Sony is all set to launch the second generation PlayStation VR2 on February 22. However, as per a Bloomberg report, the company has reduced production volume due to low pre-order sales.
The company has drastically dialed down the projected production for PSVR2. Sony initially planned to manufacture 2 million units, which is now down to 1 million units.
In November last year, Sony announced that it will launch its VR2 headset in February 2023, for $549.99 (approximately Rs 45,000). The company said it will also launch a PlayStation VR2 Sense controller charging station, designed specifically for the PSVR2 Sense controller. The controller can be bought separately for $49.9 (around Rs 4000). Since the announcement, PSVR2 was available for pre-order. The device is seeing low traction despite ditching its invitation-only requirement for pre-orders.
The pre-order sales project a significant drop in PlayStation VR2’s demand, not just for the quarter but for longer. Currently, Sony expects to ship out just 1.5 million units between April 2023 and March 2024. The Japanese tech giant has communicated to supply partners to expect a reduction in display panel orders, Bloomberg reported. Some experts believe PSVR2’s steep price is the reason for the drop in demand.
The launch of Sony’s VR headset came a month after Meta unveiled its high-end virtual and mixed reality headset – Quest Pro for $1500 that targets serious and creative working professionals. The much-hyped headset is a milestone in the company’s chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg’s vision for an immersive digital future.
