Vive XR Elite vs PSVR 2? Can you even compare the two?
Updated: Jan 18, 2023 5:46 pm
Sony PSVR 2
HTC Vive XR Elite VR headset
So HTC Vive XR Elite vs PSVR. It might seem like a weird comparison as the platforms are so inherently different. However, it does give us the opportunity to talk about VR gaming on consoles, and how it compares to standalone solutions. This will be markedly different from when we compared the Vive XE Elite to the Quest Pro and the Quest 2 for that reason.
As much fun as it is for PC gaming Redditor-type people to deride consoles for never being as powerful as PCs and being subject to limitations when it comes to modding and upgrading, they are still far more capable in terms of pure horsepower than standalone headsets.
However, many people still opt for standalone solutions like the Meta Quest 2, Pro, and Vive XR Elite.
So, given that both VR headsets are arriving in the first half of 2023, we thought we’d pit the Vive XR Elite vs PSVR 2, and see what we can learn.
Vive XR Elite vs PSVR 2: Freedom vs power
This is the main part that affects the ability to directly compare the two headsets. The PSVR 2 utilizes the full power of the PS5.
In contrast, the Vive XR Elite is standalone but can be optionally connected to a PC, which will then enhance the performance further. Unfortunately, it’s tricky to include this in regard to the Vive’s power because the performance gains will be a direct result of the hardware of the PC in question.
So, given that the PS5 is significantly more powerful than the Vive XR Elite, it’s going to win this round. However, we stress that you can’t really directly compare the two devices, at least not fairly. Additionally, the Vive XR Elite will be able to connect to a PC via Wi-Fi too, though we don’t yet know what performance will be gained this way.
Of course, the PSVR 2 has no such standalone ability, as such, connecting to an external device, i.e. a PS5 is mandatory.
This raises the issue of freedom. Can you directly compare two VR gaming headsets when one has to be plugged in, and the other leaves that as purely optional? Not really, but it’s got you thinking, hasn’t it?
So, if you’re finding it tricky to decide between the two, consider what you value more: Limited battery life at the expense of cutting the cord, or a more powerful, yet tethered experience free of worry concerning battery life.
Sony PSVR 2
Not known, likely an upgraded version of the original
Not applicable, powered by PS5
Not applicable, not wireless
HTC Vive XR Elite VR headset
Not reported, comes with a hot-swappable 26.6Wh Battery
