If you've been eagerly waiting to immerse yourself in SteamVR's extensive library using your PlayStation VR2 headset on a gaming PC, your options have been limited—until now. Sony launched a $60 adapter last fall, allowing PS VR2 owners to connect their headset to any modern gaming PC that meets the headset's minimum specifications. However, using the PS VR2 on a PC isn't just about plugging in the adapter; there are some nuances in its setup that might require a bit more effort, depending on your PC's configuration.
How to Connect to Your PC With the Adapter
Before jumping into the setup process, ensure you have all the necessary components. The PS VR2, when connected via the adapter, is compatible with most SteamVR games, but you'll need to confirm your PC has Bluetooth 4.0, a spare DisplayPort 1.4 cable, a nearby power outlet, and both the PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR apps installed via Steam. The Sense controllers that come with the PS VR2 charge 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 straightforward solution.
What You'll Need
First, check if your gaming PC is compatible with the PlayStation VR2 headset by visiting Sony's PS VR2 PC Adapter preparation page. If your system meets the requirements, gather these items:
- A PlayStation VR2 headset
- The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter (which includes 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 (Sony advises against using extension cables or external hubs, 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
With all components ready, 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:
- Go to your PC's start menu, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and toggle Bluetooth to "On."
- To pair your Sense controllers, hold down the PlayStation button and Create button on each controller until the white light starts blinking.
- On your PC's Bluetooth & devices page, click "Add device," select "Bluetooth," and search for "PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller (L)" and "PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller (R)." Connect both devices.
- If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, use a compatible Bluetooth adapter like the Asus BT500. If using an external adapter with an internal Bluetooth radio, 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.
- Connect the adapter to a free DisplayPort slot on your GPU using a DisplayPort 1.4 cable.
- Attach the AC power adapter to the PS VR2 adapter's DC IN connector and plug it into a power outlet.
- Once powered, the adapter's status indicator will turn solid red. Connect the PlayStation VR2 to the adapter's front USB-C port.
- Turn off Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (optional):
- If your PC has a newer GPU like a 40-series Nvidia RTX card, disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling for better VR game stability by navigating to Settings > System > Display > Graphics, clicking "Default graphics settings," and turning off the slider. Restart your PC.
- Launch the PlayStation VR2 App and SteamVR:
- Turn on the PlayStation VR2 headset by holding the central button until it vibrates.
- Start SteamVR and set it as your default OpenXR runtime.
- Open the PlayStation VR2 app to update your Sense controllers' firmware and set up your Play Area and preferences.
- Follow all on-screen and in-headset instructions to set up your IPD, display distance, and adjust the headset for comfort.
Once the setup is complete, you're ready to enjoy a wide range of SteamVR games!
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, provided the PlayStation VR2 app is installed. This bypasses the need for the adapter, but results may vary, and it's not a guaranteed solution.
