Though it's a rumor being perpetuated by some key insiders, a message is circulating that suggests Sony could be scaling back production plans for the PlayStation VR2. The Playstation VR2 followed up on the original virtual reality headset from Sony earlier this year, and due to a few reasons, it may not be off to the start that the company may have been expecting if the rumors are accurate.

When the Playstation VR2 was released in February, it only had a few notable launch titles, most prominently Horizon Call of the Mountain, and a whopping price tag of $549.99. While many PlayStation fans have already upgraded to the PS5 and may be ready for the upgrade to PS4's PS VR, the console-like pricing may be keeping a chunk of the install base from adopting the improved tech. By the end of February, Sony had only shipped 270,000 PS VR2 units which has sparked some rumors that continue to gain traction despite Sony denying such drastic adjustments.

Around the launch of the PlayStation VR2, Bloomberg analyst Takashi Mochizuki suggested that Sony was scaling back production of the virtual reality device, which the tech company later denied. Mochizuki isn't the only known business insider to speak on the PlayStation VR2 and potential production changes, as Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has added his own perspective to the possible slow launch of the hardware. According to Kuo, Sony will be scaling back PS VR2 production by 20% this year based on sales estimates that have seemingly moved around based on the demand for the powerful PS5 accessory.

Kuo has elaborated further on his analysis of the PlayStation VR2, claiming that low sales of the Meta Quest Pro and China's popular headset the Pico are a reflection of virtual reality not being a "star product." Pointing to Apple as the last potential hope for augmented and virtual reality investors, Kuo remains hopeful that a future announcement event could boost interest in the technology once again. Given that Sony has denied former rumors about the success of the PS VR2 and that it hasn't confirmed the kinds of production reduction speculated by Kuo and Mochizuki, it's currently unclear if the company intends to scale back so much or plans to maintain the same numbers as they are.

Because many tech industry leaders are focused on VR and the metaverse, companies like Meta and Sony may have anticipated a broader audience for their latest headsets than they have been met with. While there are multiple reputable insiders speaking to the PlayStation VR2 and its 2023 production cycle, it may remain a rumor until a future Sony earnings report.



Posted: Apr 09, 2023 12:27 pm
Related Forum: PlayStation Forum

Source: https://gamerant.com/playstation-vr2-production-plans-scaling-back-rumor/