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With just 10 days left until launch, you've no doubt at least heard of PlayStation VR by now. But if you still have questions despite our coverage, the preview events, and the trailers, Sony has you covered. The PlayStation Blog has just posted "The Ultimate FAQ" about PS VR for your viewing and reference pleasure.
Note that when they say "ultimate," they aren't kidding; the list contains more than 70 questions, broken down by categories such as hardware specifications, games, cinematic mode, health and safety, peripherals, and streaming.
Looking it over, I've pulled out seven of the biggest things you need to know. Enjoy:
It can support local multiplayer
Much like how the Wii U GamePad allowed one player to experience a game one way while other players experienced it an entirely different way (for example, playing as an invisible ghost using the GamePad while up to four players played as ghost hunters using the TV), PS VR will also allow for asymmetrical multiplayer.
One example given in the FAQ is the PS VR-wearing player taking the role of a monster destroying a city, while up to four other players try to fight him or her off. You'll only be able to use one headset per console though, so be nice and take turns.
It's not a replacement for a TV
While PS VR will let you view non-VR games and movies via Cinematic Mode (a big, virtual screen floating in a black space), the device is not meant to replace your television. Even if you don't want to share what you're seeing or play games with local multiplayer options, you'll still need to hook everything up to a TV to tweak system settings.
Likewise, PS VR is not designed to be a replacement for a 3D TV. Movies and games (even those that support 3D) will be displayed in 2D in PS VR's Cinematic Mode. It's possible that will change down the line, but Sony has nothing to announce right now.
You can't use HDR while it's plugged in
The PS VR Processing Unit supports both 1080p and 4K video pass through, meaning you'll be able to view 1080p and 4K content via your PS4 or PS4 Pro while not actively using the headset, even if it's still plugged in. However, if you want to take advantage of HDR functionality, you'll need to connect your console directly to an HDR-compatible TV.
You can try before you buy
Curious about VR but not willing to put down money for a pre-order? Multiple retailers will be hosting Experience PlayStation VR events, and you can find the closest one to you with Sony's handy map. These are limited time events though, so make sure you pay attention to the date listed at your chosen location.
The focal point is about 8 feet away
While the PlayStation VR headset's lenses will sit quite close to your eyes, they are designed in such a way that your eyes think they are focusing on an object about eight feet away. This is particularly important for people who wear glasses - if you need prescription lenses to see something closer than eight feet, you'll need to wear your glasses while using the headset. If you need glasses to properly see things farther than eight feet away, you should be okay, though really it's up to you.
You shouldn't use surround sound headphones
Due to the 3D audio generated by the PS VR's Processing Unit, you should not use surround sound headphones. The conflicting audio processing gets confused, and the end result is sub-optimal. You can still use your favorite headphones, just make sure they're 1) a regular old stereo set, 2) set to stereo mode, and/or 3) connected via the standard 3.5mm jack - wireless won't work with PS VR.
About that Processing Unit
Okay, this isn't a revelation, but I'm listing it here since it bears repeating and there still seems to be misunderstanding about this: the Processing Unit does not add extra graphics power. The Processing Unit does not add extra graphics power. The Processing Unit does not add extra graphics power. It provides 3D audio while also acting as an HDMI splitter, thus enabling your TV to show a room full of friends what you see.
If you're planning/hoping to grab one of these on October 13, I suggest checking out the full list and seeing what you might've overlooked.
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