PlayStation VR games will be clearly labeled at retail

By Danny Cowan July 11, 2016

playstation vr games will be clearly labeled at retail psvr boxes — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve spent sleepless nights wondering how PlayStation VR-compatible games will be branded at retail, worry no more: Sony revealed that it has special packaging in store for its VR headset-compatible releases for the PlayStation 4.

Following in the tradition of its PlayStation Move games for the PlayStation 3, Sony’s PlayStation VR titles will feature the text “PlayStation VR Required” and “You’ll Need These” in European markets, clearly warning consumers whether PlayStation VR equipment is optional or a requirement.

Early PAL-region PlayStation VR box art found at online retailers like Amazon U.K. and ShopTo first revealed Sony’s updated branding, according to a Eurogamer report. Virtual reality-focused titles like PlayStation VR Worlds feature the “PlayStation VR Required” warning, while VR-optional games like the pool sim Hustle Kings VR instead read “PlayStation VR Compatible.”

Over in North America, PlayStation VR games will feature a slightly different banner that reads “PlayStation VR Game,” along with the “You’ll Need These” warnings present on European cases.

PlayStation VR marks yet another split for Sony’s console userbase, following up on the 2010 launch of the Wii Remote-like PlayStation Move controller. Many PlayStation Move games required a Sony-branded camera and Move wand controller to function, driving Sony to carefully label retail-released games.

PlayStation Move hardware will play a key role in Sony’s upcoming PlayStation VR rollout. All PlayStation VR games require players to purchase a PlayStation 4 camera, and many require at least one PlayStation Move controller. The PlayStation 4 determines player positioning and movement by sensing light emitted from the PlayStation VR headset, while the PlayStation Move controller’s glowing orb topper gives real-world context for player interaction.

PlayStation VR headsets will launch in North America on October 13 at a retail price of $400. Starter bundles that include a PlayStation VR headset, two Move controllers, and a PlayStation 4 camera are currently up for pre-order at retailers nationwide for $500.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Danny’s passion for video games was ignited upon his first encounter with Nintendo’s Duck Hunt, and years later, he still…

Gaming

PlayStation Portal 2: 8 features we want in Sony’s next-gen handheld

A PlayStation Portal boots up.

After the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita, there wasn't much hope that Sony would create another handheld system. Both consoles failed to establish themselves as meaningful parts of PlayStation's ecosystems despite having passionate fan bases. That's what made the initial reveal of the PlayStation Portal so surprising, at least until we knew exactly what it was. As an accessory, the PlayStation Portal is a decent device for some situations. It makes remote play easy and combines all the cool features of the DualSense controller with a great display. However, it does leave a lot to be desired for those hoping for a bit more from a new PlayStation device. Should Sony decide to iterate on this novel idea, there are a few features we think it needs to have to be a true success.

We're not going to ask Sony to completely overhaul what it established with the PlayStation Portal. For as much as we'd love for a fully dedicated handheld like a Vita 2, that's just too far beyond what we can hope for.
Wi-Fi 6

Gaming

I was a PlayStation Portal hater. Now it’s one of my go-to gaming devices

A PlayStation Portal plays Marvel's Spider-Man 2.

In November, I reviewed the PlayStation Portal. I was mixed on Sony’s streaming handheld at the time, frustrated with a corner-cutting execution of a good idea. It seemed like a poor value compared to simply slapping a cheaper Backbone controller on a phone. As is often the case with tech reviews, though, I only had a short window to test it out where I was more focused on the more objective side of what the Portal does and doesn’t do. Would my feelings change when I was using it naturally?

I’ve gotten the answer to that question over the past few months. While I barely touched my Portal after reviewing it in 2023, it’s quickly become a go-to device in my home as of January. I’m now breaking it out at least once a week, finding some practical use cases for it. Though my overall assessment of it hasn’t changed, I have a more tangible understanding of where it can be a useful -- if superfluous -- PS5 companion. It’s a needless luxury, but one that I’m finding that I'm happy to indulge in.
Second screen
The PlayStation Portal’s launch just so happened to come right before a major life change that would shift my perspective. After living alone for three years, my girlfriend moved into my apartment last December. It’s been a natural change that’s working great so far. That shift does come with some lifestyle changes, though. We’re both crammed into a one-bedroom apartment, which means we’re sharing a tight space. We remotely do our jobs feet apart in the same room, and most evenings are spent lounging on the couch.

Gaming

PlayStation Spring Sale: best deals, how long is the sale, and more

With the rise of all-digital consoles, more and more people are doing a majority of their game shopping on digital storefronts. For PlayStation 5 owners, whether you have a disk drive or not, you more than likely have at least a couple of games purchased from the PlayStation Store. The convenience of simply downloading a game and not having to worry about the disk is great, but you also can catch some amazing deals. The biggest sales events come seasonally, and the current Spring Sale is offering deep discounts of up to 90% on some of the biggest games on the platform. If you've been waiting to pick up one of the great games you missed earlier this year or in years past, now might be the best time to snag it for cheap!
When is the PlayStation Spring Sale 2024?
The PlayStation Spring Sale started on March 27, 2024, but new deals were added on April 10 that will last until April 24.

If any deal is exclusively for a PS5 version of a game that is also on PS4, we will note that beside the title. Since all PS4 games run on PS5, we won't mark PS4 games.
Best deals for the PlayStation Spring Sale
God of War Ragnarök Sony Interactive Entertainment