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PSVR 2 vs. Meta Quest 2

The VR landscape has evolved drastically since the technology first became available to consumers. Most major VR units have evolved to their second iteration, such as the PlayStation VR 2 and the Meta Quest 2. Just like comparing any two pieces of tech, the newest or most expensive one isn’t necessarily the best. Gamers, in particular, will want to know all the ins and outs of both units before investing in a new headset. To help you decide which headset is right for you, we’ve pitted the PSVR 2 and Meta Quest 2 against each other to see how they stack up in key categories.

Specs

Meta's Quest 2 can track your hands allowing you to manipulate virtual objects.

Looking at the scpecifications is the most objective way to judge these two headsets. Here’s what they offer:

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PSVR 2

The PSVR 2 will give you a 2000 x 2040-pixel display per eye on an OLED screen with HDR capabilities. It has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, a 110-degree field of view, and even eye-tracking technology. In terms of power, the PSVR 2 is running off your PlayStation 5, so it will be capped at what the console can push out.

The tracking technology in the PSVR 2 is inside-out tracking utilizing the four built-in cameras. In addition to being a very accurate way to synchronize your movements in real life with the game, it also allows for an easy passthrough mode so you can temporarily see “through” the headset to your surroundings without needing to remove the headset. This tracking also applies to the Sense controllers, which come with all the haptic feedback and adaptive trigger technology of the DualSense controller, plus touch detection for more options in terms of hand gestures.

Meta Quest 2

The Meta Quest 2 has a slightly lower visual resolution at 1832 x 1920 per eye, however the biggest differences will be in the LCD screen and lack of HDR. All this combined can result in a worse-looking image than just the resolution would imply. The refresh rate can range from as low as 72Hz up to 120Hz, but is highly dependent on the games or app being run. Another major drawback is the Meta Quest 2’s highest field of view being 96 degrees. A lower field of view, even on normal displays, can cause motion sickness, which is naturally exacerbated when in VR.

Meta Quest 2 matches the PSVR 2 in terms of inside-out tracking with four cameras that allow for a passthrough view, however, it lacks any internal eye tracking. On the other hand, it does feature hand tracking. In terms of controllers, they feature everything the Sense controllers do, but lack all the haptic and adaptive technology.

One additional spec only the Meta Quest 2 has to consider is battery life, which typically ends up at around three hours.

Games

PSVR 2 has launched with dozens of games, most of which are also available on other VR devices. The notable exceptions are games like the exclusive Horizon Call of the Mountain, and the VR mode for Resident Evil Village. The downside is twofold. First, if you own a PC VR headset, most of the games currently available for PSVR 2 are ones you will already have, or had the option to play. Second is that PSVR 2 is not backward compatible with original PSVR games, though some have already gotten PSVR 2 versions.

The Meta Quest 2, unless you’re a console-only gamer, has to take the win in this category if only for the sheer amount of options you have. Being a PC unit, the Meta Quest 2 can run any compatible Steam game, of which there is an almost limitless amount. While PSVR 2 will likely have a smaller, more curated library with better production values, Meta Quest 2’s variety and lower prices on games make it a safer bet for most gamers.

Design

A PSVR2 headset on a sky-blue background.

Your PSVR 2 will look very sleek and futuristic. It is a single-strap headset that is very adjustable for comfort. You can move the front screen in or out, which is especially useful if you have glasses, plus it has a cooling system to prevent moisture buildup inside the unit during longer sessions. It is very comfortable and lightweight, however there is one string attached, or should we say cable. PSVR 2 isn’t completely wireless, with one mandatory USB-C cord running from the headset to you PS5. While leagues better than the PSVR’s setup, it is still a possible hindrance.

The Meta Quest 2’s main selling point is the fact that it can be used as a standalone unit completely wireless. This full freedom of movement can’t be understated, as you can essentially play VR anywhere you want (assuming there’s a decent amount of space). The actual design of the headset has two straps, one wrapping around horizontally and another across the top of your head. It uses Velcro straps, which can be slightly annoying to situate properly and tend to slip.

Both VR units’ controllers look almost identical visually. Aside from the specs, there’s really not much difference aside from color.

Price

A side view of the PlayStation VR2, which sits on a wood table.

PSVR 2 is far newer than the Meta Quest 2, and the price reflects that. The base unit, which comes with the controllers, will cost you $550 minimum, or $600 to get a bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain. If you don’t have a PS5 yet, then you’d also need to add that price into the equation.

The Meta Quest 2 currently comes in two options: the 128GB for $350 or the 256GB for $430. Both are cheaper than the PSVR 2, and don’t require a PC to play any games. Of course, if you do have a PC ,you can connect to it to utilize its power as well.

One final pricing factor to weigh is games. While PSVR 2 does have some games you can get through cross-buy, if you already own a large library of Steam games that are VR compatible, then you won’t have to invest anything more to start playing.

Editors' Recommendations

PlayStation VR2 is my first headset. Here’s what I think after one week in VR
A side view of the PlayStation VR2, which sits on a wood table.

