At the recent SIGGRAPH Asia 2024 event, Sony made waves by introducing a major upgrade for its PlayStation VR2 headset: controller-less hand tracking. This cool new feature lets users dive into games and navigate interfaces using just their hands, ditching the need for physical controllers. It’s a big leap for immersive gaming on the PlayStation platform. Sony hinted that developers will soon get their hands on this tech, paving the way for fresh VR content on the PlayStation VR2.
While controller-less hand tracking isn’t brand new—it’s already a staple in rival headsets like Meta’s Quest series, Pico, and HTC Vive—Sony’s move brings them in line with the competition. These systems allow users to interact with virtual worlds more intuitively, using hand gestures to move objects, browse menus, and control gameplay. By adding this feature to the PlayStation VR2, Sony is not only catching up but also potentially widening the appeal of its VR offerings.
Controller-less hand tracking is a standard feature of the Quest , Pico , and HTC Vive headsets , allowing you to interact with the interface and in-game items without using a controller.
Developers who have already integrated hand tracking into their games on other platforms are likely to roll out updates for the PlayStation VR2, which could greatly enhance the variety of VR experiences available to PlayStation fans. Plus, this new tech opens the door for studios to either add hand tracking to existing titles or create entirely new experiences centered around it.
Interestingly, Sony chose to unveil this innovation at SIGGRAPH Asia, a conference more known for its focus on computer graphics and interactive techniques than gaming hardware. This unexpected choice has piqued the interest of industry watchers, hinting that Sony might be highlighting the tech and graphical potential of its hand-tracking system rather than just its gaming uses.
The exact details about when this feature will launch are still a bit of a mystery, but it’s definitely a big step up for the PlayStation VR2. Sony is looking to connect the dots between what the hardware can do and the latest software advancements, making the VR experience even more immersive. This means users will have a smoother and more natural way to dive into virtual worlds.
