The tech industry promised 2016 would be the year where consumer-ready virtual-reality devices hit the mainstream. With the launch of the PlayStation VR on Thursday in the US, all of the major brands have now played their hands. If you’re like me, you grew up dreaming about this sort of technology. Early reviews indicate the PlayStation VR is everything we were promised: affordable, comfortable, and impressively immersive. With that said, VR is a major leap in gaming technology, and there are a few things to know.
The Future is Now: Getting Ready for PlayStation VR
Sony has released three official PlayStation VR Video Tutorials to help new owners get the most out of their purchase. The first video covers what you’ll find inside the package – and it’s a considerable collection of cables and components! Thankfully, Sony took the time to label each wire individually to ensure your setup goes smoothly. See the video below for more information:
The second of the three videos covers the full installation process in detail. While it may look daunting, it appears Sony has done the extra legwork to make it as simple as it can be.
Finally, the third video covers how to setup your play area before you turn the headset on for the first time. It’s worth noting that the PSVR uses the LED lights around the headset, DualShock 4 controllers, and Move controllers to determine their positions in 3D space. As a result, any background lighting, open windows, or even mirrors within view of your PlayStation Eye camera may cause interference. It’s also of note that Sony recommends a large play space when using the headset yet specifies that the experience is best enjoyed sitting down.
Sony PlayStation VR Tips & Tricks
In addition to the official PlayStation VR Video Tutorials above, Sony has put together two other resources on the headset and what to expect for the uninitiated. First is a Tips & Tricks website which details further recommendations on how to best adjust your play space before diving in. Worth reading is a very small note at the bottom which explains that the PlayStation VR Processing Unit (which acts as both a separate processor and video/audio pass-through) cannot support HDR content. It can, however, support 4K images assuming your TV and PS4 do as well.
PlayStation VR: The Ultimate FAQ
Lastly, is a lengthy Question & Answer which Sony has put together covering everything from what types of games to expect at launch to how to use the PS4 Share function while using the PSVR headset.
Virtual Reality is a new and very exciting technology with the potential to revolutionize how we think of gaming. While we’re still only in the first generation of hardware, there’s no mistaking that hardware manufacturers like Sony have done their research. The PlayStation VR is looking like perhaps the best value purchase available at this time and these resources should help you prepare while also giving you something to occupy your mind as the countdown continues!
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