Potentially, the Apple Vision Pro May Obtain Virtual Reality Controllers, Attributable to PlayStation's Influence.
Unlike other VR headsets released in the past decade, Apple's Vision Pro initially launched without controllers. However, a recent report suggests that Apple might be rectifying this by collaborating with Sony's PlayStation brand on a pair of VR-specific controllers for the Vision Pro.
The high-priced Vision Pro, at $3,500, isn't ideal for gaming unless paired with a Mac, especially with the latest ultra-widescreen update. It lags behind the $500 Meta Quest 3 and even the $300 Quest 3s in terms of gaming capabilities. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, in his latest PowerOn newsletter, alleges that Apple has a considerable initiative underway to support hand controllers, with Sony's PlayStation brand apparently at the top of the list. Gurman's sources claim that the PlayStation VR2 hand controllers might soon be compatible with the Vision Pro.
Such compatibility could transform the Vision Pro into a fully gaming-capable device. The device boasts an M2 chip, which theoretically should allow it to run a wide range of VR gaming apps natively. Apart from Sony, Apple is also reportedly working with other third-party developers for controller support. Each controller will still need to support 6 DoF (degrees of freedom), a common feature among all current VR controllers.
Apple might announce VR2 controller compatibility with Vision Pro soon, according to Gurman. Sony and Apple were supposed to announce this collaboration earlier this year, but the issue arises because Sony does not sell its VR2 controllers separately. This could be another revenue source for Sony, even after the VR2 headset went on sale last month. Sony has not disclosed the exact number of VR2 units sold since its launch last year, but one VR platformer developer claimed on Reddit that Sony has shipped around 2 million units.
The Vision Pro currently excels in accessibility due to its eye and hand tracking. Controllers could introduce new ways to select apps without pinching and offer fine-precision controls in apps like Final Cut Pro. Gurman mentioned that Apple has tested a stylus-like device for its spatial computer, but it won't be available by the end of this year.
You can still connect an Xbox or PlayStation controller to the Vision Pro for gaming, but the experience is not ideal without controllers. Apple's focus on gaming has brought many big-budget games to its App Store, and it seems willing to collaborate with external hardware providers to make gaming more accessible. Last month, Apple partnered with Corsair to stock gaming keyboards and mice.
While using Apple's headset for various gaming apps, I found that few games worked well without controllers. Sure, you can play 3D puzzle games like Castle Crumble or Warped Kart Racers with hand gestures, but gaming experiences like Mario Kart 8 with buttons and sticks are far more enjoyable.
Apple needs to attract game developers to the Vision Pro. The Quest catalog would run fine on Apple's M2 platform, but developers need a compelling reason to translate their games. However, considering the Vision Pro sold "less than half a million" units, according to Gurman's sources, this could be a tough task. That's not great, considering the headset's sales were already dwindling in July.
Despite Vision Pro's excellent hand and eye tracking, the Quest 3 and 3s are catching up at a lower price point. The PSVR2's controllers are comfortable and efficient enough for VR gaming. Combined, they could make a powerful duo, but we're still waiting for the games to play with it.
The absence of controllers initially restricted the Vision Pro's gaming capabilities, but recent reports suggest Apple might introduce compatibility with Sony's PlayStation VR2 controllers, potentially enhancing its gaming potential. In the future, tech enthusiasts might eagerly anticipate the combination of Apple's Vision Pro and Sony's VR2 controllers.
Apple's collaboration with Sony could also expand the selection of VR games for the Vision Pro. With superior hand tracking and potentially the addition of Sony's VR2 controllers, the platform could become more attractive to developers and gamers alike, shaping the future of VR gaming technology on Apple devices.
