Apple and Sony Collaborate on Vision Pro Support for PSVR2 Controllers

Apple Vision Pro to Support Sony PSVR2 Controllers: What You Need to Know

The tech world is buzzing with the recent revelations from Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, hinting that the Apple Vision Pro could soon gain support for Sony PSVR2 controllers. This partnership, which has been in the works for several months, promises to enhance the gaming capabilities of the Vision Pro, a device that has been criticized for its limited native gaming options.

Details of the Upcoming Partnership

According to Gurman, Apple and Sony initially planned to announce this exciting development weeks ago, but their plans have been pushed back. The collaboration will likely see Apple begin selling Sony’s PSVR2 controllers, which, until now, have not been available for independent purchase. This move could significantly benefit Vision Pro users looking for improved gaming experiences within Apple's VR ecosystem.

What This Means for Vision Pro Owners

The support for PSVR2 controllers could unlock a plethora of possibilities for Vision Pro owners. Currently, there are only a handful of quality games designed for visionOS, such as Thrasher, where players interact with a mesmerizing world using hand movements. Adding support for powerful VR controllers may enhance the gaming landscape for this platform significantly.

Expanding Beyond Gaming

In addition to gaming, Apple seems to have broader ambitions for the PSVR2 controllers. Gurman mentions that Apple envisions these controllers aiding in navigation within visionOS, providing users with more precise control over applications such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop. Currently, while it is possible to navigate visionOS with standard Bluetooth controllers, the integration of specialized VR controllers may lead to a more streamlined and engaging experience for users.

The Current State of VR Gaming on Vision Pro

Despite the promising news, there's still skepticism about whether this collaboration will lead to a flourishing gaming environment on the Vision Pro. The sales performance of the headset and Apple's history regarding support for game publishers raises questions about the platform's future. However, the unique nature of the Vision Pro, combined with its targeted audience, could present new opportunities for VR gaming.

Community Response and Future Prospects

Interestingly, there seems to be a growing interest from the community for enhanced VR gaming options. Evidence of this demand is reflected in projects like the Surreal Touch, a fully-funded Kickstarter endeavor aimed at developing controllers similar to those used by Meta Quest 3 for the Vision Pro.

This project demonstrates that there is a market ready for innovative VR gaming experiences on Apple's platform. If Apple and Sony can successfully harness this potential, Vision Pro might just become a hotspot for engaging and immersive VR games.

Conclusion

The anticipated partnership between Apple and Sony could mark a turning point for the Vision Pro. With growing community interest and the potential for improved gaming capabilities, the future looks cautiously optimistic for Apple’s foray into the VR landscape. However, the real test will be whether gamers will embrace this new technology and how Apple navigates the intricacies of the gaming market.

FAQs

• Will the Vision Pro support any other controllers?
  Currently, Vision Pro can pair with standard Bluetooth controllers, but the added support for PSVR2 controllers aims to provide a more specific and enhanced experience.
• When can we expect the PSVR2 controller support to roll out?
  The exact rollout date remains unclear pending further announcements from Apple and Sony.
• Are there currently any popular games for visionOS?
  While there are limited native games available, titles like Thrasher have gained attention. The addition of PSVR2 controller support may encourage developers to create more content for the platform.