Before my PlayStation VR2 arrived at my doorstep last week, my experience playing in VR was minimal. I'd reported on the industry and its games for years, but my actual playtime in a headset was limited to an Eve: Valkyrie demo at a GameStop ahead of PlayStation VR's launch, a couple of demos at trade shows, and one 15-minute session of Phantom: Covert Ops on Meta Quest 2 while hanging out with a friend. 
Despite claims by companies like Meta that VR would serve as the future of communication and entertainment, the technology seemed too scattershot and underdeveloped for my liking, with many competitors putting out underpowered headsets, many of which need a wire or two. That said, part of me still wondered if it would take the right headset with the right features and game library to transform the gaming medium forever. Although the Meta Quest 2 has tempted me for some time, it was the PlayStation VR2 that finally got me to bite the bullet and embrace VR.

PSVR2 is expensive at $550, but it appealed to me with its impressive specs and the fact that it only requires one wired connection to the PS5. That was all I needed to bite the bullet. Since it arrived, I've gone all-in on the tech to make up for lost time, trying out games like Gran Turismo 7, Horizon Call of the Mountain, and Zombieland: Headshot Fever Reloaded. Although I'm impressed by the headset's power and how comfortable it is, don't consider me a convert just yet. I can't imagine it replacing traditional gaming on my PS5 or becoming my preferred social setting anytime soon, and that leaves me to wonder how high VR's ceiling can actually go.
Strapping in
My first thought when I got my PSVR2 was that the package was much smaller and lighter than I expected. VR always seemed large and clunky from an outside perspective, so I was impressed by the sleek and easy-to-unbox packaging and the headset's manageable size. Next, I had to set up the headset, which was something I was dreading as a first-time user. Surprisingly, the setup process was pretty quick after I plugged in the headset.
Within about 15 minutes, I had completed the initial setup and was already familiar with the passthrough tool. It didn't dig into my head and nose like I thought it would, mercifully. The few times I've strapped on other VR headsets, they've always felt like they're squeezing my face. That was not the case here, as I easily adjusted the headset to my liking. Even the feeling of the wire quickly became a non-factor for me as I played more and more.

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New deal gets you two free games when you buy a Meta Quest 2
A Meta Quest 2, adjusted to look green, is being used for gaming.

The Meta Quest 2 is enjoying a new deal right now with it possible to pay $400 for the VR headset and get two games entirely for free with it. Available at Best Buy, you get Golf+, the official VR golf game of the PGA Tour along with Space Pirate Trainer DX. A great introduction to the world of VR, let's take a look at why it's worth it, or you can simply hit the buy button to get straight to purchasing it.

Why you should buy the Meta Quest 2
One of the best VR headsets around, the Meta Quest 2 continues to go from strength to strength. It's fantastic value, even more so when it bundles in additional games. A wireless headset, you get inside-out tracking in a standalone device without needing to set up base stations or be tethered to a computer. A 120Hz refresh rate looks great alongside the 1832 x 1920 resolution per eye so it's a really immersive experience.

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The best video games of February 2023: Metroid Prime, Wild Hearts, and more
Samus stares up at Meta Ridley in Metroid Prime Remastered.

After a shockingly strong January for video game releases, February 2023 was relatively quieter, held up by just a couple of big releases, remasters, and the launch of a new VR headset. There are still plenty of games worth playing, but you probably got the most out of February if you're a Nintendo Switch owner.
We've combed through this month's big releases to share our favorites, but let's address the elephant in the room: Hogwarts Legacy was the most notable release of February, despite being mired in controversy. While Harry Potter fans are enjoying the title, Digital Trends was a bit less enamored with it in our two-and-a-half star review. Writer Giovanni Colantonio criticized the open-world game's uninspired use of magic and generic design, noting that nostalgia for the IP does a lot of the heavy lifting.
As such, we've left it off this month's list for a simple reason: There were just better games released in February. Our goal with this series of lists is always to compile the very best gaming has to offer every month, not necessarily the most talked-about games. From excellent remasters to a surprisingly robust rhythm RPG, these were no shortage of titles that deserved a shout-out. These were our six favorite games released in February (plus one great piece of hardware).
Metroid Prime Remastered

GameCube classic Metroid Prime is already considered one of the best games of all time by many people. As such, it’s no surprise that a Nintendo Switch remaster that adds dual analog supports and makes the game look even better is one of the best releases of the month. Metroid Prime Remastered even got a surprise launch during a Nintendo Direct, adding even more excitement to its release ahead of a physical release on February 22.
“While it might have been tempting to give the original a Dead Space-type remake treatment, the GameCube title didn’t need modifying,” Colantonio wrote about the game. “Instead, the remaster does some quiet technical work to remind players why Samus’ first 3D outing is still an unparalleled adventure two decades later.”
This refurbished version of a GameCube game has no glaring technical shortcomings. If you enjoy beautifully crafted sci-fi worlds and excellent game soundtracks, and want to experience one of the best-looking Switch games, we recommend picking this remaster up. Metroid Prime Remastered is available now exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Wild Hearts

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