PlayStation VR2: New features, Twitch streaming, see-through mode announced

Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed new details about its upcoming virtual reality headset, the PlayStation VR2, on Tuesday, showing off “an early look” at the hardware’s user interface. A new broadcast mode allows players to stream VR games on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube using the PlayStation 5 HD Camera.

You have the option of streaming VR games, such as Horizon Call of the Mountain — as seen in the image above — directly from a PlayStation 5 will be a major advantage over the original PlayStation VR, and a way to showcase the system’s gameplay (while also looking entertainingly silly on camera).

PlayStation VR2 owners will now be able stream with relative safety and enjoy their games in comfort thanks to some other features. SIE senior staff project manager Yasuo Takahashi announced on Sony’s PlayStation Blog that PlayStation VR2 will include a see-through view, letting users see their surroundings using the headset’s front-mounted cameras. “It comes in handy when you want to easily check where the PS VR2 Sense controllers are in your room without taking the headset off,” Takahashi said.

The PS VR2 headset can be used to scan the surrounding area and the Sense controllers are also available. This allows players to create a customized play zone. These boundaries should prevent players from tripping or smashing into furniture.

“The cameras will allow you to scan the room, while the PS VR2 Sense controllers allow you to expand and further customize the play area to fit your play style and room environment,” Takahashi explained. “While playing, if you get close to the boundary you have set up, you will receive a warning that you are closely approaching the play area boundary. PS VR2 allows you to modify any setting at anytime. Once you set up your play area, the settings will be saved unless you move into a different play area.”

Sony also outlined two display modes for PlayStation VR2, including the expected VR Mode, where players can experience content in a 360-degree view in a virtual environment.” That content will be displayed in 4000×2040 HDR video format (2000×2040 per eye) with 90 Hz/120 Hz frame rate. There’s also Cinematic Mode, where users can view the PlayStation 5 UI and non-VR content on a “virtual cinema screen.” Content in Cinematic Mode will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24 Hz, 60 Hz, or 120 Hz frame rate.

Sony has not yet announced a release date or price for the PS5’s next-generation VR headset.