--- description: Sony's PlayStation VR virtual reality headset is coming out this year. title: Everything to Know About Sony's PlayStation VR Headset image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf9daba65ff6d07d7/69888b26524fc01bcedf7332/gettyimages-494684828.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [Business](/section/business/) ## Business Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close * [Tech](/tag/time-section-tech/) ## Tech Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # Everything to Know About Sony's PlayStation VR Headset  by [Lisa Eadicicco](/author/lisa-eadicicco/)  ## Lisa Eadicicco Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Mar 16, 2016 4:08 PM CUT  A gamer plays a video game with the virtual reality head-mounted display 'Playstation VR' during the 'Paris Games week' at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on October 28, 2015 in Paris, France. A gamer plays a video game with the virtual reality head-mounted display 'Playstation VR' during the 'Paris Games week' at Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles on October 28, 2015 in Paris, France.Chesnot—Getty Images  by [Lisa Eadicicco](/author/lisa-eadicicco/)  ## Lisa Eadicicco Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Mar 16, 2016 4:08 PM CUT Sony this week [revealed more details](http://time.com/4260570/sony-playstation-vr/ "undefined") about its PlayStation VR virtual reality headset. The device will compete with similar headsets from companies like Oculus and HTC. But instead of requiring a high-end, $1,000+ PC, PlayStation VR will be powered by users’ PlayStation 4 gaming consoles. The headset allows gamers to play titles in a more expansive and immersive environment. Here’s a look at what you should know: **When can I buy the PlayStation VR and how much will it cost?** The PlayStation VR will launch in October of this year for $399\. Sony hasn’t announced a specific release date just yet, but Shawn Layden, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, told TIME that he’s hoping to have “that message sooner rather than later.” **What do I need to use the PlayStation VR?** You’ll need the headset, a PlayStation 4 console, and a [camera](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/playstation-vr/ "undefined") that’s sold separately. Prices for the camera range between about $44 and $59 [depending on the retailer](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/explore/accessories/playstation-camera-ps4/ "undefined"). Special controllers are also available. **What comes in the box?** The[ PlayStation VR comes with](https://www.playstation.com/en-au/explore/playstation-vr/pre-order/ "undefined") the headset, a processor unit, earbuds, an HDMI cable, a USB cable, an AC adapter and power cord, and a headset connection adapter for the PlayStation VR. It does not come with any DualShock or PlayStation Move controllers, nor the PlayStation Camera.  Sony **Which games will be available for the PlayStation VR?** Sony says that more than 50 games will be compatible with the headset before the end of the year. Some compatible titles [announced so far ](https://www.playstation.com/en-au/explore/playstation-vr/games/ "undefined")include _RIGS Mechanized Combat League_, _Until Dawn: Rush of Blood_, _PlayStation_ _VR Worlds_, _Eagle Flight_, _Rez Infinite_, _EVE: Valkyrie_, _Tumble VR_, _Robinson: The Journey_, _Wayward Sky_, _Headmaster_, _Superhypercube,_ and multiplayer party game_The Playroom VR._ Sony has also said that a version of _Star Wars: Battlefront_ will launch for the PlayStation VR, but it hasn’t specified a release date. **What will it be like to use PlayStation VR?** Some games will use the PlayStation’s DualShock or Move controllers, while others will rely on your body or eye movements. Extra players not wearing a headset will be able to participate in games as well, [Sony says](https://www.playstation.com/en-au/explore/playstation-vr/ "undefined"). The videos below provide an idea of what it will be like to game in PlayStation VR. And: **What will the hardware be like?** The PlayStation VR headset features a 5.7-inch OLED display and includes 360 degree tracking sensors, among other components. Here’s a closer look at the specs:  Matt Peckham A more detailed overview of the hardware can be found [here](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/corporate/press-releases/2016/playstation-vr-launches-october-2016-available-globally-at-44980-yen-399-usd-399-and-349/ "undefined"). **Can you do anything else besides play video games?** Sony’s VR headset also includes a Cinematic Mode, which allows owners to view 360-degree photos and videos on a large virtual screen. Any PlayStation 4 game that hasn’t been optimized for the PlayStation VR can also run on the headset in this mode. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4261056/sony-playstation-vr-release-date-specs-headset-games/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4261056/sony-playstation-vr-release-date-specs-headset-games/"},"headline":"Everything to Know About Sony's PlayStation VR Headset","datePublished":"2016-03-16T16:08:42.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T04:44:05.413Z","description":"More than 50 games will be available for the PlayStation VR this year","url":"https://time.com/4261056/sony-playstation-vr-release-date-specs-headset-games/","keywords":["Tech","Video Games","Virtual Reality"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf9daba65ff6d07d7/69888b26524fc01bcedf7332/gettyimages-494684828.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lisa Eadicicco","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/lisa-eadicicco/"}],"articleSection":"Business","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltf9daba65ff6d07d7/69888b26524fc01bcedf7332/gettyimages-494684828.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Paris Games Week 2015 At Porte de Versailles In Paris","caption":"Paris Games Week 2015 At Porte de Versailles In Paris","creditText":"Chesnot—Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/business/","name":"Business"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/time-section-tech/","name":"Tech"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4261056/sony-playstation-vr-release-date-specs-headset-games/","name":"Everything to Know About Sony's PlayStation VR Headset"}}]}] ```