If you want to get the most out of your PlayStation VR2, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your experience. I conducted a full review of the PS VR2 when it launched and have been playing it ever since. Along the way, I picked up plenty of helpful tips that improved my experience with the virtual reality platform. In this guide, I’ll share my top recommendations for optimizing your setup, ensuring comfort during extended gaming sessions, and sharing lesser-known features to help you get the most out of your PlayStation VR2. Let’s dive into the basics of set-up and move up to more advanced tips to get the most out of the hardware.
Setting up the PS VR2 correctly is essential for peak performance
Setting up your PlayStation VR2 correctly is crucial for the best gaming experience. This is especially important because the lenses have a more defined “sweet spot” when it comes to displaying the proper “3D effect”. The visuals from the PlayStation VR2 look stunning, so you want to be sure everything is set up correctly to get the full effect. Along with adjusting the headset, playing in a well-lit room is important. This helps the camera track your movements more accurately.
Steps to get up and running with the PS VR2
Sony details some of these steps with their set-up documents included with the device. As always be sure to review the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings first before use. When it comes to getting up and running you first want to update your PlayStation 5 to the latest firmware. This will ensure compatibility with the PS VR2 and make sure it is properly recognized by your console.
Unpacking and connecting the PlayStation VR2 headset
Plug the PS VR2 headset’s USB-C cable into the front of the PS5 console. Make sure the connections are secure and that the cable has enough slack for you to move comfortably during game play. Turn on the PS5 first, and then the PS VR2 in that order. After your console is on, press the power button on the PS VR2 headset. You can find this on the underside of the view-finder module. Follow the prompts on your TV first, before putting on the headset. Otherwise, you’ll miss important steps.
Adjusting the PS VR2 to your head and sight lines
When prompted in the set-up process, put on the headset and adjust the headband and visor until it fits comfortably and securely. There are 3 main points of adjustment. The first is the headband, which is used to tighten the headset and keep it secure:
The second is the “eye-to-eye” distance adjustment. The PS VR2 allows users to adjust the distance between the lenses to match their interpupillary distance (IPD). IPD is the measurement between the centers of the pupils of both eyes. Adjusting the IPD ensures your eyes are aligned with the lenses, offering the sharpest image possible and reducing eye strain.
This adjustment can be made using the dial mechanism on the top of the headset’s viewfinder area (pictured above).
The third is a front-to-back slider adjustment.
This helps to customize the distance between the headset’s display and your face. This adjustment is important for accommodating different face shapes and ensuring that your eyes are at a comfortable distance from the display.
Calibrating the PS VR2
Follow the on-screen prompts to calibrate the PS VR2, which includes adjusting the visor and headband, setting your eye-to-eye distance, and defining your play area.
The process to define your play area is very cool as it scans your entire room and maps out a “safe area.”
Play in a well-lit room
In the past with the PS VR1 darkness was good, now with the PS VR2 the tracking system needs proper lighting to perform at its best. You can play in dimmer settings, but the hardware isn’t as responsive to your movements. This is especially true with smaller hand-based movements. While you are in a well-lit space turn on and pair the Sense controllers with the console. Once your PlayStation VR2 is set up correctly, you’re ready to dive into some virtual reality gaming.
Play in a spacious, safe area
Remember to give yourself enough space to move around safely. If you are using the PS VR2 near other people be sure they are over 7 feet away. You’ll need an open area of roughly 3.5′ by 3.5′ to play safely and take breaks to avoid motion sickness or discomfort.
Other PS VR2 tips and tricks
Outside of set-up and initial use tips, here are some other features that your PS VR2 has to offer that are great for levelling up your gaming experience.
Use PS VR2’s pass through view to see your surroundings
One of the smartest additions to the PS VR2 is the ability to use pass through mode. This allows you to press a button and see your real-world surrounding without removing the headset. It saves so much time and can help you avoid trips and falls if used correctly. To access this, you’ll want to use the button on the bottom of PS VR2’s viewfinder. Pressing it gives you one-click access to the headset’s pass through view.
Re-calibrate your PS VR2 lenses after a few uses
To calibrate the lens on PS VR2, follow these steps: double-tap the PlayStation button on the controller and select “Adjust Visibility” from the quick settings menu.
You can play the PS VR2 without a TV connected
The PS VR2 projects, or “mirrors” what you see onto your connected television, but doesn’t require a TV to function. The hardware can function with the TV turned off, or even disconnected completely. This is a bonus, especially if someone else in your household wants to use the TV for something else. You will need your television for the initial set-up of the PS VR2 but after that, you can enjoy your VR adventures without needing the TV.
