Apple and Sony Join Forces for Vision Pro Gaming Compatibility
In a noteworthy move, Apple is collaborating with Sony to introduce support for PSVR2 controllers within its Vision Pro headset. This partnership aims to address one of the device’s key limitations—its compatibility with gaming systems.
Current Limitations of Vision Pro
The Vision Pro, which heavily utilizes advanced hand and eye-tracking technologies, currently supports standard gaming controllers. However, it lacks native support for traditional VR controllers integral to systems with six degrees of freedom (6DoF). This technology allows users to navigate virtual environments more fluidly, enabling movements in all directions along with rotations on three axes.
Pricing and Design Philosophy
Launched as a premium device, Apple’s Vision Pro comes with a steep price tag of $3,499. Its primary design focus revolves around immersive productivity, entertainment, and applications rather than gaming. This approach sharply contrasts with Sony’s PlayStation VR2, priced at $549, which is distinctly targeted at gamers seeking high-performance experiences.
Understanding the Market Dynamics
Sony’s PSVR2 offers impressive performance and affordability, although it requires a PlayStation console for operation. In contrast, Apple’s Vision Pro is a standalone device powered by the M2 chip. However, its high cost and sluggish market acceptance—reportedly selling fewer than half a million units—have hindered Apple from establishing a robust gaming ecosystem.
The Shift Towards Gaming
Unlike its competitor Meta, which has developed dedicated gaming controllers for its VR systems, Apple has not yet ventured into creating its own gaming peripherals for the Vision Pro. While a prototype of a precision tool reminiscent of the Apple Pencil was considered, it was never intended for gaming applications. Instead, the collaboration with Sony signifies Apple’s intent to embrace the gaming community without deviating from its core design principles.
Reportedly, this partnership began earlier this year and has seen progress, although the announcement has experienced some delays.
Competitive Landscape in VR Gaming
Sony, alongside Meta, has made considerable strides in the realm of VR gaming. The PSVR2 boasts features like high-resolution displays and responsive tracking, complemented by a diverse lineup of games. Meanwhile, Meta’s Quest series maintains its popularity due to its affordability and vast library of games and applications.
Future Prospects for Apple in Gaming
Apple’s ability to succeed in the gaming sector will likely hinge on its capability to attract developers to create engaging experiences for visionOS. So far, the platform has struggled to penetrate beyond tech enthusiasts and early adopters, posing a challenge for widespread adoption.
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