Key foods
- Future PlayStation VR2 games may feature hand tracking with a new SDK update.
- PS VR2 competes with the Meta Quest headsets and offers high fidelity with PS5 connected connectivity.
- The hand tracking featured in the PS VR2, although not yet implemented in games, may make VR more mainstream.
PlayStation VR2 Games could add hand tracking capabilities in the future, thanks to a new SDK update. This exciting news was announced quietly by Sony, but it could make a big difference in the VR gaming experience of some PlayStation VR2 users.
The PSVR2 is a major competitor to the Meta Quest line of headsets, offering a relatively affordable entry point to virtual reality. Unlike the Quest headsets, the PSVR 2 uses the hardware capabilities of the PlayStation 5, allowing for increased fidelity and processing power, and is physically attached to the console. While there are ups and downs for almost every VR headset, the PSVR 2 has a new feature that could help it become even more competitive with the Quest.
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According to UploadVR, during Siggraph 2024 Asia in Japan, Sony had a booth showing the PlayStation VR2 with hand tracking. Unlike controller tracking, hand tracking allows users to interact with what they see in front of them using only their hands, without needing an attachment. This feature is currently available on the MetaQuest and Apple Vision Pro, but is notably absent from the PlayStation VR2.
PlayStation VR2 fans should look forward to hand tracking
While hand tracking has yet to be implemented in any games for the PlayStation VR2, that may change in the near future. The PlayStation VR2 demo seems to be aimed at developers, as Sony announced that hand tracking is now available in the PS5 SDK. Since Sony has yet to make any major announcements for consumers, it remains to be seen if Sony will add the ability to control the interface with hands and gestures outside of the game.
Controllers are still ideal for many games and VR experiences, but using hands is an intuitive thing that makes VR more accessible to some gamers and non-gamers alike. The PlayStation VR2 probably has an edge over its competitors in this regard, but to be fair, the PlayStation VR2 isn't a mixed reality headset like the Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. Using hands in VR is certainly a plus and can make some games even better, but it makes more sense to use hands when they're physically visible on a mixed reality headset.
It remains to be seen when this feature will be available to gamers. It's ultimately up to individual developers to decide whether they want to implement manual tracking, and doing so could require major game updates. Still, it's a great sign that Sony is pushing the VR envelope with its existing hardware, giving fans even more reason to get excited about VR.