Use the PS VR2 as a 120Hz big-screen HDR display
The PS VR2 can also double as a new way to play “standard” PS5 games with “Cinematic Mode.” This simulates a massive screen within your field of view that is 120Hz HDR compatible. The image quality is fantastic, and it’s an excellent way to play games like Astro Bot, Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarok, or The Last of Us: Part I.
To access this feature, simply launch a “non-VR” game or app on your PS5 and use a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller for game play/navigation. The PS VR2 offers a high refresh rate (120Hz) with HDR, enabling it to display games with stunning fidelity. Standard PS5 games that support a 120Hz performance mode with HDR will display like a giant high-end TV. The PS VR2 defaults to 120Hz with HDR for VR games, but when it comes to displaying standard “flat” PlayStation 5 games, you’ll need to activate 120Hz and HDR settings.
To access the feature through the PS5’s menu, navigate to Settings > Accessories > PlayStation VR2 > Cinematic Mode. Select “Video Output for Cinematic Mode”.
Adjust the PS VR2’s “Cinematic Mode” screen size and position
Now that you know how to simulate a 120Hz HDR display within your PS VR2’s field of view, here’s how you can customize it. To make the most of this feature, you can easily adjust the screen size and position to suit your preferences. To access and customize the “Cinematic Mode” settings, follow these steps on your PS5: Double tap the PlayStation Logo > Use “quick settings” > use the slider to shrink or enlarge the screen. You can also select Settings > Accessories > Screen Size (and use the slider).
Upgrade your game library to VR
Some PlayStation 5 games can be upgraded to be compatible with the PS VR2. Titles like Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil 4 can be upgraded for free. Other titles might require a fee to upgrade either online or in-game, this varies per title. Check out the PlayStation Store for details, or look for the “VR Upgrades” tab when viewing game pages.
To do this on your PS5 you can also go to Games > Game Library > Your Collection and see if there is a VR upgrade available.
Expand your PS VR2 library with PC games
Sony recently released the PlayStation VR2 PC adapter, which connects the PS VR2 headset to your PC. With this adaptor, you can purchase and play a vast array of SteamVR titles, significantly expanding your options. The adapter supports the PS VR2’s 4K OLED display, 110-degree field of view, and 3D audio, offering a high-fidelity experience. It’s important to note that some advanced features like eye-tracking, HDR, and adaptive triggers are not supported when using the adapter. If you are considering getting the adapter, ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements outlined by Sony. If you’ve got the proper PC hardware and a PS VR2 headset, you’re all set to dive into a broader and more diverse world of VR gaming.
Get the most out of your PS VR 2
The PlayStation VR2 delivers a fun and immersive virtual reality experience, and you can enhance it even further with my tips and tricks. Following the steps above for system set-up, safety, and optimizing your play conditions, you’ll get the most out of the hardware. Lesser-known features like using the PS VR2 as a 120Hz big-screen HDR display can open up new ways to enjoy both VR and standard PS5 games. And, with the new PlayStation VR2 PC adapter, you can unlock even more games!
With these recommendations, you’re ready to get the most out of your PlayStation VR2. Enjoy your VR adventures and be sure to comment below with any tips of your own in the comments.
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Table of Contents
- Setting up the PS VR2 correctly is essential for peak performance
- Steps to get up and running with the PS VR2
- Unpacking and connecting the PlayStation VR2 headset
- Adjusting the PS VR2 to your head and sight lines
- Calibrating the PS VR2
- Play in a well-lit room
- Play in a spacious, safe area
- Other PS VR2 tips and tricks
- Use PS VR2’s pass through view to see your surroundings
- Re-calibrate your PS VR2 lenses after a few uses
- You can play the PS VR2 without a TV connected
- Use the PS VR2 as a 120Hz big-screen HDR display
- Adjust the PS VR2’s “Cinematic Mode” screen size and position
- Upgrade your game library to VR
- Expand your PS VR2 library with PC games
- Get the most out of your PS VR 2
I like the explanation of the step by step process when one tip is to turn on the PS5 first, and then the PS VR2 in that order. Sometimes it is the order of steps that makes step up so much easier.
to give myself enough space to move around safely. No need to beak anything
The well lit room tip was helpful to know especially since our family room doesn’t have much natural light
Very helpful tips. Think that making sure the room is well lit is a good reminder to check all your surroundings so you get the best experience possible.
