Apple eyes VR gaming crown with Sony PlayStation partnership

Apple has partnered with Sony to integrate PlayStation VR controllers with its Vision Pro headset, likely aiming to enhance gaming support. This collaboration signals a potential shift for Apple, which has primarily emphasized immersive content and productivity over gaming. The discussions between the two companies commenced earlier this year and led to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman outlining the agreement. Presently, Vision Pro supports third-party controllers, but lacks the specific functionality required for true VR gaming.

Currently, PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers are compatible with Vision Pro, but they do not possess the six degrees of freedom essential for precise VR experiences. If Apple’s partnership with Sony proceeds, it would enable the Vision Pro to offer advanced VR gaming capabilities that go beyond gesture control.

The Vision Pro headset, priced at $3,500, has faced challenges in consumer uptake, with fewer than half a million units sold. Reports indicate many customers are returning the device or using it less than expected. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, acknowledged the headset’s high price, stating that “it’s not a mass-market product. Right now, it’s an early-adopter product.” Amid this context, Apple is also considering a more budget-friendly version of the headset, potentially leveraging iPhone’s computing power to appeal to a broader market.

Despite limited sales, the Vision Pro has received positive reviews for its technological capabilities. However, it has yet to gain traction against competitors like Meta’s Quest series, which thrive on exclusive gaming content. Apple has not announced plans to release a dedicated controller, although its previous development of a “wand” tool aimed at enhancing user control was abandoned due to concerns about developer confusion and costs.

Cheaper Apple Vision Pro is a long shot

The effectiveness of adding PSVR2 controller support will largely depend on the availability of games specifically developed for the Vision Pro. Developers appear hesitant to invest in creating titles for the platform, given its unproven gaming viability. Currently, the Vision Pro’s game offerings are quite limited, and although some players can access games through compatible controllers, the lack of dedicated gaming experiences continues to hinder its appeal. Sony does not sell PSVR2 controllers separately, meaning that only those who own both the PSVR2 and Vision Pro could fully benefit from this potential integration.

Investigations into the partnership’s timing also highlight uncertainties. Gurman disclosed that an announcement regarding controller support was anticipated weeks ago but has since been delayed, raising questions about the status and future of this integration. The Vision Pro remains a product with an unclear trajectory in the gaming landscape, as the focus on gesture interaction has not established it firmly as a gaming device. The success of any VR gaming strategy will depend on sufficient demand for compatible gaming experiences.

Featured image credit: Apple