PlayStation VR – What You Need to Play

It’s common knowledge that Sony announced the price and release date of its PlayStation VR headset at the 2016 Game Developer’s Conference. This article covers everything you will need to purchase in order to get the full experience from PlayStation VR. The headset comes with quite a lot of gadgets, but you will still need the PlayStation camera and there’s an argument to be made over owning two PlayStation Move controllers as well. Let’s dig into everything you’ll need to obtain a full VR experience on the PlayStation 4.

PlayStation VR Bundle Contents

When you purchase PlayStation VR from a local or online retailer this October, it will include a bevy of accessories at the $400 price point. Included in the PlayStation VR package is the headset unit, earbuds, the processor unit needed to make the device work, HDMI and USB cables, an AC power cord and adapter and the headset connection to connect the headset to your PS4.

PlayStation VR Package Contents:

• Headset Unit
• Personal Earbuds
• Processor Unit
• Headset Connection Cable
• HDMI Cable
• USB Cable
• AC Power Adapter

What You Need to Make PlayStation VR Work

While the PlayStation VR packages comes with everything mentioned above, you can’t use the headset or experience VR with just that set of accessories. That’s right, if you own a PlayStation 4 and purchase the PlayStation VR bundle listed above, you will not have a functioning VR unit. To make PlayStation VR work you will also need the PlayStation Camera.

The PlayStation Camera has a suggested retail price of $59.99, but with a quick search on Amazon you should be able to find one for $45 or less. That isn’t a great deal to spend when you’re already forking over $400 on the PlayStation VR headset, plus you presumably picked up a PlayStation 4 at some point for around $350 or possibly more. Just make sure you have a PlayStation Camera in your possession when you’re ready to get started with the PlayStation VR headset.

The Full PlayStation VR Experience

You need the PlayStation Camera just to make the PlayStation VR headset work. That’s the first step to get the most basic PlayStation VR setup. If you want the full experience you’re going to also need to buy at least two PlayStation Move motion controllers. These run about $25 or so on Amazon at the moment, and were originally made for the PlayStation 3. Fear not, the PlayStation 3 Move controller is exactly what you need to get the most out of your PlayStation 4 VR experience. The PS3 Move controller will work just fine on the PS4.

At this point you may be asking why you need the Move controllers. You can use a standard Dual Shock 4 and everything will work fine. However, if you have Move controllers the movement tracking is more accurate and the experience is a bit more immersive. We don’t yet know if all games will require the Dual Shock 4 or PlayStation Move controller as it seems at least a few will simply track your body movements. However, if you want to be able to enjoy every PlayStation VR game to maximum effect, you should pick up two PlayStation Move controllers.

Price Breakdown

• PlayStation VR Headset – $400
• PlayStation Camera – $45
• PlayStation Move Controller (x2) – $50
• Total Cost – $495

We’ll have more on PlayStation VR in the coming weeks and months leading up to the October release date. In the meantime be sure to check out the best looking games for PlayStation VR and a brief history of virtual reality in gaming!