Can You Use PS4 VR on PS5?

Once you have tasted the experience of a VR headset, it is really hard to go back. Therefore, those who are taking a leap from the PS4 may rightly ask “Can you use PS4 VR on PS5?”

After all, VR apparatus is costly and if you have made an investment in the PSVR headset on your previous-gen console, it would be a shame if you cannot bring its experience forward onto your newer console.

So as far as the question goes, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that Yes, PS4 VR, aka PS VR, CAN work with your PS5. The bad news, however, is that there are caveats involved when using the PS4 VR on PS5.

In the following text, I will take a deeper dive into the question:

PS5’s Backward Compatibility With PS4

PS5 offers extensive backward compatibility with the PS4 games. If you have a PS5 standard edition, you can simply insert your PS4 games into the disc bay and the majority should work from the get-go.

The same principle of backward compatibility does not just apply to the games, it also applies to the hardware.

This includes the controllers, the camera, and also the previous-gen PS VR.

However, there are caveats when using the PS4 hardware on the PS5. 

For instance, the DualShock 4 controllers from the PS4 CAN work on PS5. HOWEVER, DualShock 4 can ONLY be used for PS4 games on PS5 only. It will NOT work for the PS5 games. For PS5 games you will need the new DualSense controller.

The same applies to the PS VR headset.

So Can You Use PS4 VR on PS5?

Here is the official statement regarding PS4 VR or PS VR support on PS5:

“Yes, PlayStation VR games are included among the thousands of PS4 games that are playable on PS5. Playing PS VR games on a PS5 console requires a PS VR headset, PlayStation Camera for PS4* and a PlayStation Camera adaptor. For the best PS VR experience on PS5 we recommend using a DualShock 4 wireless controller. Selected games may require PS Move motion controllers or be compatible with the PS VR aim controller. The new HD camera for PS5 is not compatible with PS VR.” – Sony

The bottom line here is yes, PS4 VR CAN work on PS5, HOWEVER, you for starters you will ONLY be able to play games that were intended for this generation of VR headsets.

Games released for the PS VR 2 on PS5 will NOT be supported.

In addition to that, you need a PS4 camera since the newer PS5 camera will not be compatible and Sony also recommends that you use a PS4 DualShock 4 controller for best results.

As such, unless you have all the accessories from the previous-gen console with you, it can in fact become costly for you to use your PS VR with your PS5 console.

It should also be noted here that all the other VR-related accessories from PS4 such as the PlayStation Move controllers will also work, again only for PS4 VR games.

Adapter Required for Supporting PS4 Camera

In order to use a PS VR, you need a PS4 Camera. Now order to use PS4 Camera on PS5, you will need to buy an adapter.

This is because PS4 camera will NOT work directly with the PS5 and the PS5 camera will NOT work with the PS4 VR.

The good news is that, if you already own a PS VR, you can actually request a FREE adapter. 

Sony explains it here. In order to request for a free adapter, Sony says:

You should be prepared to provide your PS VR processor unit serial number, first name, last name, email address, shipping address, and phone number – Playstation.com

PS VR 2 is the Answer to The Next-Gen VR Gaming

As mentioned earlier, the PS VR 1 will NOT support the newer next-gen VR games released for PS5.

In order to enjoy the newer-gen games, you will need to get a PS VR 2.

This, in my opinion, is a shame because the VR headset itself is quite costly and if you already have one from the previous-gen console, it can be quite unfrugal to invest in a new one ESPECIALLY given that there are only a handful of VR games out there.

Now unless there is an explosion of PS VR 2 games in the future, I see little value in recommending purchasing an all-new and expensive PS VR 2 for the sole purpose of enjoying a handful of titles.