PLAYSTATION VR TO LAUNCH IN ANZ THIS OCTOBER

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) to us today announced that PlayStation VR (PS VR), a virtual reality system that takes the PlayStation 4 (PS4) to the next level of immersion, will launch in, Japan, North America, Europe,  Asia, Australia and New Zealand in October 2016 with a New Zealand recommended retail price of $629.95 NZD.

“Ever since we unveiled PS VR during the 2014 Game Developers Conference, we’ve received a tremendous response from gamers and developers alike,” said Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  “To make sure that we are able to prepare and deliver enough units of PS VR and a wide variety of software titles to consumers worldwide, we have decided to launch PS VR in October 2016.  For those who are looking forward to its launch, we would like to thank everyone for their patience and continued support.  We are beyond excited to deliver to consumers the amazing experience that PS VR offers.”

Michael Ephraim, Managing Director Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand says: “Innovation is in our DNA at PlayStation and PS VR is the single biggest step change in technology I’ve seen in over 20 years at PlayStation. There’s a huge amount of excitement around VR in New Zealand and I am really pleased that we are in a position to share this news with our fans.”

Currently more than 230 developers and publishers  are working on PS VR software titles, from smaller independent teams to larger studios at the industry’s top publishers such as 2K Games and Ubisoft.  Software titles in development for PS VR from these developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) are now totalling to more than 160 titles, and over 50 of those titles including Eagle Flight (Ubisoft), EVE: Valkyrie (CCP Games), Headmaster (Frame Interactive), Rez Infinite (Enhance Games), Wayward Sky (Uber Entertainment), RIGS: Mechanized Combat League, Tumble VR, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood and PlayStation VR WORLDS (SCE WWS) are expected to launch by the end of this year.

Additionally, DICE and Lucasfilm are working on an all-new Star Wars Battlefront (Electronic Arts Inc.) gaming experience only for PS VR. Furthermore, THE PLAYROOM VR by SCE WWS will be available as a free download from PlayStation Store to all PS VR owners, simultaneously with the launch of the system.

To further drive the expansion of the PS VR software line-up, SCE is partnering with Tools & Middleware companies to provide innovative technology solutions and enhance the title development environment for PS VR.  

The system also has a Cinematic mode, which lets users enjoy a variety of content in a large virtual screen while wearing the headset.  Supported content for the Cinematic mode includes standard PS4 games and videos as well as variety of PS4 features including Share Play and Live from PlayStation.  Users will also be able to enjoy 360 degrees photos and videos that are captured by devices such as omnidirectional cameras on PS VR via PS4 Media Player, which will let them feel as if they are physically inside the captured scene.

SCE will continue to vigorously promote PS VR towards its release in October 2016 by showcasing PS VR titles at events around the globe, while also broadening its title portfolio.

Product name	PlayStation®VR
Product code	CUH-ZVR1series
Release month	October 2016
Recommended Retail Price	$629.95 NZD
External dimensions	VR headset: Approx. 187×185×277 mm (width : Approx. 187×185, excludes largest projection, headband at the shortest) Processor unit: Approx. 143×36×143 mm (width or unit: Approx. , excludes largest projection)
Mass	VR headset: Approx. 610g (excluding cable) Processor unit: Approx. 365g
Display Method	OLED
Panel Size	5.7 inches
Panel Resolution	1920×RGB×1080 (960×RGB×1080ionApprox)
Refresh rate	120Hz,  90Hz
Field of View	Approximately 100 degrees
Sensors	Six-axis motion sensing system (three-axis gyroscope, three-axis accelerometer)
Connection interface	VR headset: HDMI, AUX, Stereo Headphone Jack Processor unit: HDMI TV, HDMI PS4, USB, HDMI, AUX
Processor Unit Function	3D audio processing, Social Screen (mirroring mode, separate mode), Cinematic mode
Included	VR headset × 1 Processor unit × 1 VR headset connection cable × 1 HDMI cable × 1 USB cable × 1 Stereo headphones × 1 (with a complete set of earpiece) AC power cord × 1 AC adaptor × 1