play station vr

play station vr 

 

                      

After a quick grip during the Paris Games Week last October, we had the opportunity to try more depth VR PlayStation, Sony's virtual reality headset. Thus, for two full hours we plunged into the different worlds offered by the Japanese specialist of gaming. Two pleasantly surprising and varied hours.

It is not without some trepidation that I went to try the Sony PlayStation VR for the first time. Having had the opportunity to test the HTC Vive, I expected a much less rewarding than the latter, especially because of its technical limitations and those of the PlayStation 4. I was far from imagining at that time I was going to try a few minutes later it would be for me a real slap in virtual reality.

Most comfortable :

Whether Google Cardboard, the Samsung Gear VR, the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vivid, hours of chaining game in virtual reality quickly becomes quite unpleasant. Between the edges a little sharp and the first impression of heaviness other, it is difficult to really forget, especially as they are tightly closed, causing some heat (and therefore some discomfort with the sweating), and often a fogging on the lenses. PS VR him, although heavier than the HTC Vive 10 grams, is much more comfortable.

                     

First, the setting is very simple. A button behind the roll bar allows loosen it to slip his head. Releasing all the hoop then finds himself the right setting. Part helmet in turn also moves back and forth in order to manage the development of the screen. If in doubt, the correct setting is usually closest to the face. And that's where all the ingenuity of the device. The heaviness of the helmet is not based at any time on the nose and not just stick on the eyes, which makes it very comfortable to wear. In addition, a small gap below allows to let a little air and avoid condensation buildup on the lenses.

Some would see a downside since it also allows light to pass, but we played in a well lit environment, and once immersed in a game, we forget completely the presence of the thin light source. So the choice seems good.

                   

Technically inferior but cheaper ...

One of the main criticisms leveled against the PlayStation VR is its 1080p screen split in two where the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift amount to 2160 x 1200 pixels and the Samsung Gear VR adopted the resolution of the embedded phone in, ie 2560 x 1440 pixels. While pixels are already visible on other helmets, they are even more here, but I must admit that immersion created by virtual reality allows to quickly forget this defect, and that whatever the adopted device.

                     

Note that the camera (50 euros new) allows - very well - detect the player in the room, even when it is quite dark. It is therefore possible to move into the room to move the head or to look, all actions are faithfully transcribed on the screen.

The final word...

                       

On paper, the PS VR is not perhaps the virtual reality helmet the most interesting market, but in fact, it's definitely one that made me the most effect. Not only is it more comfortable to wear and I see myself more play during long sessions, but also the proposed gaming catalog is the one who gave me the impression of being the most promising, with complete sets of projects as diverse and stealthier are fun experiences to complement the whole. Offered at competitive prices, the PS VR therefore has a huge potential, hoping it further exploited the PS Move in their time.