Apple is stepping up its game—literally—with plans to make the Vision Pro headset more appealing to gamers. It appears that Apple to soon introduce support for third-party hand controllers, namely Sony’s PlayStation VR2 controllers, through a VisionOS update. This could be a game-changer for both gamers and developers.
A Potential Partnership with Sony
Apple is reportedly collaborating with Sony to make the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers compatible with the Vision Pro. While the partnership has been in the works for months, an official announcement has yet to happen. One possible reason for the delay? PlayStation VR2 controllers aren’t currently sold as standalone accessories.
For this partnership to work, Sony would need to tweak its controllers so they can function independently of the PlayStation VR2 system. If everything falls into place, the controllers will reportedly be sold through Apple’s retail channels, giving Vision Pro users a powerful gaming accessory.
This is good news for all 5 of Apple Vision Pro owners, but even better news for PSVR2 owners who have faulty of broken controllers and no way to replace them.
Beyond Gaming: Expanding Vision Pro’s Capabilities
While gaming is a clear focus, Apple’s ambitions for the Vision Pro extend far beyond. Reports suggest that the PlayStation VR2 controllers could also be used to navigate the VisionOS interface. This opens the door to new possibilities for productivity tools and entertainment apps, potentially transforming the Vision Pro into a more versatile device.
However, Apple has an uphill battle. In June, Apple had yet to sell 100,000 units, so the Vision Pro hasn’t met sales expectations. Natural concerns such as the $3,500 price tag added to limited battery life, and front-heavy design. and of course a lack of peripherals for gaming.
A Boost for Gamers and Developers
By enhancing the Vision Pro’s gaming capabilities, Apple hopes to reignite interest in the headset and pave the way for a new headset in 2025 at a lower price point.
If the Sony partnership comes to fruition, gamers could look forward to using premium controllers designed for immersive experiences. Developers, in turn, would gain new tools to create captivating content, potentially turning the Vision Pro into a must-have device for gaming enthusiasts.
The elephant in the room for me is what does this mean for PlayStation 5 compatibility? Once Sony launched PC support for the PSVR2, I felt they were effectively stepping away from VR as a core strategy for themselves. Perhaps towards someone else making the headsets. Perhaps Apple? It’s certainly not beyond the realms of possibility in a world that sees Microsoft moving away from consoles too.
Watch this space.
