As we get closer to the metaverse, more gamers are getting into AR and VR. Two of the top options this year are the PlayStation VR vs. Meta Quest 2. While both of these systems will transport you into virtual reality in minutes, the differences are vast. From the tech specs to the game selection, we’re going to take a close look at these high-tech VR headsets.
PlayStation VR vs. Meta Quest 2: Side-by-Side Comparison
| PlayStation VR | Meta Quest 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 13, 2016 | October 13, 2020 |
| Resolution | 1,080 x 960 | 1,920 x 1,832 |
| Field of View | 100° | 97° |
| Refresh Rate | 90-120Hz | 90-120Hz |
| Games | 200+ | 500+ |
| Website | https://www.playstation.com/ | https://www.meta.com/ |
PlayStation VR vs. Meta Quest 2: What’s the Difference?
The PSVR and Meta Quest 2 took two different paths to market. Sony had worked on Project Morpheus for years before the final product hit the shelves in 2016. The Meta Quest 2 was initially called the Oculus Quest 2. It received a name change through Meta and was rolled out to consumers in 2020. That’s just the start of the differences between these VR headsets, however.
Compatibility
Before we dig into tech specs, the first thing you’ll want to know about the PlayStation VR vs. Meta Quest 2 is the equipment required to use them.
The Meta Quest 2 is a standalone device like the original Oculus Quest VR headset. That means you don’t need a PC or any other hardware to use it, aside from controllers and cables. You can use the headset with a computer through software, but it’s not required – strictly optional. That’s not the case with PlayStation VR.
- Comes with a PlayStation VR headset, a PlayStation Camera, and two PlayStation Move motion controllers
- Marvel's Iron Man VR game disc included
- Compatible platforms: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
If you want to use PlayStation VR, you’ll need to own a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console. No Android processor is powering this headset, which relies on your console’s hardware for the heavy lifting. The entry cost is higher with this headset, unless you already own a console. If not, you’ll have to make a significant investment to get started with PS VR.
Pricing aside, the Meta Quest 2 wins in terms of compatibility. It’s basically ready to go out of the box, so you don’t have to buy a PC or console to begin gaming. If you own the PS4 or PS5, it’s a coin-flip so you’ll want to consider hardware and game selection.
Hardware
Virtual Reality headsets have hardware built in regardless of what’s required to power them. While we aren’t going to focus on how powerful a PS5 is compared to a desktop PC, the display and components inside each headset make a difference.
PS VR Specifications
The newest version of the PlayStation VR is a bit more streamlined than the original. It has a newer processor, integrated stereo headphones, and HDR pass-through. The general specs stay the same, so you’ll get positional tracking through a series of LEDs and the PlayStation camera. You’ll have to keep placement in mind to a degree, but graphics will pop on the 5.7-inch OLED display.
Graphics are 1080p for each eye and the refresh rate varies from 90 to 120Hz. The field of view for the headset is 100°, which is a step down from the VIVE Focus 3 but higher than the Oculus Quest 2.
The headset weighs 1.3 pounds with a style that matches the company’s consoles. We don’t know how much the new PlayStation VR2 will weigh, but it’s a significant upgrade from the original in several key areas.
The PS VR2 has an upgraded OLED display and 4K resolution. Each eye will see a resolution of 2,040 x 2,000, with a focus on the player’s immediate FOV. It will also have four cameras for inside-out tracking, bringing it up to par with the Meta Quest 2, considering the original relies on the PS Camera.
Meta Quest 2 Specifications
As the Meta Quest 2 is a self-contained system, the headset itself acts as a miniature PC. It has 6GB of RAM and a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor. Storage varies from 128GB to 256GB, depending on your needs, and each eye has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,832. That’s an uptick in the resolution on the PSVR headset and not an insignificant one.
The new display in the Meta Quest 2 isn’t a PenTile matrix, so the screen-door effect is better than on the previous version. The headset tracks your movements with four built-in cameras which use inside-out tracking.
- Self-contained, no PC required
- 360-degree field of view
- 3D positional audio
- Hand tracking with haptic feedback
- 128GB
Despite the hardware inside the helmet, the Oculus Quest 2 only weighs 503 grams. This headset was designed from the ground up for virtual reality and is a major upgrade from the older Oculus Rift and Meta Quest.
With a higher resolution per eye and the same refresh rate, the Oculus Quest 2 beats the PS VR across the board. Graphics are also sharper, which results in a more immersive experience overall.
While the PS VR has a wider field of view, it can’t hang with the Meta Quest 2 when it comes to performance. The PlayStation VR2 will make things closer when it arrives, although both are well behind systems like the VIVE Pro 2.
Controllers
There are a variety of headsets on the market that perform adequately, but the best VR headsets have excellent controllers. While the headset is the visual half of VR, all you can do without a way to control your character is look around a virtual space.
The Meta Quest 2 has undergone a few revisions, and the latest version is definitely the best. Battery life has increased, and the design will feel familiar to anyone that’s played in Oculus’s ecosystem. The Oculus Touch controllers are included with the headset and provide fantastic tracking when combined with the onboard camera and sensor array.
There is no “traditional” controller, so all your actions go through the dual motion controllers on the Meta Quest 2. With the PlayStation VR, you can use a PS4 or PS5 controller for some action, but the fun comes into play with the motion controllers.
They upgraded versions of the company’s classic Move controllers, but don’t provide the same degree of tracking as you’ll get from Meta Quest’s controller.
