Reports around the web suggest that PlayStation VR won't function unless you have 60-square-feet of space to spare – but are they accurate? While we're still awaiting confirmation from Sony, we've looked at the documentation which the articles are based upon closely, and reckon that some outlets may be jumping the gun.
The brochure – which was photographed and published online – suggests that virtual reality owners should "limit" their use of the headset to within what the company's calling the Play Area, which measures 6.2 feet in width by 9.8 feet in depth. But this does not appear to be a requested requirement – it's just the area that you'll need to sit within in order for the unit to operate properly.
The space appears to be determined by the position of the PlayStation Camera, so in other words, if you sit off to the side of the Play Area, you may not have a good experience because the camera won't be able to see the headset properly. This will also be the case if you sit too close or too far away – common sense stuff.
Sony recommends that you clear space in the area, which seems sensible if you're playing a standing game like Headmaster – no one wants to trip over a coffee table while they're blinded from the real world. But having played PlayStation VR a few times now – once in a very enclosed space – we can confirm that there don't appear to be any space requirements in place for sitting experiences right now.
We've contacted Sony to make sure and we'll update you as soon as we hear back. But if you're currently in the process of re-arranging your living room, we'd recommend that you sit tight – as long as you're facing the PlayStation Camera head-on, you should be absolutely fine.
[source imgur.com, via polygon.com]
Comments 17
oh well i couldn't get it then even if i could afford it because NO WAY in hell do i have room for that
i don't even have room for Xbox Kinect (small flat)
@FullbringIchigo Did you read the article?
You wouldn't have to sit facing the TV at all - as stated in the last line of the article as the TV is totally redundant when using VR. Its more important to sit facing the PS camera head-on.
If like me, your main room is narrow but long, in theory I could place the camera at 90 degrees to my TV and sit facing the camera with the TV to my side instead...
"so in other words, if you sit off to the side of the Play Area, you may not have a good experience because the camera won't be able to see the headset properly."
Man the days of slowly slouching onto the side my settee will be over with this piece of kit, look at the picture even the mannequin looks uncomfortable.
@get2sammyb
@get2sammyb yeah and while i probably would be able to play some games i'm sure, especially ones where you don't really have to move around much i'm still not sure i would be able to play safely, i really don't have much room, mainly because i have loads of games and DVD's ^_^
it really is a small flat
I'm even more hyped for PSVR than I thought I'd be. I've wanted VR at home basically my entire life. I finally get to make that happen.
Bummed that the amusement park sim looks so crummy. What a missed opportunity.
That's not much space really and it's probably to avoid any potential law suits than a technological reason, though there will of course be some limitations with the camera, just nine that should make a difference to the majority of players
@BAMozzy Good point, but I'm assuming people will have the camera on their TV. You're right, though, I'll edit that.
@get2sammyb The reason I mentioned it was because you may be able to reposition the camera to give a better performance and the required space. In my front room (for example) which is long and narrow, if my camera was under the TV, I don't get the distance but the width is more than adequate where as if I reposition the camera I get both the width and length perfectly - although my TV would be directly to my right.
Obviously I don't need to watch what's on TV because my view is on the Headset. Its probably easier just to move the camera than rearrange mu whole room to suit VR - especially as the position of the TV is irrelevant for VR (unless others are watching) but its a way to get the space if needed.
@BAMozzy Yep, spot on - you're quite right.
This device sounds more of a joke for home console gaming with every passing day. More so than its original unveiling.
100 times More of a gimmick that the Wii remote.
VR is the next Kinect, will sell a lot for the first year, then nobody will make good games and it'll end as a joke.
There are enough idiots in the world that in the first 12 hours there'll be dozens of accounts of said idiots jumping through their front windows.
The girl in the picture is hot
@Frank90 probably, but during that year its going to have games that will make the Kinect weep. It will likely not last for very long but it will be a fun ride, so I am in!
Guess should start clearing up my room, don't wanna trip and fall on the furniture.
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