Among the many releases that we await for 2023, there is certainly an appointment circled in red in the calendar of virtual reality gaming lovers: let’s talk about the debut of PlayStation VR 2, the new Sony viewer that will accompany the PS5 starting next February 22nd.
This is the second attempt by the Japanese company to delve into gaming in VR, after the original PlayStation VR which had instead joined the PS4 – and whose games will unfortunately not be compatible with the new viewer.
In view of this debut, the Omdia analysts, interviewed by the EDGE magazine (thanks MP1st) expressed their expectations on PS VR2 sales, stating that they expect a slightly slower start than the first headset, but good long-term results.
According to experts, in fact, PS VR2 (you can pre-order it on Amazon now) should sell 1.6 million units during 2023: a number slightly below the 1.9 million that PS VR sold in 2017. However, experts estimate that by 2027 PS VR2 should reach an installed base of 10 million, which would be quite substantial.
Of course, competitors like Meta Quest 2 should already reach 15 million units this year, but according to the company’s analyst and expert, George Jijiashvili, Sony’s games will be able to make a difference to bring more enthusiasts into the world of PS VR2. It is a strategy that Sony is actually focusing on, considering that the launch of Horizon: Call of the Mountain will be alongside the headset, a VR experience set in the same universe as the events of the iconic Aloy.
For comparison, however, the previous PlayStation VR sold about 5 million units (data updated at the end of 2019), with PS4 having an installed base that has now reached 117 million units.
Surely, the availability of PS5 would also define the slow start of PS VR2, which for a long time was unable to be available in stores, thus increasing its production more slowly than expected. installed base. However, Sony has promised that this situation will improve for 2023, as we are actually seeing from the reports coming from the USA and Japan.
With a PS5 more available on the market, therefore, even PS VR2 could have a more serene launch, considering that it is essential to own the console in order to play with the viewer.
The launch, we remind you, is expected for February 22, 2023, at the list price of 599.99 euros for the viewer only. It will also be offered with a bundle that will include Horizon: Call of the Mountain: in that case, the cost is 649.99 euros.
