PlayStation's second generation VR2 headset will likely be released in the first quarter of 2023 according to a new report.
Details and the look of Sony's new virtual reality device have been known for some time, with no confirmation of when it will launch. Now supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has provided more details.
Kuo, who is also known for accurate details about Apple's forthcoming products, said his latest check suggested that mass production of the VR2 will start with 1.5 million headsets in the second half of this year.
"Sony may launch it in [the first quarter of 2023], depending on the development schedule of PS VR2 game titles," he continued.
"I believe PS VR2 will have a good start thanks to the support of 20+ game titles from first- and third-party at launch.
"Sony's position and resources in the game industry can accelerate AAA VR game development (e.g., Horizon Call of the Mountain), benefiting the VR growth."
Kuo also provided more hardware details, confirming VR2 was going to start using optical modules and how they would be arranged.
"PS VR1 doesn't have optical modules. PS VR2 adopts six optical modules (four 720P IR cameras and two eye-tracking cameras)."
Just last week Sony Interactive Entertainment president Jim Ryan said the company was forking out to ensure the VR2 was well supported with more than 20 games at release.
"Right now, there is a considerable amount of money being spent on partnerships with independent and other third-party developers to secure a considerable pipeline of attractive VR content at the launch of PlayStation VR2," he said.
"That energy, that effort and that money will continue to grow as the installed base of PlayStation VR2 headsets grows also."
PlayStation had already revealed the headset would feature 4K resolution and a 110-degree field of view. A motor inside the headset will also ensure haptic feedback for players.
Kuo's analysis backs up that of supply chain consultant Ross Young, who said the headsets will launch "next year", with the display panels having a pixel density above 800 PPI - "a record high for mass-produced AMOLED".
"With high contrast displays and no visible screen door effect, the PS VR2 is likely to be a hit among gamers," Young concluded.
