If you've been eagerly waiting to use your PlayStation VR2 headset with a powerful gaming PC to explore the vast world of SteamVR games, your options were previously quite limited. Fortunately, Sony launched a $60 adapter last fall, opening up the possibility for PS VR2 users to connect their headsets to any modern gaming PC, provided it meets the necessary specifications. However, simply plugging in the adapter isn't enough; there are some nuances to its setup, depending on your PC's configuration.
How to Connect to Your PC With the Adapter
Before embarking on the setup journey, ensure you have all the required components. The adapter makes the PS VR2 compatible with most SteamVR games, but you'll need to verify your PC's readiness. This includes ensuring Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a spare DisplayPort 1.4 cable, a nearby AC power outlet, and having both the PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR apps installed on Steam. The PS VR2's Sense controllers, which come with the headset, are charged via USB-C, so you'll need two USB-C ports and cables, or consider purchasing Sony's $50 Sense controller charging station for a more streamlined charging solution.
What You'll Need
Before proceeding, check if your gaming PC is compatible with the PlayStation VR2 headset. Sony's official PS VR2 PC Adapter preparation page can help you confirm this. Here's what you'll need:
- A PlayStation VR2 headset
- The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter (comes with an AC adapter and a male USB 3.0 Type-A cable)
- A DisplayPort 1.4 cable (sold separately)
- A free USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC (note: Sony advises against using an extension cable or external hub, though a powered external hub worked well in our tests)
- Bluetooth 4.0 capability on your PC (either built-in or via an external adapter)
- Steam and SteamVR installed on your PC
- The PlayStation VR2 app installed within Steam
How to Connect: Step-by-Step Instructions
Once you've gathered all the necessary components, follow these steps to connect your PS VR2 to your PC:
- Install SteamVR and the PlayStation VR2 app:
- Download and install the Steam Windows client if you haven't already.
- Open Steam and install the SteamVR app.
- Download and install the PlayStation VR2 app.
- Set up your PC's Bluetooth and pair your Sense Controllers:
- From your PC's start menu, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > toggle Bluetooth to "On."
- To pair the Sense controllers, hold down the PlayStation button and Create button on each controller until the white light at the bottom starts blinking.
- On the Bluetooth & devices page of your PC's Settings menu, click "Add device" to the right of "Devices."
- Select "Bluetooth" from the menu and search for PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller (L) and (R). Connect both devices.
- If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth 4.0, use a compatible adapter like the Asus BT500. For systems with both internal and external Bluetooth, disable the internal Bluetooth driver via Device Manager.
- Set up the adapter and connect it to your PC:
- Plug the PS VR2 adapter into an unused USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC.
- Use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to connect the adapter to a free DisplayPort slot on your GPU.
- Connect the AC power adapter to the PS VR2 adapter's DC IN connector and plug it into an electrical outlet.
- Once powered on, the adapter's status indicator will turn solid red.
- Connect the PlayStation VR2 to the PC adapter via the USB-C port on the front of the adapter.
- Turn off Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (optional):
- For newer GPUs like the 40-series Nvidia RTX, disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling for a smoother VR experience:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Click "Default graphics settings" and turn off the "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling" slider.
- Restart your PC.
- Launch the PlayStation VR2 App and SteamVR:
- Boot up the PlayStation VR2 headset by holding down the central button until it vibrates.
- Turn on SteamVR and set it as your default OpenXR runtime.
- Open the PlayStation VR2 app on your desktop to update your Sense controllers' firmware and set up your PS VR2 headset, including your Play Area and preferences.
- Follow the on-screen and in-headset instructions to adjust your IPD, display distance, and headset fit.
- Once set up, enjoy playing SteamVR games to your heart's content!
Can You Connect to PC Without an Adapter?
Currently, connecting the PS VR2 to a PC without the adapter is not officially supported. However, according to Road to VR, some GPUs from around 2018 with a USB-C port and VirtualLink feature might allow a direct connection to the PS VR2, as long as the PlayStation VR2 app is installed, thus bypassing the need for the PC adapter.
