Sony will soon launch a new version of the PlayStation VR headset that will come with a few but important changes.
The PlayStation VR price was recently reduced, essentially taking out the $59 cost of the PlayStation Camera that is required for the virtual reality headset to work. The price reduction was apparently a prelude to a new PlayStation VR model, which should interest both current PlayStation VR owners and PlayStation 4 gamers who have not yet purchased the virtual reality headset.
New PlayStation VR Model: What's New?
Sony announced the new PlayStation VR model through an FAQ-style post on the official PlayStation Blog. The company confirmed that a hardware update to the virtual reality headset is on its way.
The updated PlayStation VR, which will carry the model number CUH-ZVR2, will have stereo headphone cables integrated within the headset, with a slimmer and streamlined connection cable. This would eliminate the dangling wires from connecting headphones to the headset.
The new PlayStation VR headset also features an upgraded processor unit that supports HDR pass through. This would allow users to watch HDR-compatible PlayStation 4 content on a TV without needing to disconnect the processor unit in between the PlayStation 4 and the TV. The feature can only be used while the PlayStation VR headset is switched off, but it allows users to keep the headset connected even when it's not in use.
Sony added that the price of the PlayStation VR headset and its bundles will remain the same despite the updated hardware, with the packaging to feature slight changes to distinguish the new model. Specifically, the new version will have model number CUH-ZVR2 on the box, as well as an updated product image with integrated headphones.
All PlayStation VR games will be compatible with both models of the headset, so gamers shouldn't have to worry about that. Players who were thinking of swapping the processor unit of the old headset with that of the new one will not be able to do so though, due to different cables used between the two models.
The release date of the new PlayStation VR model, however, is still unknown.
Virtual Reality Headsets
As the HTC Vive price was slashed by $200 earlier in the year and Microsoft recently announced its Windows Mixed Reality headsets, Sony remains the dominant player in the virtual reality headset industry. PlayStation VR headset sales surpassed 1 million units in June, beating the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift.
The updated model of the PlayStation VR headset may be relatively minor, but it will still likely help Sony extend its lead over its rivals.
