Information is going around that Sony has had a VR headset in development for the Playstation 4 for quite some time now. Some suggest the Oculus Rift-like headset was supposed to be revealed at Gamescom, and is now either going to appear at TGS or later this year.
Apparently codenamed the HMZ-T2, it is a personal 3D viewer that can display both 3D games and HD movies. Each eye gets an OLED 720p panel that renders 3D images in high-contrast.
The name suggests it is the predecessor to the HMZ-T1, a similar standalone device sold since two years ago that does not work with any console, but does offer an up close and personal 3D viewing experience for movies. I did find it listed in Sony’s online store but as of right now, the HMZ-T1 is no longer available for purchase.
Conceptually, however, I think it has more in common with the Playstation 3D Display, which also came out in 2011 and was compatible with 59 games, if you did want to pony up the cash for it. This was a bundle including a 24“ LED, a pair of 3D glasses an HDMI and a copy of Motorsports: Apocalypse. This display boasted of Simulview, allowing two players to get different views playing the same game. Yes, this is basically an early form of asymmetric gameplay, although like Wonderbook and Move, this accessory did not catch on with gamers.
Reporters are second guessing themselves on how early they received hints the technology has been in development, but this should really be no surprise considering this is Sony. More importantly, this drives a wedge into speculation that Sony could partner with Oculus Rift.
I think it would be wishful thinking for fans to say Sony would work with Oculus Rift when this device does come out. It is also interesting that Valve bowed out of this race, and neither Microsoft nor Nintendo have revealed similar tech in development. At this point, it seems most likely that the HMZ-T2 stays to Playstation 4 and Oculus Rift stays to PC. Does the lukewarm reception to earlier similar devices from Sony predict a lack of consumer interest for VR headsets? We will find out soon enough.
