Sony has announced a major price reduction for its PlayStation VR2 headset, bringing the cost down to US$399.99. The headset, originally launched in February 2023 for US$549.99, will see the new pricing take effect in March. The price cut is not limited to the US—it will also apply in Europe (€449.99), the UK (£399.99), Japan (¥66,980), and several other regions.
Sony describes this as a great opportunity to step into the world of virtual reality, but the timing of the price drop raises questions about sales performance. Reports suggest Sony has struggled to sell the PS VR2, with some claims that production was paused last year due to excess stock. This discount could be an attempt to move unsold units and boost interest in the headset.
PlayStation VR2 sales have struggled
When the PlayStation VR2 first launched, it was priced even higher than the PlayStation 5, making it a tough sell. While it offers advanced features and an immersive experience, a limited selection of games has made it difficult to attract buyers.
A Bloomberg report in March 2023 revealed that Sony had been slowing down headset production as it tried to sell off existing stock. The latest price drop suggests that the company is still working to improve sales and make the headset more appealing to gamers.
PC compatibility and future updates could help
The reduced price might make the PlayStation VR2 a more attractive option, especially now that it can be used on a PC. Sony recently released a US$60 adapter that allows players to connect the VR2 to their computers, expanding its potential audience beyond PlayStation 5 owners.
In addition, Sony is reportedly working on making its PlayStation VR2 controllers compatible with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. If this update becomes a reality, it could open up new possibilities for the device and increase the number of users.
With these changes, Sony seems determined to give the PlayStation VR2 another chance to succeed. The lower price and improved compatibility could be what it needs to gain traction in the competitive VR market.
