Sony PSVR 2
Virtual reality is expected to be a key trend at CES 2023, with at least four new headsets expected at the show.
Let’s take a look at each of the four models, with details from either leaked information or official statements from their manufacturers.
Looking for Meta Quest 3? Although it’s rumored to launch in 2023, it’s unlikely to make an appearance at CES 2023.
Sony PSVR 2
The biggest name in VR that we’re likely to see at CES 2023 is Sony’s PSVR 2. Sony announced the final details of this much-hyped title in November 2022. And with the first units shipping from February 2022, CES is offering one of the last big tech events where it can ramp up the hype.
With the details of the hardware already known, Sony could use this spotlight to show off some of the gaming experiences coming to PSVR 2.
The Sony PSVR 2 costs $549.99, uses OLED display technology and has a resolution of 2000 x 2040 pixels per eye. It is only compatible with the PS5 console, uses four cameras for motion tracking and has eye tracking.
Games confirmed for PSVR 2 include the upcoming Resident Evil 4 remake, Horizon Call of the Mountain and No Man’s Sky.
Standalone HTC headset
If PSVR 2 is the biggest name in VR at CES 2023, HTC can take home the Most Interesting Announcement award. It is set to announce a standalone alternative to Meta Quest 2, which the company has confirmed to The Verge.
HTC says it’s aiming to be a more privacy-focused alternative to the Quest 2, which also means it probably won’t be able to compete on price. However, pancake lenses should be used, which should offer better optics than the Fresnel lenses of the Quest 2.
It’s also reported to have high-quality color passthrough cameras, making it far better for augmented or mixed reality apps.
Somnia VR1
Somnium is a Web3 and “blockchain” company, but its Somnium VR1 headset hardware will be shown at CES 2023. It’s an “open source” headset that requires a PC to use, so it should appeal to the PC gaming crowd.
The Somnium VR1 uses dual 2880×2880 pixel LCD screens, offering a far higher resolution than the 1832×1920 of the Meta Quest 2.
It offers both hand and eye tracking and a headphone jack. You can use this headset wired or with wireless video transmission from a PC with WiFi 6e.
The VR1 is a highly modular design and the idea is that owners can modify the headset using 3D printable blueprints that will be available for download. How much the Somnium VR1 will cost is not yet known.
Sharp “Ultra High Resolution” headset
Sharp itself has confirmed that it will be showing a VR headset at CES 2023.
“Sharp will be exhibiting for the first time an ultra-light HMD prototype for VR, equipped with its latest devices,” the company wrote on its website.
Sharp makes a number of components that go into VR headsets. The most interesting thing in this particular case is probably an “Ultra High Resolution Display” panel.
As of this writing, it’s not clear if the Sharp headset will act as a showcase for the company’s technologies to be used in other headsets, or if Sharp intends to mass produce and sell this current model. Foxconn acquired Sharp in 2016.
