My lightly used PSVR2 headset finally arrived and so far, I've had the chance to play some Gran Turismo 7, Synapse, C-Smash VRS, and the trial for Horizon: Call of the Mountain. Here are some thoughts and impressions I have had thus far:
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I am happy to report that the used headset I received arrived as good as new with zero scratches or defects. In my experience, Japanese sellers tend to list the condition of items as conservatively as possible. So, for instance if something is listed in "Very Good" condition, the actual quality of the item is almost certainly "Near Mint". So far this has held true for everything I've bought second hand here.
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The PSVR2 headset is surprisingly light considering all the tech stuffed into it and having the bulkier fresnel lenses that have fallen out of style with most new VR headsets. Unfortunately, the price for this reduction in weight appears to be build quality. The headset feels cheap and not very durable. I'll just have to be careful not to drop it at any point.
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When this headset released, many reviewers said the "sweet spot" was very small due to the fresnel lenses and while I didn't know what they meant at the time, I certainly do now. If the headset is even slightly too high or low on your head the picture will become extremely blurry. Because of this, the headset has been designed so you have to completely readjust the strap every time you put it on. It's pretty shitty coming from my Pico 4 that has a massive sweet spot and requires very little adjustment between wear sessions. I'm starting to see why most VR headsets have moved on to using pancake lenses.
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The PSVR2 Sense controllers are fine, but unfortunately for me I have massive hands and the rings that surround the controller are a little too small for me to comfortably rest my thumbs on the face buttons or control stick. Trying to do so causes the back of my thumbs to rub against the inside of the controller rings. Most VR games don't require you to use the buttons all the time so it's not a huge deal. It's just another reminder that my hands are huge and video game controllers are not designed with someone like me in mind (besides the Xbox Duke controller.)
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I understand now why many think GT7's VR Mode is PSVR2's killer app. There's such a massive difference between playing the game traditionally versus driving in VR. It's genuinely impressive just how intense the game becomes when it feels like you're actually in the car going at crazy fast speeds and trying desperately not to crash into walls or veer off course. GT7 has always been the kind of game I play to relax and unwind, so it's actually pretty refreshing to have a way to play it that gets my blood pumping. Highly recommend trying it out if you ever find yourself in possession of a PSVR2 headset.
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C-Smash VRS is the reimagining of an old Sega arcade game, and it definitely feels like it. It's basically just Squash mixed with Brick Breaker, but it's elevated by its fantastic art style and superb soundtrack. It's also just supremely satisfying to smack a ball around with a racket in VR. There's a lot of single player content and I've gotten quite the workout just playing a few stages.
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Horizon: Call of the Mountain doesn't feel like a game that's worth paying a AAA price tag for. I wasn't all that impressed with the game trial. I'm not at all bothered at missing out on it as a pack-in. I might pick it up on a steep sale down the line.
I'm looking forward to spending a few more hours this weekend digging into my new games with this headset. My feelings are mixed but overall, I'm satisfied with what this headset provides me for the price I paid ($220). At its retail price of $550 though? If you paid that much for this headset, you're either made of money or I have a bridge to sell you.
