The PlayStation VR2 SDK update adds exciting new features

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Key points

  • Future PlayStation VR2 games may include hand tracking features with a new SDK update.
  • The PS VR2 competes with Meta Quest headsets, offering high fidelity with PS5-linked connectivity.
  • Hand tracking demonstrated on PS VR2, while not yet implemented in games, could make virtual reality more immersive.



PlayStation VR2 games may add hand tracking features in the future, courtesy of a new SDK update. The exciting news was announced quietly by Sony, but it could make a big difference in the experience some PlayStation VR2 users will have playing VR games.

The PSVR2 is a major competitor to the Meta Quest line of headsets, offering a fairly affordable entry point into virtual reality. Unlike the Quest headsets, the PSVR 2 takes advantage of the hardware capabilities of the PlayStation 5, allowing for greater fidelity and processing power, with the disadvantage of being physically tied to the console. While there are ups and downs for almost every virtual reality headset, the PSVR 2 is getting a new feature that could help it be even more competitive with the Quest.

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According to UploadVR, during the Siggraph Asia 2024 trade show in Japan, Sony had a booth demonstrating the PlayStation VR2 with hand tracking. Unlike controller tracking, hand tracking allows users to interact with what they see in front of them simply by using their hands, without the need for accessories. This feature already exists on Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro, but is absent on PlayStation VR2.



PlayStation VR2 fans will have to wait for hand tracking

While hand tracking functionality is not yet implemented in any PlayStation VR2 games, this may change in the near future. The focus of the PlayStation VR2 demo appears to be aimed at developers, as Sony announced that hand tracking features were now available in the PS5 SDK. Since Sony hasn't made any major announcements to consumers yet, it remains to be seen whether it will also add the ability to control the interface with hands and gestures outside of games.


Controllers are still ideal for many VR games and experiences, but using your hands is an intuitive thing that makes virtual reality much more accessible for some gamers and non-gamers alike. PlayStation VR2 probably has some catching up to do in this regard compared to its competitors, but to be honest, even PlayStation VR2 is not a mixed reality headset like Meta Quest and Apple Vision Pro. Using your hands in VR is definitely an advantage and can make some games even better, but it makes more sense to use your hands when they're physically visible on the passthrough of a mixed reality headset.

It remains to be seen when this feature will start to become available to players. Ultimately it's up to individual developers to decide whether they want to implement hand tracking, and doing so may require major updates to the game. However, it's a great sign that Sony is pushing the limits of VR with its existing hardware, giving fans more reasons to get excited about VR.

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