Sony PS VR: Best Balance Of Price, Power, Features

Sony’s virtual reality headset is finally here.

- Will Greenwald

The PlayStation VR is a system designed for use with the PlayStation 4 and the upcoming PS4 Pro. It’s a powerful accessory that lags only a hair behind the PC-powered HTC Vive and Oculus Rift in specs, and it’s far less expensive, especially when you put the required PlayStation up against the pricier VR-ready PCs the Vive and Rift require. In addition, its graphical capabilities and motion tracking far exceed smartphone-based VR headsets such as the Samsung Gear VR. Virtual reality is still a technical novelty you have to commit to before you spend the cash, but the PlayStation VR offers the best combination of accessibility, content, and power, and it earns our Editors’ Choice.

REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN 

In addition to a PlayStation 4 or the more powerful PS4 Pro, you need a PlayStation Camera to use the PS VR, though one isn’t included with the headset. The $499.99 PlayStation VR Launch Bundle includes a PlayStation Camera and two optional PlayStation Move motion controllers, so we recommend that version over the base kit unless you already have PlayStation Move set up with your PS4. Otherwise, expect to spend another $60 on the camera, and $100 for a pair of PlayStation Move controllers.