Sony has encountered significant challenges with the PlayStation VR2 headset, primarily due to a backlog of unsold units. This issue has compelled the company to pause production to address the surplus inventory before manufacturing any more headsets. Initially launched in February 2023, the PS VR2 saw promising early sales, with nearly 600,000 units sold in the first six weeks. However, the momentum did not sustain, and sales have steadily declined since then .
Several factors have contributed to this situation. The high price point of $549.99, combined with a limited library of exclusive games, has dampened consumer interest. While the headset boasts advanced features such as dual OLED panels with 4K resolution and up to a 120 Hz refresh rate, these technical advancements have not been sufficient to drive long-term sales. Furthermore, Sony has not released many first-party titles to support the device, relying mainly on third-party games like “Resident Evil Village” and “No Man’s Sky”
The production pause aims to allow Sony to clear the existing inventory and re-evaluate its strategy for the PS VR2. The company has not disclosed recent sales figures, but the continuous decline in shipments, as tracked by market intelligence firm IDC, indicates that the backlog is substantial. This surplus is spread throughout Sony’s supply chain, affecting retailers and consumers alike.
Strategy Going Forward
Looking forward, Sony’s strategy appears to focus on expanding the functionality and compatibility of the PS VR2 to attract a broader audience. One significant move is the planned support for PC VR games, expected to roll out later in 2024. This will enable PS VR2 owners to access a wider range of VR content beyond what is available on the PlayStation platform, potentially increasing the headset’s appeal.
Sony may consider adjusting the pricing or bundling options to make the PS VR2 more attractive to consumers. Temporary price cuts and promotions have been implemented, but a long-term pricing strategy might be necessary to boost sales sustainably. Additionally, increasing the development and release of exclusive, high-quality VR titles could help drive demand by offering unique experiences that cannot be found on other VR platforms. The PS VR2’s production pause is a tactical move by Sony to manage its inventory and recalibrate its market approach. By enhancing the headset’s capabilities and potentially revising its pricing and content strategy, Sony will aim to overcome the current sales slump and revitalise interest in its next-generation VR system.
