Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida has confirmed that all PS VR games will work on a standard PS4, meaning users won’t have to purchase the upcoming PS4 Neo console in order to experience PlayStation games in virtual reality.
According to PSU, the Sony boss addressed the concern from current PS4 owners that they would have to purchase the 4K-ready, next iteration of the PS4 in order to play some virtual reality games on the platform, saying: “All the PSVR (and future) titles will be playable on (normal) PS4. We believe that everyone can enjoy the entertainment content on PSVR. Not just gamers, but a lot more people enjoy PSVR.”
A chief technical officer working inside the gaming industry previously told Edge Magazine (via IBTimes) that PS VR would be “truly awful” on standard PS4s, adding: “Something a bit more powerful starts to bring VR into range. If you want to deal with crazy requirements for performance in VR, you absolutely have to do this.” It remains to be seen if this is the case, but for PS4 owners who want to jump on the VR bandwagon without investing in any new hardware, this will be heartening news.
Hopefully PS VR games are accomplished enough on the current versions of the PS4 console without forcing people to make the upgrade. The PS VR is a heavy investment, with it retailing in the US for $399, so those who purchase the headset only to find that it offers an underwhelming experience on the current PS4 would spark a PR nightmare for Sony. It’s inevitable that the PS4 Neo’s more powerful hardware will lead to a better VR experience, but hopefully Yoshida’s comments confirm that current PS4 owners won’t be left in the shade as a result.
