Sony is reportedly slashing its funding for PSVR 2, as well as first-party virtual reality games for the headset.
The report comes from Android Central, where it is claimed that sources close to the outlet suggest that Sony is “making deep cuts” to VR game funding internally. Additionally, a second source told Android Central that Sony is only working on a couple of PSVR 2 games. It remains to be seen what those games are, or if they will ever be released.
Sony will release a PSVR 2 PC adapter in August, allowing VR headset owners to connect them to a PC for compatibility with SteamVR titles. It will cost $59.99 / £49.99 and it's great that Sony is offering an option to extend support for PSVR 2, but the announcement of the accessory seemed to cast a dark cloud over the future of the headset.
When PSVR 2 launched in early 2023, it got off to a promising start with a strong launch lineup that included Horizon: Call of the Mountain, and eventual support to Gran Turismo 7 and Resident Evil 4 exceptional remake. The recent addition of PSVR 2 games to the PS Plus Premium catalog is also great for headset owners looking for new games without breaking the bank.
However, the PSVR 2's eye-watering price tag of $549.99/£529.99 was never going to sit well with most consumers, especially as it was even more expensive than the PS5 console itself. It's far from the most expensive VR headset on the market, of course, but when even the Meta Quest 3 undercuts it and is much more versatile thanks to its wireless and standalone nature, it makes Sony's headset a very difficult sell even for PS5 owners.
It would be a shame if the reports are true and Sony is actually looking to stop actively supporting PSVR 2. The silver lining could be that there will be a permanent price drop in the future; This could allow the brand to at least sell the stock and give more PS5 owners the chance to try out a truly excellent headset.
