Sony Expands PSVR2 Capabilities with New PC VR Support

Sony Expands PSVR2 Horizons with PC VR Support

This week, Sony has breathed new life into the PSVR2 by introducing PC VR support, a move that opens the door for owners of the second-generation headset to immerse themselves in popular PC VR titles like Half-Life: Alyx. To take advantage of this feature, users will need to purchase a PC adapter. However, a number of savvy users have discovered a workaround that allows them to connect their PSVR2 to a gaming PC without the additional cost.

Exploring the Workaround

According to reports from RoadToVR, several Steam users have successfully managed to get their PSVR2 operational on their gaming rigs by simply connecting the headset’s USB-C cable directly to their graphics card and downloading the PSVR2 Steam App. This clever bypass is made possible by the presence of VirtualLink, a specific type of USB-C port found on select graphics processing units (GPUs).

Initially heralded as a potential standard for VR headset connectivity, VirtualLink promised to simplify the setup process by allowing a single USB-C cable to handle both power and data. Unfortunately, despite its early promise in 2018 and 2019, VirtualLink has since fallen out of favor, with many of the latest GPUs, including the GeForce RTX 30 and 40 series, lacking this feature. Only certain models from the GeForce RTX 20 series, like the RTX 2060 and its Super variant, as well as AMD’s Radeon RX 6000 and RX 7000 series, include the port.

As noted by UploadVR in a 2019 roundup, even among GPUs that feature VirtualLink, compatibility can vary. For instance, only the Founder’s Edition and select OEM partner cards of the RTX 2060 series come equipped with this port. For those fortunate enough to have a PSVR2 and a compatible GPU, this workaround can save them the adapter fee, although it comes with its own set of challenges.

Some users have reported difficulties with Bluetooth connectivity when attempting to pair the PSVR2’s Sense Controllers to their PCs without the adapter. The PSVR2, which launched last year, boasts impressive technical specifications but has struggled to maintain momentum in the market. Reports from June indicated that Sony had made significant cuts to funding for VR development, with only a couple of first-party PSVR2 titles allegedly in the works.

While the PSVR2 awaits its first major exclusive title, the addition of PC VR support represents a positive step forward. It enables users to access a broader library of games that were previously unavailable on the PSVR or even the Meta Quest store. However, it is worth noting that not all of the PSVR2’s standout features, such as headset feedback and eye tracking, are functional when playing on a PC.

Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

How to play half life alyx on quest 2 airlink?

To play Half-Life: Alyx on Quest 2 using Air Link, follow these steps: 1) Ensure both your PC and Quest 2 are on the same Wi-Fi network, and preferably use a 5GHz router. 2) Update the firmware of your Quest 2 and the Oculus PC app to the latest version. 3) Enable Air Link in Quest 2 settings under Experimental Features. 4) In the Oculus PC app, go to Settings > Beta and also enable Air Link. 5) Put on your Quest 2 and from Quick Settings, select Oculus Air Link and pair it with your PC. 6) Launch SteamVR from the Oculus Dash and then start Half-Life: Alyx.

How to fix half life alyx lag?

To fix lag in Half-Life: Alyx, try the following: 1) Ensure your PC meets the game's minimum system requirements. 2) Lower the in-game graphics settings. 3) Update your graphics card drivers. 4) Close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources. 5) Ensure your VR headset's firmware is up-to-date. 6) Use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability, especially if using Air Link. 7) Increase the refresh rate of your VR headset through its settings. 8) Try resetting or optimizing your router for better network performance if playing wirelessly.

Update: 08 Aug 2024