While Sony has been teasing its plans for the next generation of home console hardware, the company has kept pretty silent about what’s next for its VR device. Sure, patents and such have surfaced online, hinting at the evolution of PlayStation VR. However, nothing official has come to light just yet. That’s still the case, but Sony’s Senior VP of R&D, Dominic Mallinson, recently lifted the veil in many respects. For one, it’s possible the next iteration of PlayStation VR will involve multiple models.
Mallinson expressed this during a talk at Collision 2019 in Toronto. When asked whether the next PSVR could be modular, Mallinson seemed to confirm this will not be the case. However, he did tease the potential of more than one SKU for the device’s next iteration. In fact, Sony could have its eyes on producing “introductory” and “high-end” models, according to Mallinson,
I talked about wireless, for example. That’s one easy way to do it. Here’s a wired headset. You can take the wire and replace it with wireless. And then you can have a range. So you can have an introductory model and a high-end model. That’s something we’ve done with PlayStation 4. We could do that with PSVR.
Of course, this does not mean Mallinson’s examples will come to fruition. It’s still an interesting topic of discussion, however, especially when considering Sony’s recent VR patents. One in particular concerns a point made by Mallinson, a wireless device. Another patent suggests technology is being developed to provide players greater awareness of their surroundings. We won’t know what Sony has planned for these developments, if anything, until the company is ready to unveil its next VR device.
Whatever the future of PlayStation VR holds, those who own one should certainly keep their current model on-hand. The PlayStation 5 will indeed be compatible with existing PSVR models.
[Source: VentureBeat]
10 Series That Could Be Reinvigorated by PlayStation VR
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10 Series That Could Be Reinvigorated by PlayStation VR
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Ape Escape
Ape Escape has always relied on gimmicks. Some of these gimmicks turn out to be amazing features (analog sticks), while others collect dust (Move controllers). Well, since everyone is dusting off their Move controllers for PS VR anyhow, I think it's time for a new console entry in Ape Escape. A new game set in VR could do wonders, but it'll have to play like the original. It can't be an on-rails shooter, as players want to explore and find monkeys. Do it right, and Ape Escape can live once again.
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Cool Boarders
Despite being a huge hit on PS1, the Cool Boarders series has been dormant for over a decade now. I think it's time to bring the name back, namely because I think a snowboarding game in virtual reality would be pretty sick. Make it more like classic SSX, and I think Sony could deliver a thrilling snowboarding experience for PS VR owners.
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Jet Moto
Despite there being so many racing games coming out each year, most of them focus solely on cars. That's pretty ridiculous when you think of how versatile the idea of racing is, and I'd love to see Jet Moto put the spotlight back on jet ski racing. The series found a successful audience in the 90s, and I think it could do the same on VR. It'll also feel fresh, and that's exactly what virtual reality titles should be.
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Jumping Flash!
Jumping Flash is screaming for a virtual reality update. This platformer is a cult classic, and due to its HUD, it already seems pretty futuristic. The rough rudimentary 3D worlds also lends itself to a style that seems fitting for a weird VR environment, so I don't even think much needs to be adapted to work. Make it weird and trippy, and Jumping Flash can find a whole new audience.
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Killzone
Originally dubbed as the "Halo killer," Killzone has never lived up to the lofty expectations that Sony set for the franchise. The latest entry for the series, Shadow Fall, was a mediocre affair that didn't do much to impress beyond its gorgeous graphics. I think the series can finally find its way to the top of the first-person shooter genre if becomes the first major series to focus exclusively on VR. Not only would it give Killzone a purpose, Sony could also use it to show that major franchises will show up on their headset.
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PaRappa the Rapper
There are few worlds I want to visit more than the one I've seen in PaRappa the Rapper. Everybody seems to love music, the characters are all outrageous, and frankly, I just want to hang out with PJ Berri. If the rhythm game took place in VR then it could let players explore its wonderful world, while also delivering more of the great gameplay fans have come to expect from the series.
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Ridge Racer
Despite not being a first-party title, Ridge Racer will always be synonymous with PlayStation. While the most recent outing was hit by a terrible pricing model (seriously, what were you thinking Namco?), the Ridge Racer gameplay still holds up. Drifting around a corner is still super satisfying, and I hope to do it again soon. Just in VR this time, since Ridge Racer needs to find a way to stand out from the crowd.
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Siren
Horror games seem like a perfect fit for virtual reality, which should give Sony a chance to use their criminally underrated Siren series. It produced one of the scariest games on both PS3 and PS2, and I think a new VR-exclusive entry could do very well. While the series doesn't have a ton of brand recognition, Sony could still up the promotion and make it the big deal it deserves to be.
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Tron
If one series screams "please do something with me in VR," it's Tron. Disney's franchise may be best known for its films, but video game entries have helped keep the brand alive. I think a new entry (although I'll settle for a port of Tron Evolution) could shine on VR, and I really want to ride a light cycle!
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Wipeout
Few of Sony's series have a soft spot in my heart as much as Wipeout, which is why it's sad to see the best futuristic racing series just treading water at this point. It has never been a huge success, but if made out to be virtual reality's big racing series, it could finally connect with a bigger audience. The fast-paced racing would be a complete thrill in VR, so let's hope this happens.
