Sony’s virtual reality (VR) branch has built up a lot of skills in headset design and development, especially shown in the PlayStation VR (PSVR) 2, which is currently priced at $499.99 on Amazon. Despite this expertise, reports suggest that the division is in urgent need of support.
Apple's Involvement
Interestingly, Apple, another player facing challenges with VR through its first-generation Vision Pro and its lukewarm reception, may be lending a helping hand. Mark Gurman, a well-respected tech contributor from Bloomberg, notes that Apple’s approach to marketing the Vision Pro as a "spatial computer" with a cutting-edge gesture-based interface has limited its success. Instead of harnessing the potential for accessories like controllers, Apple has focused on this unique positioning.
Issues with Vision Pro
This strategy has led to an unusual setback for Apple, making it difficult to profit from optional purchases that are officially licensed. This has also diminished the Vision Pro’s potential as a next-gen gaming system. Nevertheless, reports indicate that Apple is contemplating an upgrade to visionOS that would incorporate support for the PSVR 2’s existing Sense Controllers.
Future Developments
Typically, these controllers aren’t available for separate sale, but Sony might decide to change that by offering them through Apple Stores as part of this collaboration. Still, this initiative has reportedly faced delays and could potentially be halted altogether before it comes to fruition. Meanwhile, Apple is also exploring the creation of other accessories, like its version of Sony’s Motion Controller, which is designed to be more of a wand-like tool for standard PlayStation and PSVR devices. However, it appears this product is aimed more at enhancing productivity for Vision Pro, similar to the Apple Pencil, rather than serving as a gaming tool.
