Apple and Sony might just have the fix gamers need for the Vision Pro’s clunky controls. Is PlayStation VR2 support the boost Apple’s headset needs to level up?
Apple and Sony are working together to improve gaming on the Vision Pro. So far, the Vision Pro hasn’t been the hit Apple was hoping for, and one big issue seems to be its weak gaming support. Right now, you’re stuck using hand gestures in the air to control games, which isn’t great for anything that needs accuracy. To tackle this, Apple has reportedly reached out to the Japanese giant for help.
With less than half a million Vision Pros sold since February, this could be the move Apple needs to turn it around. So, what’s the scoop on this potential collaboration? Let’s break it down!
Why Vision Pro failed as a gaming device
The Apple Vision Pro packs a Mac-level M2 chip, some of the best displays you’ll find in a consumer device, and even its own App Store. It also features immersive audio tech and advanced sensors—basically, all the right pieces for a killer gaming setup. But gaming isn’t where the Vision Pro shines. Right now, it’s more about communication, enjoying immersive media, and handling light computer tasks.
During development, Apple made an interesting choice that shifted the Vision Pro’s focus away from gaming. Influenced by Jony Ive and Mike Rockwell, the team prioritized a unique interface controlled by eye movements and hand gestures. Adding a controller would have complicated things for developers and driven up costs, so they skipped it—unfortunately leaving gamers behind.
With its $3,500 price tag, skipping gaming makes it a tougher sell. Sure, it’s great for productivity and media, but I feel like when it comes to a company like Apple, people expect XR devices to deliver on entertainment, too.
Apple and Sony to give Vision Pro PlayStation VR controller support
Unlike most other headsets on the market, Apple’s Vision Pro doesn’t come with controllers. Instead, it tracks your eye movements, recognizes hand gestures, and responds to voice commands. You can also connect it to Apple’s Magic Trackpad and Magic Keyboard, along with other Bluetooth devices. And here’s some exciting news for gamers—Apple’s teaming up with Sony to bring support for third-party hand controllers to the Vision Pro through a new visionOS update.
Earlier this year, Apple reached out to Sony, and they agreed to make PlayStation VR2 hand controllers work with the Vision Pro. This project has been in the works for a while. While both companies wanted to launch it earlier, delays have pushed back the release. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman believes an official announcement is still coming—unless plans change last minute.
Apple’s also been talking with third-party developers, encouraging them to add support for these controllers in their games. This step is crucial since the current PS5 and Xbox controllers are designed for traditional consoles, not virtual reality. Apple needs dual hand controllers with 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) to match the precision Meta and Sony offer with their headsets.
Beyond gaming
The PlayStation VR2 hand controllers aren’t just for gaming. They can also come in handy for productivity tasks and media editing. While the Vision Pro’s eye-and-hand tracking works decently, it’s still tough to make super accurate moves. Of course, it all comes down to personal preference, but for me, hand tracking takes away too much of the tactile feedback. The tech is cool, but beyond simple tasks like manipulating screens in the headset, it feels limiting. I think most people will always prefer a solid set of controllers over hand tracking.
Apple doesn’t have plans to release its own controller anytime soon. However, their design team did spend a few years working on a “wand” for the Vision Pro. This tool would be more like an Apple Pencil, designed for precise control rather than gaming, according to Gurman.
Bottom line
The key is to focus on the customer experience first, then build the technology around it. Not the other way around. And it seems like Apple did just that with the Vision Pro. Sure, there are people who drop thousands on gaming setups, but not many are ready to spend that much on what the Vision Pro offers. It’s an incredible piece of tech, but Apple’s still figuring out how to make it work in the gaming world.