Since the official announcement of the PSVR 2 release date, we’ve been learning more and more about the device, including the innovative PSVR 2 controllers, known as the PSVR 2 Sense controllers.

The controllers were one of the main issues with the original PSVR, being eclipsed by almost every other VR headset solution, deservedly so, as they certainly felt less purposefully designed than the competition.

So, as the PSVR 2 will be arriving in stores early next year, we thought we’d take a look at what the new and improved PSVR 2 controllers will be offering, and how they differ from the originals.

NOW READ: PSVR 2 Price – What you will be getting for your money?

PSVR 2 controllers – What’s new?

The PSVR 2 controllers appear to have taken a lot of inspiration from the well-received Meta Quest 2 controllers, both internally and externally.

This bodes especially well, as the original PSVR relied on the PlayStation move controllers, these phallic but functional devices proved not to be a winning VR control solution.

It’s not surprising then, that VR controllers settled into a typical ergonomic layout. The Meta Quest 2 controllers are especially typical of this design, including the characteristic rings that the Meta Quest Pro ended up shirking in favor of self-tracking tech.

NOW READ: PSVR 2 pre order info

PSVR 2 controllers – the features

Given the success of the PS5 DualSense controllers, we always hoped that some of the tech would transfer across to the PSV2 controllers.

Happily, this turned out to be the case, and Sony didn’t stop there, adding some stuff we haven’t seen in any VR device.

Of course, the name of the game for VR is immersion, meaning that integrating the variable-resistance triggers into the PSVR 2 controllers was a no-brainer.

VR is an ideal use case for these triggers, the resistance varying in response to the in-game object will allow for very creative game development.

Additionally, the controllers have touch sensors all over, not requiring physical input. Sony says that this will create more natural controls. However, this remains to be seen as it depends on what the developers of the games themselves decide to do.

Additionally, Hideaki Nishino, in a post on the official PlayStation Blog writes “The controller can detect your fingers without any pressing in the areas where you place your thumb, index, or middle fingers.”. Our best guess is that this will allow you to manipulate in-game objects with more precision, though, we aren’t sure what gameplay improvements might be had with this.

Other than these VR-specific features, the controllers physically resemble the left and right halves of a PS5 controller.

NOW READ: Will the PSVR 2 be backwards compatible?

PSVR 2 controllers – The design

Sony has gone for a pretty striking design for the PSVR 2 controllers. In fact, they look like an inverted Meta Quest 2 controller, both in color and shape.

Finished in all matte black, the controllers look designed to distract the user as little as possible. The size and shape rate the same story: Just enough form to complete the function.

The inevitable tracking ring also opposes that of the Meta Quest 2. Instead of being positioned on the end of the controller, it curves around from the base to the side, so you put your hand through the ring to grasp the controller.

PSVR 2 controllers price

We can’t find any pricing information for the PSVR 2 controllers, presumably because they come bundled with the headset.

However, accidents happen, so we imagine Sony will allow you to buy replacements at some point, so we’ll update this page when Sony announces the PSVR 2 controllers’ pricing.

Overall, we are very excited to have a go with the new PSVR 2 controllers as they are looking like some of the best VR controllers out there, perhaps only beaten by the Meta Quest Pro.

Final verdict: How do the PSVR 2 controllers stack up against the competition?

Of course, we can’t say for sure just yet how much better the PSVR 2 controllers will be when compared to the originals. However, we are fully confident that they’ll be far better, as VR technology has made leaps and bounds since the original PSVR was released.

Although we will miss the amusingly phallic and unique shape of the original PSVR controllers, VR controllers have settled into a generalized, standard script in terms of the overall design.

This does make them all a little samey, but it’s for good reason as the ‘curved grip, single trigger, analog stick on top’ is a winning formula, and the fact that the PSVR 2 controllers follow said formula bodes well.

FAQs

Will the PSVR 2 controllers have the same triggers as the PS5 controller?

Yes. Sony has transferred the incredible variable-resistance triggers from the DualSense controllers to the PSVR 2 controllers.

Is the PSVR 2 only for PS5?

Yes. Unfortunately, the PSVR 2 can only be used with a PS5.