Launch of PlayStation VR

The PlayStation VR (PSVR) officially launched on October 13, 2016, marking Sony’s bold entry into the consumer virtual reality market. Designed as an accessible and console-compatible headset, PSVR worked in tandem with the PlayStation 4, making VR gaming available to a much broader audience than high-end PC setups. The system featured a 5.7-inch OLED display, 1080p resolution, and a 100-degree field of view, with tracking enabled through the PlayStation Camera and optional motion control via PlayStation Move controllers. With a relatively affordable price and a familiar ecosystem, Sony aimed to make VR more mainstream. At launch, PSVR was supported by a diverse lineup of games, including Batman: Arkham VR, EVE: Valkyrie, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, and Rez Infinite, showcasing the potential of immersive gaming on a console. Though its technical specs lagged behind PC-based rivals like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, PSVR stood out for its plug-and-play simplicity and content-rich ecosystem. Over the years, it developed a solid library of VR experiences and introduced millions of console gamers to virtual reality. Its success paved the way for Sony’s continued investment in VR, culminating in the release of PlayStation VR2 in 2023.