, the Cinema Mode feature that allows you to watch TV programs and movies on a virtual cinema screen is something we have already experienced with Oculus Quest 2. So, what’s unique about the PS VR2, and can it overshadow the Oculus Quest 2? Let’s look at their key differences. 

Price

Oculus Quest 2 retails for $299, making it an option for most gamers. On the other hand, you will have to spend twice as much to land the PS VR2 selling at $549 (starting price). Undoubtedly, Oculus Quest 2 is the winner when we compare the two VRs based on their prices.

Surprisingly, the PS VR2 costs more than the console that powers it, the PS5, which goes for $499. We feel the PS VR2 is overpriced because you will need to purchase a PS5 (assuming you don’t own one); the amount will total $950. Sony promises the best gaming experience with the PS VR2, stating that the headset incorporates modern features and technology. However, similar features exist on Oculus Quest 2, but at a lower cost.

Design

Starting with the design, both VR headsets have been well crafted for comfort. Despite the Oculus Quest 2 being a standalone VR headset, it does incorporate all the necessary materials. It includes a battery and four cameras and maintains the standard size and weight. The device measures 224mm by 450mm, smaller than almost every standalone VR headset on the market. Additionally, the head strap of Oculus Quest 2 is soft and adjustable for a comfortable aging experience. The head strap is well-designed to contain all the weight, meaning the headset will perfectly balance once you put it on.

Shifting our attention to the PS VR2, Sony’s senior official Hideaki Nishino stated that the look of the PS5 family products inspired the headset. Some touches on the PS VR headset remain, such as the headphone jack port and the headband. However, much has been improved to ensure players get a better experience with the PS VR2. Although Sony hasn’t revealed the size and weight of the PS VR2, they have confirmed through their blog that the new headset will be slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. Despite being lightweight, the PS VR2 has a vent fitted along the front of the scope to reduce sweat and prevent lenses from fogging while playing games for an extended period.

Controllers

Sony is advancing the PS VR2 controllers, away from the PS VR controllers, to have an orb-like design similar to the Oculus Quest 2. Sony’s vice president Hideaki Nishino says the new-generation PS VR2 controllers enable you to make more natural gestures with your hands during gameplay. 

The good news is that the controllers have movement tracking. So, you won’t stress out with the camera setup, unlike in PS VR headsets. On the left controller, you will find an analog stick, the triangle and square buttons, the ‘grip’ (L1) and trigger (L2) buttons, and the create button. On the right controller, you get one analog stick, the cross and circle button, the grip (R1), the trigger (R2), and the Options button.

Oculus Quest 2, on the other hand, is popular for its powerful touch controllers. They are designed with improved ergonomics, making them user-friendly. The controllers have undergone a makeover and now feature a thumb rest to provide comfort and stability while playing.  

On Oculus quest 2 controllers, you will find a thumb stick, a trigger and grip button, and a menu button. The touch controllers contain a controller grip cover that is non-slip and sweat proof making it secure on your hands. Unfortunately, they use an AA battery, which is odd in this era. However, it’s not much of a bother as the batteries can last weeks or months, depending on how frequently you play. 

Connectivity 

One of the most outstanding aspects of the Oculus Quest 2 is the wireless connectivity. As a standalone VR headset, you don’t require a computer, PC, or console to enjoy its games. Using the Meta Quest app, you can connect it to your laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone. Initially, players needed a Facebook login to use the Oculus Quest 2 headset, but not anymore. You can now log in to your Oculus Quest 2 via email.

Looking at the PlayStation VR2, we can’t underestimate its efforts toward going wireless. One of the major complaints from PS VR users was the tiresome connectivity process. Sony has simplified connectivity by developing a single cord (a 4.5m USB-C lead) to connect the PS VR2 to the PS5. Unlike the PS VR, you won’t need to connect your PS VR2 headset to an external camera. The PS second-generation VR headset has four in-built cameras, which are made to replace external cameras. 

Display

The Oculus Quest 2 does not match the PS VR2 if we base our judgments on their displays. The PS VR2 boasts 2000×2040 per eye and a total resolution of 4000×2040, making it one of a kind in the market today. In contrast, the Oculus Quest 2 offers a resolution of 1832×1920 per eye, which is below standard considering what its competitors offer. However, Meta explains that the Oculus Quest 2 resolution isn’t really a problem as they have cashed on the pixel density.

