Sony’s PlayStation VR 2 (PSVR 2) has received an exciting new feature: hand tracking, a development that could revolutionize virtual reality gameplay. Instead of a grand announcement, Sony quietly revealed this feature at the Siggraph Asia 2024 expo in Tokyo.
Hand Tracking Comes to PSVR 2
Attendees at the Siggraph Asia tech event were given a hands-on—or hands-free—preview of the PSVR 2’s hand tracking capabilities.
Demonstrations showed users firing water jets from their fingers to defeat flying creatures in a VR experience, all without the need for traditional controllers. The key requirement? Keeping hands visible to the headset’s cameras.
This smooth, responsive tracking operates at 60fps with low latency, offering a seamless experience that immerses users even deeper into virtual environments.
The update is already integrated into the latest PlayStation 5 SDK, allowing developers to start utilizing hand tracking in their games immediately.
A Missed Opportunity for a Bigger Announcement
Despite the groundbreaking nature of this feature, Sony’s announcement was surprisingly understated. Details about hand tracking were confined to a booth description at the expo and a small mention in Sony’s Siggraph 2024 demo overview.
Considering the growing importance of hand tracking in VR—already featured on headsets like Meta’s Quest series—Sony’s low-key reveal seems like a missed marketing opportunity. This update could enhance PSVR 2’s appeal, especially as the competition in the VR market heats up.
Why Hand Tracking Matters in VR
Hand tracking isn’t just a cool addition; it’s a potential game-changer. Unlike controllers, which can feel clunky and require learning specific button combinations, hand tracking offers a more intuitive way to interact with virtual worlds.
For new players, the ability to naturally reach out and interact with objects without controllers makes VR experiences less intimidating.
It also enhances immersion for experienced users, allowing for gestures and movements that feel natural rather than mechanical.
While some VR experiences still benefit from controllers for specific inputs, hand tracking opens the door for entirely new genres of gameplay and innovative applications. From interactive storytelling to training simulations, the possibilities are endless.
What This Means for Developers
The hand tracking feature is already accessible in the PS5 SDK, so game developers can begin implementing it into their titles. For studios already supporting hand tracking on other platforms, adapting it to PSVR 2 could be a straightforward process.
In the coming months, we might see updates for existing games as well as entirely new VR experiences that leverage this technology. Games relying on natural gestures and full-body immersion could shine on PSVR 2, setting it apart from competitors.
Keep an Eye Out for Hand Tracking Updates
If you recently bought a PSVR 2 headset during Black Friday deals—or are considering adding one to your setup—keep an eye out for this transformative feature in future game updates.
Sony might also roll out hand tracking-focused VR titles, giving users even more reason to explore this cutting-edge tech.
