Apple’s Vision Pro headset, launched last year, was touted as marking the beginning of the “spatial computing” era. However, due to its limited use cases and expensive price tag, the device hasn’t received an enthusiastic market response, with sales stalling at less than 500,000 units.
Analysts suggest that if Apple wants to expand Vision Pro’s audience, they should focus on “gamers.” Currently, it supports about 270 games, with only 12 optimized specifically for the device, lacking significant gaming appeal.
Even Apple CEO Tim Cook has stated that Vision Pro “isn’t a mass-market product.” The Wall Street Journal’s assessment was even more pointed: most consumers aren’t ready to spend $3,500 on a “cool toy.”
▲Source: MacRumors
However, Apple and Sony’s upcoming collaboration might convince hesitant consumers to “open their wallets” and experience the device.
According to Mark Gurman’s report in his PowerOn newsletter for Bloomberg, Apple is considering bringing Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 controllers to the Vision Pro device. In other words, Vision Pro will soon be compatible with Sony’s PS controllers.
Reports indicate that Apple approached Sony about the collaboration early this year, and Sony has been working on compatibility between Vision Pro and PSVR 2 controllers for several months. Additionally, Apple is discussing controller support with third-party game developers.
Apple and Sony had planned to announce their compatibility several weeks ago but delayed due to technical reasons. Nevertheless, Gurman calls it “an exciting development.”
▲Sony PSVR 2 device (Source: Tom’s Guide)
PSVR 2 isn’t the first external controller supported by Vision Pro. Previously, Vision Pro supported PS5 and Xbox controllers, but these don’t offer the six degrees of freedom (6DOF) needed for VR gaming and aren’t optimized for virtual reality experiences.
PSVR 2 is Sony’s next-generation virtual reality input device designed for PS5. It features a 6-axis motion sensor system (three-axis gyroscope + three-axis accelerometer) and supports adaptive triggers and haptic feedback similar to the PS5’s DualSense controller.
When used with the headset, PSVR 2 supports eye tracking and headset feedback. Notably, the controller’s biggest highlight is its new “orb” design, which Sony claims is more natural, comfortable, and provides “highly free” hand movement space.
▲Source: The Verge
Gurman states that the two main factors holding Vision Pro back as a gaming device are “content” and “controllers.” In other words, besides the lack of game adaptations and weak developer interest, Vision Pro’s current control methods make it unsuitable for gaming.
Since Vision Pro is positioned more as a productivity and media consumption device, and its design “didn’t consider gaming from the start,” it primarily relies on eye tracking, gesture recognition, and voice control. Gurman argues these methods “hurt gaming prospects.”
Pairing with PSVR 2 controllers would significantly enhance Vision Pro’s gaming capabilities, making it more like a “gaming console.” Additionally, the controllers allow for more precise input: joysticks and directional buttons for page scrolling, and trigger buttons replacing pinch gestures for selection.
This would not only make visionOS system usage more efficient but also improve the experience of using editing software like Final Cut Pro or Photoshop on Vision Pro.
▲Final Cut Pro interface (Source: Editors Keys)
Currently, Sony’s PSVR 2 controllers aren’t sold separately. If Apple and Sony’s collaboration proceeds smoothly, reports suggest they will be sold through Apple’s online store and retail locations (Apple Store). According to Gurman, unless the project is “suddenly canceled,” it’s likely to materialize.
Beyond Sony’s controller support, Apple needs to invest more in gaming and reconsider Vision Pro’s marketing strategy to present it to consumers in a Fresh Look.