Apple and Sony are reportedly teaming up to integrate the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers with Apple's much-anticipated Vision Pro headset. This collaboration, spearheaded by sources such as Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, indicates significant developments for Apple’s entry to the virtual reality gaming world, as well as for those who already own the Vision Pro.
According to Gurman, both companies had intended to announce the integration weeks ago, but the plan has since been delayed without any clear reason. Despite this, there is optimism surrounding the move, as it could significantly bolster gaming capabilities for Vision Pro users. This partnership revolves around making the PSVR2 controllers compatible with Apple's visionOS platform, not just for gaming experiences but also for easier navigation and interaction within apps like Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.
One primary factor underscored by Gurman is the intent for Apple to sell the PSVR2 controllers separately along with its Vision Pro headset. Currently, these controllers only come packaged with the VR headset itself, making them less accessible to consumers who want to use them for gaming on other devices. The deal would shift this situation, potentially leading to wider distribution through Apple’s retail channels.
While this move is framed as extending Apple’s gaming ambitions, it also addresses user desire for more engaging experiences on the Vision Pro. Prior to this, users have had limited gaming options, primarily relying on standard Bluetooth controllers which predominantly support basic navigation and are confined mostly to iPad and iPhone games.
Despite the excitement, some skepticism lingers about whether this collaboration will allow the Vision Pro to become truly competitive within the gaming environment, especially when considering existing VR market players like Meta with its Quest line. Expectations for the Vision Pro have been curbed by its struggling sales figures, with reports estimating fewer than half a million units sold since its February 2024 launch. This contrasts sharply with the more established presence of the PSVR2, which is part of Sony's growing ecosystem of VR entertainment.
Analysts speculate whether the integration of PSVR2 controllers might attract more third-party developers to create titles for the Vision Pro, which could make the headset more attractive to the gaming community. To sweeten the deal, some industry experts suggest Apple may need to incentivize developers financially to make the platform appealing enough for game creation.
Gurman also pointed out the anticipation among developers and fans for more innovative controller solutions. A fully funded Kickstarter project named “Surreal Touch” aims to create controllers modeled after those of Meta Quest 3, underlining a community eagerness for enhanced input devices for the Vision Pro. This trend may signal broader acceptance and demand for diverse controller options, accentuating user interest beyond Apple’s native Touch capabilities.
Interestingly, this collaboration is also seen as part of Apple’s broader strategies where cooperation with other technology giants is becoming increasingly common. The Vision Pro has already turned heads concerning potential use cases beyond gaming, such as immersive streaming experiences. Collaborations of this nature may set the stage for more significant partnerships moving forward across various sectors of the tech industry.
The future of this partnership now depends on timely announcements and their implementation, but should everything go as planned, the Vision Pro could emerge as a leaderboard contender within the VR segment. Enthusiasts eagerly await whether this integration can help bridge the yawning gap between device capabilities and consumer expectations.