Sony’s next-generation digital actuality headset, PlayStation VR2, will retail for $549.99 when it launches on February 22, 2023.

For context, that is $50 greater than the usual disc drive toting PlayStation 5 prices within the United States, with the console itself retailing for $499 within the area.

The base PlayStation VR2 providing will embody the headset itself, a pair of PS VR2 Sense controllers, and stereo headphones. Another bundle priced at $599.99 will embody a PlayStation Store voucher code for VR title Horizon Call of the Mountain alongside the entire above.

Sony has been championing a variety of different PS VR2 tasks that’ll be arriving subsequent 12 months, and stated it expects over 20 titles to be accessible at launch. The firm additionally lately instructed builders that it has been working to make it easer to port current software program to the platform, however has additionally confirmed that backwards compatibility with unique PSVR titles is not within the pipeline.

As for the way PS VR2 compares to different digital actuality {hardware} the place pricing is worried, the Meta Quest 2 headset at the moment retails for $399.99 in case you seize the 128GB model – the 256GB mannequin prices $499 – whereas the Valve Index headset and controllers bundle may be grabbed for $749.

Although it is solely been over an hour for the reason that value was introduced, the final response on social media appears to be certainly one of sticker shock, with many bemoaning the excessive value of entry Sony has slapped on its newest piece of {hardware}.

The Japanese firm, nevertheless, moved to remind potential consumers that PlayStation VR2 will embody tech that facilitates “distinctive gameplay experiences” similar to headset suggestions, eye monitoring, 3D audio, and adaptive triggers and haptic suggestions through its PS VR2 Sense controllers.

The gadget can even provide enhanced headset based mostly controller monitoring and excessive constancy visuals in 4000 x 2040 HDR video format (2000 x 2040 per eye), and design concerns similar to an built-in vent and a lens adjustment dial to permit for snug play periods. 

You can see the whole checklist of tech specs for the headset under in case you’re curious to know precisely what $549 will nab you.