Sony today announced that a new PlayStation VR model is in the works focusing on some issues surrounding ease of use.

Update (10/02/17): The updated PSVR model in launch in Japan October 14th. New images have been sourced from the Japanese PlayStation blog.

Sony has published specs of the new model on their Japanese PlayStation blog, and while the updated headset comes in at 10g lighter with a slightly larger Processor Unit, there aren’t any substantive changes outside of the two main features, making it more of an iterative hardware refresh.

Including an updated design featuring integrated audio and a slimmer, more streamlined connection cable, the new PSVR model, numbered CUH-ZVR2, will also natively support High Dynamic Range (HDR) pass-through via its new Processor Unit. The current PSVR model (CUH-ZVR1) technically supports HDR pass-through, but you have to fiddle with HDMI cables every time you want to enable it, or buy an external switchbox if you wanted the clarity and maximum color reproduction the PS4 can provide.

Unfortunately for owners of the original CUH-ZVR1 model, the new model’s Processing Unit (aka breakout box) won’t be backwards compatible, so you have to buy the new headset to benefit from it.

To differentiate the new from the old, the packaging for PSVR will “change slightly when the new model hits stores,” the company says in a US PlayStation blogpost, visibly adding the new model number on the box.

Sony says they’ll be sharing details on the launch timing in North America at a later date, and that pricing of the PSVR bundles will remain the same.

Newsletter graphic

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product we may receive a small commission which helps support the publication. More information.


Scott Hayden
Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 4,000 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • Least

    PSVR is basically excellent. To all those who say you can’t use it for long periods and have to take it off after half an hour; not true. You have to get used to it, that’s all, and then any discomfort disappears. But once you’re used to it, some games just aren’t the same without. I really struggle to be interested in ‘flat’ driving games now – until PSVR, this was my favourite genre.

    So I don’t like to be negative about Sony’s continued support – but I’m a bit upset that they are apparently not supporting the customers who have made the product a success in the first place by supplying a reasonably priced update to the original breakout box, with the HDR pass-through. The lack of it is a pain in the arse.

    Supplying one would be good customer care, of course, so I suspect it won’t happen.
    Still, early days. Maybe they’ll announce something, but I’m not holding my breath for it…

    • Graham

      Totally agree but I’m more than a bit upset, I’m absolutely furious with Sony if they don’t do something to support all us early adopters that are out there marketing their product for them!!! I’m not paying another £350 to get the hdr pass through that should have been there to start with. It’s when Sony do things like this that I start to think maybe I should upgrade to pc vr sooner rather than later….

      • mellott124

        Why would you guys think they would ever do this? Does your car company upgrade you when a new model comes out? How about your TV manufacturer, cell phone, pc, or anyone else? There’s no reason to except any upgrades in hardware after you buy a device.

        • Graham

          I’m not talking for free – I don’t expect that. I’d be more than happy to pay for a new processing box – just like buying a better new part for my existing car or a better graphics card for a pc. But apparently the new processing box doesn’t work with the original headset. So you have to buy a whole new headset. Which sucks.

    • sfmike

      It’s all about profits not customer care. Welcome to the 21st century.

  • So it’s basically a PSVR 1.1

  • David Herrington

    So the good/bad news is that the original PSVR will probably go down in price because people will want the new headset. Good for new to PSVR buyers, bad for those who want to sell their old PSVR and buy a new one.

  • Andrew Jakobs

    Most users who want to use HDR propably already use a switchbox, so no big deal for most. But ofcourse if you still haven’t got one and you want one, you’re sure to buy this new version (unless ofcourse you can get the old version for much MUCH less, but I doubt that).

    • Graham

      Is there a switchbox you’d recommend? They seem to be a bit thin on the ground in uk

      • Andrew Jakobs

        I really have no idea.

  • Gonzalo Novoa

    I’m not too bothered about the HDR thing, it’s just a matter of changing one cable, not a big deal for me. What Sony desperately needs is new motion controllers, I’d buy those on day one. The Move ones are obsolete.

    • sfmike

      You’ve hit it right on the head.

    • Steven Brandie

      They really need to make move controllers with thumb sticks so you can walk and strafe like a normal game

  • Lucidfeuer

    Not much to go around, and I wished they somehow managed to get rid of one or two more cables. But at least they updated it, which means the original one is going slightly down in price.

  • oompah

    Instead of these technologies , I would prefer
    RGB lasers+optical fibre+servo controlled micromirrors
    to directly project the images onto retinas
    alongwith built in auto-correction for eyesight
    similar to tech available at opticians.
    Also the headset should appear as simple as sunglasses.
    Earphones may cause painful ear infections
    hence contactless tech would be preferable.
    And all points that touch the skin must have replaceable layer
    Remember,user comfort & health
    should be the prime concern
    the unit that provides that , wins.

    • sfmike

      Dream on……

  • Daisy Gosia

    Many thanks for sharing this very diverse opinion post where each expert has no doubt shared his best knowledge on the topic. Have more success in your journey.
    Putlocker