Virtual reality was long thought to be the future of gaming, but while it has come a long way in recent years, it hasn't quite reached mainstream adoption in the same way as more traditional platforms. Sony entered the VR market with its own offering, the PlayStation VR, in 2016 to work alongside the PS4. While the PSVR will work with the PS5 thanks to an adapter, Sony has announced that a next-generation PSVR for the PS5 is in the works.

When is PSVR for PS5 coming?

Sony hasn't announced an exact release date for the next-gen PSVR, but it has confirmed that it won't be coming this year as there is "still a lot of development underway for our new VR system." The original PSVR launched almost a full three years after the PS4, so if this were to follow a similar cycle it's possible we won't see the next-gen PSVR until sometime in 2023. This isn't Sony's first dip into VR, though, so it may not take them quite as long this time around.

Will it be easy to use?

One of PSVR's biggest appeals is its accessibility. Unlike some of the other VR headsets on the market like the Oculus Rift or the Valve Index, which require pretty powerful gaming PCs to run, PSVR connects to a PS4. It seems Sony is eager to stress that the next-gen PSVR will be even more straightforward for players to use. According to Sony Entertainment Interactive's senior vice-president Hideaki Nishino, "it will connect to PS5 with a single cord to simplify setup and improve ease-of-use, while enabling a high-fidelity visual experience." The new PSVR will also include a new controller, which will make use of some of the technology built into the PS5's DualSense controller, while the new headset "enhances everything from resolution and field of view to tracking and input."

Should I get into VR?

VR might never replace the traditional gaming experience; not everyone wants to strap a headset to their face when they want to unwind with a game after work. It's also a largely solitary experience, so there aren't many VR options if you want to play something locally with your friends, partner or kids. However, VR is becoming an increasingly viable option for gamers to pick up. Along with unique experiences like Tetris Effect and Beat Saber, games such as Resident Evil 7 and Half-Life: Alyx have also shown that AAA titles have their place in VR too. The next generation of PSVR is evidently still some way off, but with its increasing accessibility and promise of an improved gaming experience, it might finally be worth dipping into virtual reality when it launches if you've not done so already.