Both VR headsets have impressed foveated rendering technology, dramatically improving players’ viewing quality. The PS VR2 uses dynamic foveated rendering together with the eye tracking feature to provide a high-quality VR experience. The Oculus Quest 2, on the other hand, uses fixed foveated rendering because it lacks an eye-tracking feature.

Finally, PS VR2 offers a 110-degree field of view (FoV) and supports up to 120Hz refresh rates. On the other side, the Oculus Quest 2 offers 97-degree FoV and supports up to 90Hz refresh rates, though it has a 120Hz refresh rate as an experimental feature. At this point, the PS VR2 is the ultimate winner based on its display capabilities. 

Haptic Feedback

The PS VR2 has haptic feedback on the Sense Controllers, and another was designed on the headset. The haptic feedback vibrates in response to in-game events creating a natural gaming environment for the players. In contrast, the Oculus Quest 2 doesn’t include haptic feedback on the headset, but the ones on the Touch Controllers are very powerful. 

Software Features

Sony has included significant features in the PS VR2 to ensure they remain relevant in the gaming market. Thanks to the new broadcasting mode, players can now film and share their live reactions in the game with friends and family. However, you need a PS5 HD Camera to enjoy this feature. Another significant advancement of the PS VR2 is the new see-through feature, which allows users to see in the real-world environment without removing the VR headset. Well, we have already interacted with the see-through feature on the Oculus Quest 2; however, the fact that it was missing on the PS VR and is now included in the PS VR2 it’s worth applauding. 

You can also set up a custom play area using the PS VR2 camera and Sense Controllers, something you will also find in the Oculus Quest 2. Once you mark the play area, the VR headset will alert you when you get out of the play zone, avoiding accidents. 

Backward Compatibility

We expect Sony’s first-generation VR games to be compatible with the PS VR2, but that’s not the case. Sony’s official, Hideaki Nishino, explained that the PS VR games are not compatible with PS VR2 because PS VR2 is designed to deliver a truly next-generation VR experience. 

Hideaki added that developing games for PS VR2 requires a whole different approach than the original PS VR. However, there are claims that Sony will remaster the PSVR games to play on the PS VR2, but we will have to be patient for now.

Unlike the PS VR2, the Oculus Quest 2 is backward compatible with the Oculus Quest 1. You can enjoy all the Oculus Quest 1 games by re-downloading them. However, the Oculus Quest 2 is not backward compatible with Oculus Go Apps and Games. 

Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR2: 10 Must-Know Facts

• The Oculus Quest 2 was released on October 13, 2020, while the PlayStation VR2 is to be released on February 22, 2023.
• The PSVR2 starting price is $549, while the Oculus Quest 2 has a starting price of $299.
• You will not require an external camera to use the PS VR2 headsets as the cameras are in-built.
• The PS VR2 is not backward compatible with the PS VR games, but the Oculus Quest 2 is backward compatible with the Oculus Quest 1 game library. 
• Oculus Quest 2 is a standalone VR headset, meaning you don’t need a computer, PC, or smartphone.
• The PS VR2 headset is solely made for the PS5 console.
• The PS VR2 features eye-tracking and dynamic foveated rendering to improve its displays. Oculus Quest 2, on the other hand, lacks the eye-tracking feature, thus using fixed foveated rendering.
• Both VR headsets have haptic feedback on the controllers, but the PS VR2 has made more remarkable advancements by developing one on the headsets. 
• Oculus Quest 2 was renamed ‘Meta Quest 2’ in November 2021.
• Facebook account is no longer necessary to login into Oculus Quest 2. Meta now allows users to create a login Meta account via email. 

Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR2: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?

PS VR2 is the latest VR headset on the market and could have more advanced features and technology than the Oculus Quest 2. However, most of the features developed in the PS VR2 are a better version of what the Oculus Quest 2 offers. If you are not planning on a fixed budget, then the VR headset you should use will depend on your needs. If you play high-resolution games that require up to 120Hz refresh rates, then the PS VR2 is an ideal option. However, remember that the PS VR2 is costly and requires a PS5 console.

Meta Quest 2 — Advanced All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset

$459.98

• Smooth and seamless gaming experience
• Compatible with both new titles and old favorites
• Premium carrying case for durable protection
• High resolution display with 50% more pixels

Buy on Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

03/03/2023 11:14 am GMT