The PlayStation VR will be released next week, and for all intents and purposes it’s a very capable virtual reality headset that provides one of the most accessible experiences for those looking to invest in VR technology. However, despite the PlayStation VR being one of the least expensive headsets currently available, the cost of actually getting it up and running is considerably more than just the price of the headset alone, and the extras you’ll have to purchase to make the most of your PSVR experience should be taken into consideration if you’re looking to buy the upcoming headset.
The Headset
The headset itself will set you back $399.99 to purchase it individually, which is relatively inexpensive when you compare it to the likes of the $599 Oculus Rift and the $799 HTC Vive. Although it’s not as powerful as either of those two headsets, the accessibility of the PSVR makes it an attractive purchase – you won’t have to worry about upgrading your PC in order to make it up to scratch, while you won’t be forced through irritating calibration procedures in order to make it work with your library of PC games.
The Camera
Here’s where things start getting pricier. In order to function, the PlayStation VR requires the use of Sony’s PS4 camera, which the company launched the console with in retaliation with the Xbox One’s Kinect 2.0 but failed to support in any meaningful capacity until now. There are two models currently available, though the newer version will set you back $55 while the older version will set you back $59. Again, the purchase of a PS4 camera is mandatory to use the PlayStation VR, so you can’t hope to use the headset without having one of these hooked up to your PS4.
The Controllers
You can use your PS4 controller with your PlayStation VR, though it’s hardly the most ideal way of interacting with the headset’s games. As those familiar with virtual reality will know, motion controllers are the best way of playing VR games, as they effectively take the place of your hands whereas traditional controllers awkwardly continue to utilize analog sticks. As such, the PS Move controllers have been re-released, and they’re said to work great with Sony’s new headset.
Though the PS Move controllers have received shiny new packaging, they’re exactly the same as they were back when they were released for the PS3, complete with mini USB ports as opposed to the micro USB ports the PS4 utilizes. As such, if you’re one of the few who already own a pair of these controllers then you won’t need to reinvest for the PSVR, but if you don’t then it’s best to avoid the bundle Sony is currently offering. Priced at $99.99, Sony is effectively selling two PS Move controllers for $50 each, whereas an individual PS Move controller can be purchased for $25.99. Buy two for $51.98 and you’ve saved yourself nearly $50 in the process.
The Games
Your PlayStation VR will be useless without games, but what should you purchase out of the gate in order to best showcase your new hardware? The obvious answer is PlayStation Worlds, a compilation of both games and VR experiences that highlight what the hardware can achieve, from a deep-sea diving adventure to an on-rails FPS. Retailing for $34.99, some may have hoped that this guided tour of the PSVR’s capabilities would have been bundled with the headset, but it’s a pretty reasonable price point considering you’ll likely return to it more than a few times whenever your friends or family ask to try out the headset.
On the cheaper end of the spectrum, Batman: Arkham VR is a short but sweet game that allows you to actually be the Batman, which is an experience many won’t want to pass up. It’s $19.99, so is worth the risk at that price. In terms of more traditional game experiences, EVE: Valkyrie is a full-priced experience that tasks you with virtual dogfighting throughout space, with it retailing for $59.99. For those who want to try out online multiplayer in virtual reality, RIGS Mechanized Combat League has been one of the most heavily advertised PSVR games thus far, with it retailing for $49.96.
The Bundle
If you want to forego buying each PSVR accessory individually, then Sony also pushed out a launch bundle that included the headset, two Move controllers, the old model of the PS4 camera and a copy of PlayStation Worlds for $499.99. Unfortunately, that bundle appears to be sold out pretty much everywhere, but it’s a very reasonable price for those who don’t own the Move controllers or camera already so it’s worth keeping an eye out for it.
The Actual Cost
If you overlook the aforementioned bundle, and if you don’t already own any of the PlayStation VR’s accessories, then you’re looking at spending $507 for the headset, the camera and the two Move controllers. Although this still pales in comparison to the other VR headsets on the market, it’s definitely worth taking into account if you’re looking to buy the hardware.
You can check out our sister site PlayStationLifestyle‘s unboxing of the headset in the video below:
