PlayStation VR2 to PC Connection Guide

If you've been eagerly waiting to connect your PlayStation VR2 to a gaming PC and explore the vast world of SteamVR games, you're in luck. Sony released a $60 adapter last fall that bridges this gap, allowing PS VR2 owners to enjoy PC VR gaming—provided their PC meets the headset's minimum requirements. However, setting up the PS VR2 with a PC isn't as straightforward as just plugging in the adapter. Despite being touted as a plug-and-play solution, you might encounter some challenges due to certain feature omissions, depending on your PC's setup.

How to Connect to Your PC With the Adapter

Before you jump into the setup process, ensure you have all the necessary components. The PS VR2, when used with the adapter, is fully compatible with most SteamVR games. Your PC needs Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a DisplayPort 1.4 cable, an accessible AC power outlet, and the PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR apps installed on Steam. Remember, the Sense controllers that come with the PS VR2 charge via USB-C, so you'll need two USB-C ports and cables or opt for Sony's $50 Sense controller charging station for a more convenient solution.

What You'll Need

First, check if your gaming PC is compatible with the PlayStation VR2 headset. Visit Sony's official PS VR2 PC Adapter preparation page to confirm. If your system is up to par, here's what you'll need:

• A PlayStation VR2 headset
• The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter (which includes an AC adapter and a male USB 3.0 Type-A cable)
• A DisplayPort 1.4 cable (sold separately)
• A free USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC (Sony advises against using extension cables or external hubs, though a powered external hub has been successfully used in some cases)
• Bluetooth 4.0 capability on your PC (either built-in or via an external Bluetooth adapter)
• Steam and SteamVR installed on your PC
• The PlayStation VR2 app installed within Steam

How to Connect: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you've gathered all the required items, follow these steps to connect your PS VR2 to your PC:

1. Install SteamVR and the PlayStation VR2 app: If you haven't already, download and install the Steam Windows client. Once installed, open Steam and install the SteamVR app. Then, download and install the PlayStation VR2 app.
2. Set up your PC’s Bluetooth and pair your Sense Controllers: From your PC's start menu, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > toggle Bluetooth to "On." To pair your Sense controllers, hold down the PlayStation button and Create button on each controller until the white light at the bottom starts to blink. On your PC, click the "Add device" button under "Devices" on the Bluetooth & devices page, select "Bluetooth," and connect to both PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller (L) and (R). If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth 4.0, use a compatible adapter like the Asus BT500. If using an external adapter on a system with an internal Bluetooth radio, disable the internal Bluetooth driver in Device Manager.
3. Set up the adapter and connect it to your PC: Plug the PS VR2 adapter into an unused USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC. Use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to connect the adapter to a free DisplayPort slot on your GPU. Connect the AC power adapter to the PS VR2 adapter's DC IN connector and plug it into an electrical outlet. The adapter's status indicator will turn solid red when powered on. Finally, connect the PlayStation VR2 to the PC adapter via the USB-C port on the front of the adapter.
4. Turn off Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (optional): If your PC has a newer GPU like a 40-series Nvidia RTX card, you might need to disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling for a stable VR experience. Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Graphics, click "Default graphics settings," and turn off the "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling" slider. Restart your PC.
5. Launch the PlayStation VR2 App and SteamVR: Boot up the PlayStation VR2 headset by holding down the central button underneath the visor until it rumbles. Turn on SteamVR and set it as your default OpenXR runtime. From your desktop, open the PlayStation VR2 app to update your Sense controllers' firmware wirelessly and set up your PS VR2 headset, including your Play Area and other preferences. Follow the on-screen and in-headset instructions to set up your IPD, display distance, and adjust the headset's fit comfortably. Once complete, you're ready to dive into SteamVR games.

Can You Connect to PC Without an Adapter?

Currently, connecting the PS VR2 to a PC without the adapter is not officially supported. However, according to a report from Road to VR, some GPUs from around 2018 with a USB-C port and VirtualLink feature have been used to connect directly to the PS VR2, provided the PlayStation VR2 app is installed. This bypasses the need for the adapter, but it's not a universally reliable method.