PS5 secret weapon? New Sony VR headset confirmed

PSVR 2
(Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment)

We know that PSVR – the PlayStation 4 VR headset – is compatible with PS5, but could Sony be working on something bigger and better for the upcoming console? A new job listing at Sony Corp in Japan confirms that Sony is indeed developing a new VR headset, but it’s not clear if this is a successor to PSVR or something entirely different.

Here’s the listing, via Edge’s in-built translation, so you can judge for yourself. “We are developing a head-mounted display for next-generation VR, and we are in charge of mechanical design of barrels and small and lightweight housings that support optical systems, heat dissipation design, and development of jigs for optical system evaluation.” 

  • PS5: Release date, price, specs, controller and preorders
  • All the PS5 games we're excited about

So this is for PSVR 2, right? Well, maybe. This listing is for the wider Sony Corporation, rather than the PlayStation-focused Sony Interactive Entertainment (the listing specifically mentions that it will involve work across the Sony Group), and another part of the job ad mentions that the project is “with a view to five years from now."

As Upload VR notes, the ad may be referring to a headset that could release 5 years from now or a device that's being released 5 years after the original PSVR, which launched in 2016.

Another possibility its that Sony is working on a standalone VR headset akin to the Oculus Quest – a VR headset that can be used without wires. An Oculus Quest 2 is reportedly in the works and could be released as soon as September. 

Regardless, a Sony PSVR 2 could still be in the works. What this listing does mean is that Sony is committed to VR in general terms. And given that PSVR has sold over five million units on PS4, it would seem a bit weird for Sony to be working on new VR products without considering the implications for PS5.

Alan Martin

Freelance contributor Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, you'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more likely, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.

Latest in Playstation
The Last of Us Part I screenshot with a Tom's Guide deal tag
PlayStation launches new sale with big discounts on essential PS5 games — here’s my 17 favorite deals from $2
PS VR2 headset with PS VR2 Sense controllers
PlayStation VR2 getting a $200 price drop in March — is it worth buying now?
The PlayStation logo on a PS5 Pro
Ex-Sony executive predicts the PS6 will arrive in 2028 — what you need to know
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut screenshot with a Tom's Guide deal tag
PlayStation launches new sale with essential PS5 game deals from $2 — here’s my 15 top picks
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
PlayStation sale slices best PS5 games by up to 80% — here’s 17 deals from $5 I’d buy now
A screenshot from Spider-Man 2 with a Tom's Guide deal tag
Best Presidents' Day PS5 sales — here's 19 deals on PS5 games I'm adding to my cart right now
Latest in News
iOS 19 logo on an iPhone
iOS 19 — all the rumors so far
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Tuesday, March 11 (#639)
An image of a CAPTCHA
Hackers are using reCAPTCHA to trick users into infecting their own PCs with malware — how to stay safe
Gmail logo on iPhone
Gmail just got a huge AI upgrade that will save you a ton of time
Nina Oyama and Kate Box in Deadloch
One of my favorite shows on Prime Video has been totally overlooked — and it's got 100% on Rotten Tomatoes
Xbox handheld
Xbox handheld reportedly arriving this year, new PC-like console in 2027