Why the PlayStation VR V2 headset beats the original PSVR

For a limited time only, Sony is slashing prices on its virtual reality headset, PlayStation VR. The Japanese tech giant recently announced that the PSVR is getting a steep price drop, but this isn't a huge surprise considering Sony just announced its next-generation PSVR V2 a few months ago.

If you're wondering whether the PSVR is still worth it at a discounted price or you should hold out for the PSVR V2, here's everything you need to know.

PlayStation VR price drop explained

The PSVR sale is only available for a limited, time running from February 18 to March 3. It will be available from participating retailers including GameStop, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target. The company is offering the following discounts:

• PlayStation VR Gran Turismo Sport Bundle starting at $199.99 (regular price $299.99). This includes the original version of the headset, the camera, and a copy of Gran Turismo Sport.
• PlayStation VR Skyrim VR Bundle starting at $349.99 (regular price $449.99). This includes the new version of the headset, two PlayStation Move controllers, the camera, and a copy of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR.
• PlayStation VR Doom VFR Bundle starting at $299.99 (regular price $399.99). This includes the new version of the headset, the camera, and a copy of Doom VFR.

Choosing the bundles with the original headset may save a chunk of money, but there are a few good reasons why you would want to pick the newer model.

PlayStation VR V1 vs. PSVR V2

The biggest difference comes from having a newer television with 4K resolution. The new setup supports high dynamic range passthrough, which means that games supporting the wider range of colors will be able to feed their signal through the headset to the TV, ignoring the VR kit. The PSVR does not support high dynamic range on the internal screen, but this does mean you won’t have to unplug everything and adjust the wires if you want to play a regular game with high dynamic range enabled.

The breakout box, which sits in between the console and the headset, also sports a slightly adjusted design. Where the original had a “split” design that mimicked the stylings of the original PS4, the new one resembles a curved box that looks closer to the Slim and Pro designs.

The headset also bundles in a pair of headphones directly inside the kit. Where the original required users to plug in a set to an in-line remote, the new headset reduces the amount of wire clutter and ensures immersive sound for every time someone plays.

Sony’s Japan team released a diagram detailing the difference between the two layouts:

That’s pretty much all it changes, though. While it’s hard to deny that the new headset is better than its predecessor, it’s important to note that the internal screen stays the same. There’s no improvements to tracking, resolution, screen clarity or anything else. While PS4 Pro owners may note VR graphical improvements from running selected games on their machines, these differences will show up just as well on both old and new headset. Similarly, the image provided on the original PS4 and PS4 Slim will look the same on both headsets.

PSVR vs. PSVR V2: How to Spot the Difference

The easiest way to tell is by looking at the box. The original version has the model number CUH-ZVR1, while the new version has the number CUH-ZVR2.

If you’re not entirely sure still, another way to check is to look at the headset itself. A user called “MattAces” on the ResetEra gaming forum noticed that version one headsets are flat at the back:

Version two headsets, on the other hand, have a star-shaped hole to store the built-in headphones when not in use:

Will you choose the PlayStation VR or the PSVR 2? The choice is yours.