PS VR2 Will NOT Be Backwards Compatible - Here's Why!
GMRSony Confirms Limited Game Compatibility with PS VR2
Are you ready for the next big thing in virtual reality? The highly anticipated PlayStation VR2 is set to launch on February 22, 2023, and it's bringing some major upgrades to the table. But before you start digging out your old VR games to dust off, there's some important news to know: the PS VR2 will not be backwards compatible with previous VR games.
This may come as a disappointment to some, but fear not – all is not lost! In an interview with Famitsu (via Google Translate), Hideaki Nishino, senior vice president of platform experience at Sony, shed some light on the situation. According to Nishino, the VR2's advanced eye-tracking capabilities make porting older games a bit of a challenge. While he did mention that ports will be possible, it will ultimately come down to individual developers and publishers to decide if it's worth the effort.
This time, in addition to the new controller tracking, we have adopted a rendering method called 'foveate rendering' that increases the resolution of the part where the eyes are in focus. The system itself is very different from the previous model, it will not be a simple porting work. Whether or not it is easy to port depends on the content, and whether it is actually ported depends on the manufacturer.
So it looks like some games may be easier to port than others, potentially leaving the door open for simpler VR games to make the jump to the new system. But for those hoping to play through all the VR games they missed out on, it's probably best to temper expectations. The focus of the PS VR2 will likely be on newer games, with ports only being made if third parties believe it's worth the investment.
But don't worry – there is some good news for those planning on picking up the PS VR2. The VR version of Resident Evil Village will be free for anyone who already owns the game, giving players a taste of the next-level immersion that the new system has to offer. And we already know that No Man's Sky VR is getting a port to the PS VR2, which will be free for anyone who has already purchased the original game. Plus, the port is getting some upgrades to take advantage of the VR2's new features.
So while it may be a bit disappointing to hear that the PS VR2 won't be backwards compatible with previous VR games, there are still plenty of exciting things to look forward to with the new system. With the launch date fast approaching, it's time to start getting excited for the next chapter in virtual reality gaming!
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