PlayStation VR2early adopters are sharing their frustrations with the virtual reality platform’s right Sense controller, which appears to be having some strange technical issues. ThePlayStation VR2bundle, which includes both the PlayStation VR2 headset and a pair of Sense controllers, was released just a day ago. Almost immediately, virtual reality enthusiasts began posting stories online that buttons on the PlayStation VR2 right sense controller weren’t working, but only in specific situations.
Easily the biggest step forward that the PlayStation VR2 has made in comparison to the original PlayStation VR platform is its controllers. The first PlayStation VR did not launch with custom virtual reality controllers. Instead, it co-opted theexisting Move controllersreleased as a competitive product to the Nintendo Wii’s motion controllers. The technology used in the Move controllers was unfortunately very limited, whereas the PlayStation VR2’s Sense controllers aim to be competitive for the most impressive offerings in the medium.
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As much effort went into the Sense controllers' design, they’re still a new product on a new platform and carry all the risk that entails. The seriousness of the issue can’t be denied, though. A thread on the PSVR subreddit states that a number ofPlayStation VR2 early adoptersare having technical issues with their right Sense controller while playing games. The controller works perfectly fine in the PS5 menu, but while playing games both the “X” and “R2” buttons do not work at all.
The good news is that since theSense controllersare working in the PS5’s menus, that means it’s not a hardware issue. The controllers don’t appear to be permanently damaged or in need of replacement, at least based on the current understanding of the situation. It’s rather some kind of software issue, either tied to the Sense controller’s firmware or how the PS5 communicates with the Sense controllers. These issues could theoretically be fixed with updates, once Sony solves them.
In the meantime, PlayStation VR2 users are finding workarounds on their own. Sony’s official recommendation is to turn off the PS5, reset both controllers using a button found on each, and then pair the right controller to the PS5 via wired connection first, followed by the left by following on-screen instructions. Users recommend turning off the Sense controllers entirely and using a DualShock to start up a VR game. Once in-game, without turning on “View Surroundings” mode, turn on the right Sense controller first and the left second.
Impacted PlayStation VR2 users are understandably quite angry about the situation. ThePlayStation VR2 costs $550, after all. Not being able to play a chosen game after spending so much money is nothing anyone should experience, especially from Sony. An official update will hopefully be on the way soon, and hopefully,PlayStation VR2users can hopefully find a workaround until then.
