This March, Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 headset will see a permanent price adjustment, slashing the cost from $550 to $400. This package comes complete with the headset, controllers, and a set of wired earbuds. But does this discount warrant excitement?

For Sony, this might just be a strategic move. The announcement of the price drop follows a report from Bloomberg indicating that the company halted production of new PSVR 2 units last year, redirecting focus towards clearing out unsold inventory. This shift hints at sales numbers not meeting expectations, and it’s understandable given the circumstances.

When the PSVR 2 launched, many devoted followers of Sony’s VR ecosystem were taken aback to learn that their existing PSVR 1 game library would not be compatible. The enhanced tracking technology and controllers present in the PSVR 2 necessitated that gamers either repurchase their favorite titles or forgo those that hadn’t yet made the leap to the newer model. Consequently, the library accessible to PSVR 2 users is somewhat limited compared to other platforms, creating uncertainty regarding long-term compatibility as future hardware iterations emerge. Notably, even popular titles like Astro Bot Rescue Mission are still confined to the original PSVR.

Nonetheless, the PSVR 2 does offer worthwhile improvements. It features superior resolution compared to its predecessor, a wider field of view, advanced controllers, and an eye-tracking capability. Many who have tried the system report a satisfying user experience, although the available gaming options on PS5 may feel somewhat sparse.

Fortunately, since its launch, Sony has made the PSVR 2 compatible with PC platforms, facilitated by a $60 adapter. This expansion helps address the library limitations, provided the user owns a VR-ready PC, but it simultaneously increases competition. While the PSVR 2 is competitively priced compared to high-end PCVR options such as the Valve Index (which can exceed $930), it now also faces rivals like the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, which are also PC-compatible.

Determining whether this price reduction represents a great deal depends on personal priorities. At $400, it surpasses the Quest 3S priced at $300, yet it boasts advantages like higher resolution displays and a built-in halo strap that many find more comfortable than the standard Quest strap. Conversely, the PSVR 2 lacks a dedicated processor for standalone gaming and misses out on exclusive Meta titles such as Batman: Arkham Shadow.

While the PSVR 2 is priced lower than the standard Quest 3, which is available for $500, it still carries some of the same pitfalls along with slightly reduced screen resolutions. However, the PSVR 2 utilizes OLED technology, and upon trying it, most users find it quite comfortable right out of the box (some even prefer to invest in an aftermarket halo strap, which typically retails for about $50).

For optimal value, reducing the price by an additional $50 would be ideal before widespread endorsement; however, this headset could serve niche users who prefer a comfortable PCVR option but might occasionally enjoy a Sony exclusive, such as Horizon Call of the Mountain. Additionally, Bloomberg has indicated that Apple may soon integrate PSVR 2 controllers with the Apple Vision Pro, making an early purchase appealing for future enhancements.

Be advised that the precise start date for the price reduction may differ by region, as noted on Sony’s blog; checking with local retailers prior to making a purchase is recommended.