"Connect PlayStation VR2 to PC: Easy Steps"

For PlayStation VR2 owners eager to explore the vast world of SteamVR games on their gaming PC, the wait is finally over. Sony introduced a $60 adapter last fall, allowing you to use your PS VR2 with any modern PC that meets the headset's minimum requirements. However, the setup isn't as straightforward as simply plugging in the adapter. Despite being advertised as plug-and-play, certain limitations mean additional setup may be required, depending on your PC's configuration.

How to Connect to Your PC With the Adapter

Before jumping into the setup process, ensure you have all the necessary components. The PS VR2 adapter allows compatibility with most SteamVR games, but your PC must have Bluetooth 4.0, a spare DisplayPort 1.4 cable, a nearby AC power outlet, and the PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR apps installed on Steam. The PS VR2's Sense controllers, which use USB-C for charging, require two USB-C charging ports and cables, though Sony offers a $50 Sense controller charging station for a more convenient solution.

What You'll Need

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First, verify if your gaming PC can support the PlayStation VR2 headset. Check Sony’s official PS VR2 PC Adapter preparation page. If your system meets the requirements, here's a checklist of what you'll need:

• A PlayStation VR2 headset
• The PlayStation VR2 PC adapter (with AC adapter and 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 an extension cable or external hub, though a powered external hub worked well in our tests)
• Bluetooth 4.0 capability on your PC (either built-in or via an external Bluetooth adapter)
• Steam and SteamVR installed on your PC
• The PlayStation VR2 app installed within Steam

How to Connect: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you've gathered all the necessary components, 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.
   • Open Steam and install the SteamVR app.
   • Download and install the PlayStation VR2 app.
2. Set up your PC’s Bluetooth and pair your Sense Controllers
   • From your PC’s start menu, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > toggle Bluetooth to “On.”
   • To pair your Sense controllers, hold down the PlayStation button and Create button on each controller until the white light at the bottom starts blinking.
   • On your PC, click the “Add device” button on the Bluetooth & devices page, select “Bluetooth,” and search for and connect both the PlayStation VR2 Sense Controller (L) and (R).
   • If your PC lacks built-in Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, use a compatible Bluetooth adapter like the Asus BT500. If using an external adapter with an internal Bluetooth radio, disable the internal driver in Device Manager.
3. Set up the adapter and connect it to your PC
   • Plug the PS VR2 adapter into an unused USB 3.0 Type-A port on your PC.
   • Use a DisplayPort 1.4 cable to connect the adapter to a free DisplayPort slot on your GPU.
   • Connect the AC power adapter to the PS VR2 adapter’s DC IN connector and plug it into an electrical outlet.
   • Connect the PlayStation VR2 to the PC 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, disable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling for stable VR gameplay: navigate to Settings > System > Display > Graphics, click “Default graphics settings,” and turn off the “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling” slider. Restart your PC.
5. Launch the PlayStation VR2 App and SteamVR
   • Turn 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 preferences.
   • Follow the on-screen and in-headset instructions to adjust your IPD, display distance, and headset fit.
   • Once setup is complete, dive into your favorite 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 Road to VR, some GPUs from around 2018 with a USB-C port and VirtualLink feature may allow a direct connection to the PS VR2, as long as the PlayStation VR2 app is installed. This method bypasses the need for the PC adapter, but it's not guaranteed to work for everyone.