When released in February 2023, PlayStation gamers had high expectations for the PSVR 2. While technically, theVR headsetimpresses, few games maximize its potential. However, news from theSIGGRAPH Asia 2024 conferenceindicates Sony is still committed to the PSVR 2. The game giant demoed a hand-tracking experience at the eventwithout the Sense controllers. Sony has yet to make an announcement, but developers already have access to the feature in a new PS5 software development kit (SDK).
How Does Hand Tracking Technology Work?
Word of the controller-less PSVR 2 demo first spread on social media platforms. In a video re-posted byPlayStation VR News, gamers see an attendee playing a cleaning mini-game like an orchestra conductor.
UploadVR soon posted more details, including some specs and supported features. The PSVR 2’s four embedded cameras capture hand movements at 60 fps. Using ultra-realistic 3D mesh modeling of hands, the headset can accurately recognize 12 different gestures. The system is intelligent enough to differentiate between left and right hands and pinpoint the position of joints. Fans of VR shooters probably should stick to the Sense controllers, but the technology is described as low-latency.
While Sony gave us no warning, it’s not surprising to see PSVR 2 software played without controllers. In 2022, we reported onSony patents involving finger-tracking sensors. The legal filings suggested physical controllers would play a role in recording hand gestures. At least for now, Sense controllers are optional or not part of the tracking process.
If the PSVR 2 is discontinued, it won’t be because of its Sense controllers. The peripherals feel natural when held, and incorporate innovative features of the DualSensePS5 controller, like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Still, hand tracking makes VR headsets accessible to players intimidated by fancy controllers. This ability has already been available on rival headsets for years. The Meta Quest 3 is one of the best examples of how VR worlds can be explored without additional hardware.
Hand Tracking and the PSVR 2’s Future
Sony is well aware of growing frustration over a lack of new premium VR titles. In response, the manufacturer debuted aPSVR 2 adapter for PCsin August to access a large Steam VR library. Price cuts on the system have become common, with tempting deals on theHorizon Call of the Mountain Bundle. Yet, neither of these approaches satisfies existing PSVR 2 owners. Hand-tracking technology gives developers more ways to create immersive VR experiences. It seems unlikely that Sony would create a lower-cost, controller-free PSVR 2 bundle anytime soon. Even so, such a configuration could further reduce the system’s cost.
PlayStation VR2
The successor to the PS VR, the PlayStation VR2 is Sony’s virtual reality headset. Debuting in February 2023, the hardware is designed as a companion piece for the PlayStation 5 and requires the PS VR2 Sense controller.
Before 2024 ends, horror fans haveAlien: Rogue Incursionto look forward to. Next March,Hitman: World of Assassinationcould encourage more skeptics to try Sony’s VR headset. Games built for the PSVR 2 and based on major franchises have been too infrequent, but that’s gradually changing. For now, the Sense controllers remain an integral part of the PSVR 2. Regardless, faced with the multi-purpose Meta Quest 3, giving gamers more ways to interact in VR worlds can only be beneficial.
