PSVR is a great piece of VR kit with many games that still aren’t available on the newer PSVR2 headset, but it also has its issues that may put some off of going back into that library. So we here at Spawning Point decided to offer 5 tips to help improve your PSVR setup and overall gaming experience.
Launching in 2016 PSVR came as almost a recycling of older Sony tech to bring something new to console players. Reusing the light tracking tech from the previous generations’ Move controllers to track the headset within a 3D environment, allowed Sony to create something new and incredible to give console gamers their first chance of VR at home without needing a high powered gaming PC to run it. This also meant Sony could deliver a cost effective solution to VR, undercutting other headsets at the time.
However as good as PSVR tech was in 2016, 8 years down the line the VR market has changed with other more advanced headsets available on PC, some without wires or then need for a PC connection at all like the Oculus Quest 2 & 3.
Yes it’s easy to just upgrade to the PSVR2 and forget about the older hardware, but by leaving this headset behind you also leave behind many great games like Astrobot Rescue Mission, Blood & Truth, Iron Man VR and even Superhot VR.
But yes we know setting the PSVR back up can be daunting with its USB camera and all those cables, and then even once it is set up the light tracking tech is quite dated and struggled to work well consistently. That’s why we wanted to put together this list, so let’s take a look at some useful tips to get the best tracking from your PSVR headset.
Camera Tracking
The Playstation camera is used to track the position of the headset and controllers so it needs to be able to see them clearly of course. However, just popping it in front or on top of your TV and looking directly forward may not be the best solution.
In fact, having the camera higher than head height whether you are sitting or standing allows for the camera to see the controllers moving in 3 dimensions a lot easier, this can help to prevent your hand from drifting away mid-game which was one of the most common issues with PSVR and the Move controllers
Another benefit to raising the camera is it will have a greater field of view allowing you to extend your arms further, so if you need to grab an in-game item from the floor like a dropped gun in SuperHot VR for example there’s less chance of you reaching outside of the cameras view.
Remember that you don’t need to be facing the screen when playing VR. Back when you were washing windows on the EyeToy you always needed to be facing the screen to follow what was going on, but with VR the screen is always in front of you so you can position the camera anywhere. The cable is 6 feet long, so the camera could be placed on top of a large unit or even a curtain rail depending on where your console is positioned, it really is worth trying a few different positions for your Playstation camera.
Cleaning
Psst, you know that cool looking blue microfibre cloth that came in your PSVR box? Did you take it out? Did you leave it in the box or in a drawer somewhere because you were too excited to plug in your new VR unit to worry about some Playstation branded cloth?
Well, you may wanna dig this thing out, not only is it in that stylish PS4 era blue with the button symbols emblazoned across it, but it’s also great for helping keep your set up in tip top shape.
Very simply, wipe the camera, and remove any dust that may be settled on the lenses. There is no need for any cleaning solutions that may leave smears, just use that lovely dry cloth to remove any dust that may have settled. Yes, when you look through the camera on your screen it may look perfectly fine but if the camera has even the tiniest bit of trouble seeing the lights from the headset or controllers then it may just throw out your tracking right as you’re trying to hit that perfect combo in Beat Saber.
Stepping away from tracking for a second, the cloth can also be used to remove dust from the screens inside the headset, and just for good housekeeping remember that the rubber on your PSVR can be easily removed and cleaned. Seriously if you work up a sweat playing VR be sure to give that a clean from time to time, especially if you share the PSVR because that thing will start to get pretty disgusting in no time.
Lighting
The PlayStation camera is an excellent piece of kit, but when it is being used as a sensor it has its downfalls. Any conflicting light source can really mess things up for you.
Having the camera facing a window on a sunny day will wash out the camera’s view making it harder to see the lights it needs to track. If you have to face the window, make sure your curtains are closed. Your PlayStation will let you know if too much light is shining into the camera but consider where your light sources are even if there is no warning.
Dim indirect lighting is best as your headset and controller lights will stand out more, but be wary of other causes of lighting interference. Anything that may reflect the light of your controllers could confuse your system into thinking your hands are elsewhere in the room, consider temporarily moving picture frames and mirrors and covering windows as well.
If you are playing your PSVR around Christmas with the family around trying to enjoy some Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes or a few hilarious rounds of Traffic Jams (neither of which are on PSVR2) consider switching off those Xmas Tree lights, blasphemy I know but the fewer coloured lights confusing your camera the better.
Clothing
Now you may call me crazy but, after extensive testing, I can happily tell you that an inflatable T-Rex suit is the best outfit for playing VR games, not only does the suit not interfere with your tracking but you look great while playing. Now obviously I am not serious about the T-Rex suit, but in truth what you wear can impact your PSVR tracking.
Remember earlier when we discussed how reflections can cause issues? Well, you may wanna consider how shiny your clothing or jewellery may be because these may also cause some confusion for your camera.
If the light from your Move controller reflects off your top the camera may read the light as being larger and therefore nearer than it actually is, causing your in-game hand to float off in front of you, it probably happened to you more often than you think.
Of course, if you want to play Beat Saber in a T-Rex costume you are more than welcome to, but Spawning Point accepts no responsibility for any dinosaur suit related accidents or injuries.
Keeping You In Your Playspace
Now we come to the final top tip, the creme de la creme of improving your PSVR tracking.
It all comes down to a simple rug, yes I know, you came here for tech tips and we’re getting into home decor, just bear with me on this.
If you are playing a VR game that requires you to be on your feet while dodging enemy attacks, knowing where you are in your play space can help keep you in view of the PlayStation Camera as well as avoid damaging any furniture or your TV.
The idea here is that having a rug or something similar under your feet will help you stay within your play area as you will feel the difference under your feet. You could pull that old Kinect Game Boat accessory out from the loft but with those high sides, it may prove to be more of a trip hazard. Another tip is that if you have wooden floors a rug may slip so maybe grab some of those large foam puzzle squares you often see in children’s play areas, they’re less likely to slip and also provide some cushioning for your feet while standing for longer play sessions.
So here are some of the best tips we can give you to help improve tracking on PSVR to help you go back to some of those brilliant forgotten games or to keep you going until the PSVR2 eventually drops in price.
Happy gaming PSVR fans.