Neither of these systems has the kind of accuracy you’ll get from the Valve Index, but we feel Meta’s controllers are more accurate. With that in mind, if you’re coming into VR from a console, you’ll be more comfortable with PlayStation’s setup initially.
Accessories
The controllers packaged with each of these VR systems are unique in their own right, but they aren’t the only option. It’s also an area that’s relatively close, despite some unique peripherals from Oculus developers like this Golf Club attachment with adjustable weights.
- Non-slip, durable, and comfortable
- Easy to install and remove
- Enjoy a better gaming experience
- YEZRO controller system for protection
- Compatible with Oculus Quest 1/2 and Meta Quest Pro
Want to change the way the controllers feel in your hands or adjust the weight? You can do that with Oculus Quest 2 accessories, which are handy for games where you want to get a workout. There are dozens of colored covers along with battery pack head straps and carrying cases as well.
Whether you want to perfect your virtual drive with the DeadEyeVR DriVR or try a fishing reel mechanism, there is a wealth of options for the Meta Quest 2. But if you’re a fan of shooting games, you’ll want to check out what PlayStation has to offer.
- Precise and intuitive aiming for compatible PlayStation VR shooter games
- Advanced motion sensing and light tracking technology
- Ergonomic two handed control
- Immersive vibration feedback
The most popular accessory for the PlayStation VR is the PSVR Aim controller. It’s an absolute blast to use in shooting games and vibrates with feedback to draw you into the action.
Cable management systems are also a popular option, along with adapters for the PS5. You can find carrying cases, including ones built like a backpack for both systems.
There are more official Sony-branded accessories for the PS VR than we found for the Meta Quest 2. The selection of charging stations and cases is plentiful, but Meta Quest has a few more unique options for sports games.
Please note: As of July 18, 2023, the Sony PlayStation VR Headset and Accessories Carrying Case – Protective Deluxe Travel Case – Black Ballistic Exterior is out of stock on Amazon. Check back for future availability.
Game Selection
Game selection is an area that can make or break a purchase when choosing gaming consoles. There are exclusive titles with the PlayStation VR and Meta Quest 2, but you may be surprised by how many titles are available on both systems.
The Meta Quest 2 has backward compatibility, so it supports all games that worked on the original Meta Quest. Gamers can take advantage of the graphical boost and you can even stream some to a PC through Air Link. As for the game selection, there are hundreds of games to choose from, including learning apps like Noun Town and mixed reality titles.
Whether you want to cook virtually, go fishing, race, or fight – there is a game for you in the Oculus shop. If you think that’s impressive, you’ll be blown away by the PlayStation VR’s catalog of more than 500 games. That includes blockbuster games like Skyrim and Doom, along with indies from smaller studios and PS VR exclusives.
- New Survival mode exclusive to Fruit Ninja VR lets you try your luck against fruit-firing helicopters
- Also play in Classic mode, Arcade mode, or Zen mode
- Juggle, skewer fruit, and deflect bombs with your two swords
- Rated E for everyone
PlayStation VR has more games and experiences than the Meta Quest 2, and most of the better Quest games are available on the PS VR. As a bonus, you can also resale PS VR games when you beat them or if you don’t like them. You can’t do that with the Quest which doesn’t have physical disks like emFruit Ninja VR/em or Hitman 3.
PlayStation VR vs. Meta Quest 2: Price and Availability
Older tech usually comes at a discount. That’s something we see each year when new TV sets and other consumer tech roll out, including video game consoles. That hasn’t been the case with the PlayStation VR, which still costs as much as the newer Meta Quest 2 when you factor in what’s needed.
The most affordable PS VR package is the Iron Man VR bundle which includes the game, headset, two controllers, and the camera. The bundles vary throughout the year and can go for $400 or more depending on what’s included.
- Explore incredible virtual worlds
- Play the best titles including Golem Seamless
- Wide 5.7 OLED with stunning OLED display
- 3D Audio with Playstation VR
- Comfortable, balanced, and adjustable
If you just need the headset and already have the camera or controllers, you can pick up a refurbished model. You can’t buy one directly from Sony. Meta also sells the Meta Quest 2 in bundles from the Starter package to the Streamer Bundle for those who want to stream their gameplay.
Price varies depending on the package. The base unit, with controllers, is $399 for the 128GB model or $100 more for the 256GB variant. Sony has a slight edge in pricing. Their bundle is around $90 cheaper, although their games are usually more expensive (unless you buy used ones).
Oculus Quest 2 vs. PlayStation VR: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The first head-mounted commercial display from Sony was the Glasstron.
- Facebook acquired Oculus in 2014 for $2 billion.
- Project Morpheus was the codename of PS VR before it was released.
- Meta issued a recall of the Quest 2 face pads in 2020 due to skin irritation.
PlayStation VR vs. Meta Quest 2: Which One Is Better?
The Meta Quest 2 and PlayStation VR provide two completely different experiences, which makes choosing the right system challenging. If you already own a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, the decision may be easier, however.
Tracking and graphics are better on the Meta Quest 2, but the PS VR has a larger selection of games and better AAA titles. The Meta Quest 2 is easier to transport due to its wireless nature, whereas you’ll need to be somewhat wary of cables and space when using the PS VR.
Given the price of these systems and the imminent launch of PS VR2, we feel the Meta Quest 2 is the best option between these two VR systems. And if you’re on the fence between the Meta Quest Pro and Oculus Quest 2, be sure to check out this comparison.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Roman Chazov/Shutterstock.com.
