Virtual reality has taken a monumental leap forward with the arrival of the PlayStation VR2. As a dedicated VR enthusiast who has tested numerous headsets, I was eager to see if Sony's next-generation offering could live up to the hype. The PSVR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle isn't just hardware; it's a curated entry point into a new world of immersive gaming. This comprehensive review will dissect every aspect, from the stunning visual fidelity powered by eye-tracking to the nuanced haptics that redefine immersion, helping you decide if this is the ultimate best VR headset for your PlayStation 5.
Unboxing the Future: What's Inside the PSVR2 Horizon Bundle?
Opening the VR gaming bundle feels like unveiling a piece of the future. The packaging is sleek, and inside, you'll find everything needed for a premium experience. The centerpiece is, of course, the PlayStation VR2 headset itself, with its distinctive orb-like design. It's accompanied by the new PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, which are a massive upgrade from the previous Move wands. The bundle also includes a digital voucher for Horizon Call of The Mountain, stereo headphones, and all necessary cables. Notably, the setup is streamlined for the PS5 VR ecosystem, requiring just a single USB-C cable to connect to your console—a welcome simplification over the tangle of wires required by its predecessor.
Technical Deep Dive: Specs That Redefine Immersion
Where the PSVR2 truly shines is in its technical specifications. It features a stunning OLED display with a 2000 x 2040 resolution per eye, delivering a crisp, vibrant picture that eliminates the 'screen-door effect' common in earlier VR. The 110-degree field of view pulls you deeper into the game world. However, the game-changers are the advanced features: eye-tracking and headset feedback. Eye-tracking enables foveated rendering, where the system focuses processing power exactly where you're looking, allowing for breathtaking graphical detail without overburdening the PS5. The headset feedback adds a subtle but powerful layer of immersion; you can feel a character's pulse or the rumble of a distant explosion right through the headset. Combined with the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in the Sense controllers, the level of sensory engagement is unparalleled in console-based virtual reality headsets.
Horizon Call of The Mountain: The Killer App?
The included title, Horizon Call of The Mountain, is more than a pack-in game; it's a technical showcase designed to sell the PSVR2 dream. From the moment you gaze up at a towering Tallneck or carefully scale a sheer cliff face, the game leverages every ounce of the hardware's power. The eye-tracking is used not just for rendering but for intuitive menu navigation and even gameplay mechanics, like highlighting climbable paths with a glance. The haptics make you feel the tension of drawing a bowstring and the impact of each arrow. While some critics note its gameplay leans heavily on familiar VR climbing and archery tropes, its visual spectacle and production values are undeniable. It serves as the perfect introduction, convincing you of the platform's potential. For those seeking diverse experiences, exploring other titles in the growing PlayStation VR2 library is highly recommended.
Comfort, Setup, and Daily Usability
A powerful headset is useless if it's uncomfortable. Thankfully, the PSVR2 excels here. The headset uses a similar halo design as the original PSVR, which balances weight effectively on your head rather than pressing against your face. A single dial on the back allows for quick tightening, and the scope can be slid forward and back for optimal lens alignment. The setup process, guided by the PS5, is remarkably user-friendly. The new Passthrough feature, activated with a button press, uses the headset's cameras to show you your real-world surroundings in black and white, making it easy to grab a drink or check your phone without removing the headset. This attention to practical usability makes it one of the most living-room-friendly high-end VR systems available.
PSVR2 vs. The Competition: Where Does It Stand?
In the broader VR landscape, the PSVR2 Horizon Bundle carves out a unique niche. Compared to PC-based headsets like the Meta Quest 3 or Valve Index, its strength lies in its plug-and-play simplicity and optimized performance for the PS5. You don't need a $2000 gaming PC; the power is built-in and consistently delivered. Its wired tether is a trade-off, offering higher fidelity and no battery anxiety but sacrificing the untethered freedom of standalone headsets. For existing PS5 owners, it represents the most powerful and integrated VR experience available. For those without a PS5, the total cost of entry (console + headset) is a significant consideration. It's not necessarily the 'best' headset for everyone, but for the PlayStation ecosystem, it is undoubtedly the best VR headset available.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the PSVR2 Horizon Bundle?
The PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle is a triumph of focused engineering. It delivers a next-generation VR experience that is accessible, incredibly immersive, and showcases the raw power of the PS5. The eye-tracking and haptic systems are not gimmicks but foundational features that elevate gameplay. If you are a PS5 owner with a passion for cutting-edge gaming and a desire to experience the forefront of virtual reality, this bundle is an essential and thrilling purchase. The included Horizon adventure provides a spectacular starting point. However, if your primary interest is in wireless, room-scale VR or you're not already invested in the PlayStation ecosystem, you may want to weigh your options. For its target audience, the PSVR2 doesn't just meet expectations—it surpasses them, setting a new bar for console-based virtual reality.
