Sony introduced console gaming audiences to VR with the PlayStation VR (PS VR). The peripheral is home to some pretty awesome games, including "SUPERHOT VR," "Until Dawn: Rush of Blood," and "Ghost Giant." However, while the PS VR is a solid product, it is also somewhat flawed, not helped by its dependence on the PlayStation Camera and Move controllers (both sold separately) and inherent incompatibility with the PlayStation 5 unless you buy an adapter. But now, the PS VR2 solves most of those problems.
Unlike the original PS VR, the PS VR2 is a complete experience all in one box. The device comes with controllers and doesn't require external cameras. Sure, you still need a PS5 to store and play the games, but connecting the headset to a gaming platform is true for almost all VR peripherals. Reviews paint a pretty picture for the PS VR2's immersion, especially thanks to its eye-tracking functionality, but there's always room for improvement. While we probably can't expect a PS VR2 Version 2.0 to release anytime soon and fix its issues, we can always buy an accessory or two to improve our experiences.
Hard drive space is at a premium these days. Sure, most consoles and gaming PCs come with around 1 TB, but a fat lot of good that will do if you fill it with games that ask for around 100 GB of space each. You can either uninstall these games to make room for PS VR2 titles, or you can just install more storage space.
While previous PlayStations let owners store digital copies of games on external hard drives, the PlayStation 5 comes with the option to slot an additional SSD directly into the console. These "accessories" (which are really just standard computer components) come in a variety of sizes and prices, but all give gamers more hard drive space to work with.
Admittedly, some SSDs for PS5 are better than others and can double or even triple a console's hard drive space, depending on the size. Better yet, if you buy the right SSD, you can end up improving game load times — so long as you install a game in that SSD's directory. Regardless, an extra SSD can help gamers store more PS VR2 games. Or just store more PS5 games period. Either way, get an extra SSD for your PS5.
Since the PS VR2 is designed for immersion, it obviously includes earbuds that plug into the headset — because what's more immersion-breaking than seeing a giant robot dinosaur roar in front of you but hearing it behind you because that's where the TV is? While these earbuds are no slouches, you can always spend more money on a superior pair.
The most obvious accessory gamers can use to replace the vanilla earbuds are Sony's Pulse 3D headphones. Its claim to fame is the "3D audio," which is supposed to provide a better, more realistic soundscape that accurately depicts sounds coming from different directions. Honestly, what could be more fitting for a VR headset designed to put gamers in the middle of the action?
Of course, gamers have more options than just the Pulse 3D headphones. The SteelSeries Arctis 7 and 7p are also popular, albeit expensive, choices since they offer surround sound and a microphone. However, the Arctis line has a serious advantage over the Pulse 3D since it can support two audio inputs simultaneously so long as one of them is physically connected to the headphone. That seems like a useless feature until you realize it lets you play VR titles while also communicating with a Twitch audience at the same time.
Rechargeable batteries have been the standard of PlayStation controllers since 2006. Unfortunately, the more peripherals you own, the harder it is to keep them all topped up since consoles have only so many USB ports. But, the original PS VR had an elegant charging solution for its PlayStation Move controllers, and so does the PS VR2.
Since the PlayStation 5 has three USB slots, you can charge both PS VR2 controllers while keeping the PS VR2 headset plugged in, which is good news since the controllers allegedly don't last long. But if you want to free up some USB slots, you are better off buying the PlayStation VR2 Sense charging station. Just plug some connectors into the PS VR2 controller's slots, drop them into the station, and plug the device into a wall socket. Now you can charge your other non-VR controllers in the PS5's USB slots as well.
If the official charging station's $50 price tag is a little high, you can always purchase a third-party charger. These accessories are generally less expensive and can even double as display storage stands, but since these items aren't subject to Sony's production standards, you might initially get a dud and have to send it back for a working one. No matter which charging station you chose, though, it will help your PS5 cable management situation immensely.
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