"Connect PlayStation VR2 to PC: Easy Steps"

For PlayStation VR2 users eager to explore the vast library of SteamVR games on their gaming PC, Sony's $60 adapter, released last fall, has been a game-changer. However, the transition isn't as straightforward as one might hope. Despite its plug-and-play marketing, the PS VR2 requires some extra setup to fully integrate with your PC, especially considering the specific hardware requirements and potential configuration tweaks.

How to Connect to Your PC With the Adapter

Before embarking on the setup journey, ensure you have all the necessary components. The PS VR2, when connected via the adapter, is compatible with most SteamVR games, but your PC must meet certain criteria. You'll need Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a DisplayPort 1.4 cable, an AC power outlet, and both the PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR apps installed on your Steam account. Additionally, the Sense controllers that come with the PS VR2 require USB-C charging ports and cables, though a convenient $50 Sense controller charging station is available from Sony.

What You'll Need

First, confirm that your gaming PC is compatible with the PlayStation VR2 headset by visiting Sony's official PS VR2 PC Adapter preparation page. Here's a checklist of what you'll need:

• A PlayStation VR2 headset
• The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter (comes with an AC adapter and a male USB 3.0 Type-A cable)
• A DisplayPort 1.4 cable (sold separately)
• A free USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC (Sony advises against using extension cables or external hubs, though a powered external hub has been known to work)
• Bluetooth 4.0 capability on your PC (either built-in or via an external adapter)
• Steam and SteamVR installed on your PC
• The PlayStation VR2 app installed on Steam

How to Connect: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you've gathered all the required items, follow these steps to connect your PS VR2 to your PC:

1. Install SteamVR and the PlayStation VR2 app: Download and install the Steam Windows client if you haven't already. Then, install the SteamVR app and the PlayStation VR2 app within Steam.
2. Set up your PC’s Bluetooth and pair your Sense Controllers: Go to your PC’s start menu, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices, and toggle Bluetooth to “On.” To pair the Sense controllers, hold down the PlayStation and Create buttons on each controller until the white light starts blinking. On your PC, click “Add device” under the Bluetooth & devices section, select “Bluetooth,” and connect both the PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller (L) and (R). If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth 4.0, consider using a compatible adapter like the Asus BT500. If you're using an external adapter on a system with a built-in Bluetooth radio, disable the internal Bluetooth driver in Device Manager.
3. Set up the adapter and connect it to your PC: Insert the PS VR2 adapter into a free USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC. Use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to connect the adapter to your GPU’s DisplayPort slot. Connect the AC power adapter to the adapter’s DC IN connector and plug it into an electrical outlet. The adapter’s status indicator should turn solid red when powered on. Finally, connect the PlayStation VR2 to the adapter via the USB-C port on the front of the adapter.
4. Turn off Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (optional): For newer GPUs like the 40-series Nvidia RTX cards, disabling Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling might be necessary for a stable VR experience. Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Graphics, click “Default graphics settings,” and turn off the “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling” slider. Restart your PC afterward.
5. Launch the PlayStation VR2 App and SteamVR: Power on the PlayStation VR2 headset by holding down the central button until it vibrates. Start SteamVR and set it as your default OpenXR runtime. Open the PlayStation VR2 app on your desktop to update your Sense controllers’ firmware and set up your PS VR2 headset, including your Play Area and other preferences. Follow the on-screen and in-headset instructions to adjust your IPD, display distance, and headset fit. Once setup is complete, you're ready to dive into SteamVR games!

Can You Connect to PC Without an Adapter?

Currently, connecting the PS VR2 to a PC without the adapter is not officially supported. However, according to a report on Road to VR, some GPUs from around 2018 that feature a USB-C port and VirtualLink technology may allow a direct connection to the PS VR2, provided the PlayStation VR2 app is installed. This method bypasses the need for the PC adapter, but it's not a universally reliable solution.