I found the description of the three points of adjustment most helpful.
It was so helpful for me to know the PS VR2 tracking system needs proper lighting to perform at its best. I would have never realized that
Info on initial IPD adjustments and calibration is always very useful for newcomers to VR.
“Play in a spacious, safe area.” so you don’t smash your TV while fighting aliens.
Wow, didn’t know that playing in a well lit room was that important. I’ve had PSVR1 and it wasn’t an issue. Good to know that I would have to add some lights in my living room!
Adjusting the IPD ensures your eyes are aligned with the lenses, offering the sharpest image possible and reducing eye strain.
Playing in a well-lit room to help the camera-tracking pick up your movement more accurately was a surprisingly good tip.
The most useful tip was that it is important to play in a well-lit room. I would not have realized that was important.
When I am prompted in the set up the tip to adjust the headband and visor until it fits comfortably and securely will help the process to work smoothly as the headset is an integral part of set up.
Lots of great tips-learnt that need to play in well lit room and how to properly calibrate/recalibrate
I bet the power up sequence is important for people who can’t or won’t read the manual.
The importance of lighting is a great tip as it’s not something that would seem obvious
The most helpful tip is the details about the room requirements – a well lit open area of 3.5′ x 3.5′
Playing in a well lit room was a great tip to me I didn’t even know that and I also found Adjusting the IPD to ensure your eyes are aligned with the lenses were the most important tips that I read. Those are very helpful tips.
@kareemslick on Twitter
The best tip was the importance of the lighting
Properly calibrating psvr2 to space and playing in a well-lit room
Playing in a well-lit room … who knew?!?
I never knew to use a well-lit room. That’s a great tip that I wouldn’t have thoguht about.
Best tip – play in a well-lit room !
2- The passthrough mode to see your surroundings & the spacious well-lit room were the most helpful tips for me.
I liked that this article mentioned that there you can use the psvr2 with the tv off. This will be useful for myself as multiple people like to use the tv to watch shows.
Adjusting the IPD to ensure your eyes are aligned with the lenses is the most important thing to me
tip to play in a well lit room is most helpful
Adjusting the IPD ensures your eyes are aligned with the lenses, offering the sharpest image possible and reducing eye strain.
Playing in a well lit room to ensure that your system works at it’s best. I normally only think about the system, but this tip will make the system even better
To use it in a well lit room is a very helpful tip.
The most helpful of the “tips and tricks” is to adjust the IPD to ensure your eyes are aligned with the lenses.
Knowing to use it in a well it room is a great tip
Knowing that you need to use a well lit room is the most helpful tip
Honestly, the well-lit room tip seems the most helpful.
the most helpful tip for someone setting up a PS VR2 for the first time is to play in a room that is well-lit.
First and foremost, read all instructions thoroughly and carefully as proper setup is crucial to make sure you get the max in effects etc.
Secondly, updating your software first is the key to get the process going.
Adjusting the headset and playing in a well-lit room helps the camera-tracking pick up your movement more accurately.
Lastly and equally important, make sure you’re playing in a large and safe space!
The passthrough is a great feature – thank you for the tip!
The most helpful for someone setting up a PS VR2 for the first time for me would be adjusting the IPD to ensure your eyes are aligned with the lenses, offering the sharpest image possible and reducing eye strain.
Playing in a well lit room was something I had never considered. Great tip!
I wasn’t aware that it’s important to play in a well-lit room – I never thought of that until I read the article.
I found the information on making the various adjustments most helpful.
I found the most helpful tip and trick for someone setting up a PS VR2 for the first time is adjusting the headset, and also important to play in a well-lit room.
Best thing from the article is remind folks that you don’t have to connect to a TV to play – others can watch TV while you play VR separately. It’s a great feature!
Adjusting the IPD ensures your eyes are aligned with the lenses, offering the sharpest image possible and reducing eye strain.
All the adjustments that can be made is very helpful
I found the most helpful tip and trick for someone setting up a PS VR2 for the first time is adjusting the headset, and also important to play in a well-lit room.
the passthrough mode is a great innovation for situational awareness
use passthrough mode to allow you to press a button and see your real-world surrounding without removing the headset – this would be very handy and make it more safe to use the headset
Calibrating the PS VR2 to suit your specific situation
important to play in a well-lit room to help the camera-tracking pick up movements more accurately