PlayStation VR 2 labeled a “challenging category” by Sony executive

In a recent interview, the head of global business at SIE referred to PlayStation VR 2 as a “challenging category.” While Playstation 5 achieves a sales milestone of 50 million units, the discussion around Playstation VR 2 remains relatively quiet. According to Eric Lempel, SIE’s executive, VR is currently challenging despite the company’s booming sales. Lempel notes Sony’s commitment to VR but acknowledges that there might have been higher expectations for the impact of VR on gaming.

PlayStation VR 2 Faces a Gradual Uptake

In October, Lempel emphasized the significance of the VR category for Sony, acknowledging it’s not the primary focus compared to the PS5 this season. Rumors suggest Lempel might be the next PlayStation CEO as Jim Ryan plans to step down in March 2024.

The PlayStation VR 2 hit shelves in February, selling 600,000 units in the first six weeks, slightly edging out its predecessor from October 2016. Despite not reaching a million sales in the following holiday season, Sony hit two million by December 2017 after some price cuts. Overall, Sony boasts over five million units sold.

The real test is whether Sony will disclose the Playstation VR 2 sales figures after this holiday season. Any silence on this front could spell trouble for the VR system.

It’s a whole new ball game in the market compared to 2016.

Omdia, a market research company, estimates that the PSVR 2 is moving slower than its predecessor. The reasons include a lack of standout titles and Sony’s emphasis on other PS5 accessories like the Playstation Portal.

Unlike 2016, when the original Playstation VR had the advantage of being the most affordable VR headset, the scene has changed in 2023. Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 are cheaper and don’t require a console or wires.

Priced at $550, the Playstation VR 2 is even more expensive than the PS5. The only major exclusive title for the VR headset this Christmas is Resident Evil 4 VR Mode, challenging the competitive landscape.

Recommended:

Apple Vision Pro is Set for an Early Launch in January.

Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses Set to Enhance Intelligence with Object Recognition Beta.