Apple and Sony are reportedly collaborating to bring PlayStation VR2 controller support to the Vision Pro headset. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this strategic partnership could significantly enhance the gaming and creative capabilities of Apple’s premium VR device, while also making Sony’s sophisticated controllers available for individual purchase for the first time.
The collaboration, which has been in development for several months, represents a significant shift in Apple’s approach to VR gaming and content creation. The integration would extend beyond gaming, offering users enhanced precision controls for professional applications such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe Photoshop. This dual-purpose functionality could potentially address one of the Vision Pro’s current limitations: its reliance on hand gestures and basic Bluetooth controllers for interaction.
According to Gurman’s Power On newsletter, the announcement of this partnership was initially planned for earlier release but has been delayed for unspecified reasons. The development process has included extensive consultation with third-party developers to gauge interest and potential applications for Sony’s VR controllers within the Vision Pro ecosystem. This collaborative approach suggests a serious commitment to expanding the device’s gaming capabilities beyond its current limited offerings.
The timing of this potential partnership is particularly significant as the Vision Pro currently faces challenges in establishing itself as a gaming platform. While the device supports some iOS games and emulators, native visionOS games remain scarce, with titles like Thrasher being among the few standout experiences designed specifically for the platform. The integration of PSVR2 controllers could potentially attract more developers to create immersive gaming experiences for the Vision Pro.
This move appears to be responding to clear market demand, as evidenced by community initiatives like the successful Kickstarter project for Surreal Touch controllers, which aims to bring Meta Quest 3-style controls to the Vision Pro. The partnership with Sony could provide an official, high-quality solution to this demand while leveraging Sony’s expertise in gaming peripherals.
The practical implications of this integration extend beyond gaming. The ability to use PSVR2 controllers for system navigation and professional applications could transform how users interact with visionOS. Currently, while standard Bluetooth controllers can be used for basic navigation and gaming, they lack the sophisticated tracking and haptic capabilities that PSVR2 controllers offer.
However, questions remain about the partnership’s potential success. Apple’s historical challenges in maintaining consistent support from game publishers, combined with current Vision Pro sales figures, raise concerns about long-term developer commitment to the platform. The VR landscape presents unique opportunities and challenges that differ from Apple’s traditional mobile and desktop markets.
The decision to sell PSVR2 controllers separately through Apple’s retail channels marks a significant departure from Sony’s current strategy, where these controllers are only available as part of the complete PSVR2 system. This move could make high-quality VR controllers more accessible to Vision Pro users while potentially expanding Sony’s market reach in the VR peripheral space.
As the VR industry continues to evolve, this collaboration between two tech giants could signal a new era of cross-platform compatibility and standardization in VR gaming and professional applications. The success of this initiative could depend largely on developer adoption and the ability to create compelling experiences that take advantage of the PSVR2 controllers’ advanced features.
While the partnership shows promise, its ultimate impact on the Vision Pro’s success in the gaming and professional markets remains to be seen. The integration of PSVR2 controllers could prove to be a crucial step in establishing the Vision Pro as a versatile platform for both entertainment and professional use, provided it can attract and maintain developer interest in creating content that leverages these enhanced control capabilities.
Add Comment