PlayStation VR2 Horizon Bundle Review: Worth the Buy?
Opening with a surprising twist from community reactions, the PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of the Mountain Bundle earns a solid 8.4/10 from aggregated user feedback. While marketed as a next-generation leap in console VR, it has captivated many with stunning visuals, intuitive climbing mechanics, and immersive combat — yet others caution about tether limitations, controller battery life, and a surprisingly short main campaign. The praise is loud, but so are the caveats.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — worth it for PS5 owners seeking premium VR immersion, but less appealing if you expect vast game libraries or untethered freedom.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning 4K HDR visuals with OLED panels | Tethered cable limits movement |
| Highly immersive climbing and combat mechanics | Short campaign (~6-7 hours) |
| Eye tracking praised for accuracy | Poor controller battery life |
| Comfortable headset design | No backwards compatibility with PSVR1 titles |
| Intuitive Sense controllers with haptics | Motion sickness for some users |
| Strong showcase of PSVR2 capabilities | High price compared to alternatives |
Claims vs Reality
Sony’s marketing promises “4K HDR visuals, a vast 110º field of view, and advanced graphical rendering” for the PSVR2. Digging deeper into user reports, these claims largely hold up — but with nuances. A Best Buy reviewer noted: “From the moment you put on the headset, you’re transported into breathtaking virtual worlds… the eye-tracking technology enhances gameplay dynamics.” Yet Reddit user feedback reveals that while the vistas are stunning, dynamic resolution can dip, and close inspection exposes texture limitations compared to flatscreen Horizon games.
Another key selling point is “feel real sensations and emotions with eye tracking, headset feedback, 3D audio.” Cross-platform consensus confirms the haptics and audio impress most players. Amazon buyers repeatedly mention how headset vibration during close encounters “makes every experience more engaging.” However, Trustpilot summaries caution about “unscharfe und druckstellen bei längerem tragen” — blurriness and pressure points after extended sessions.
Sony touts the bundle as “a thrilling new world” with intuitive climbing and combat. In reality, Reddit user ZyroXZ2 laments that “75% of your time is climbing” and calls the $60 standalone price “massively overpriced” for a short adventure. Others agree the climbing is fun but overused, with combat feeling more like arena-style encounters than the dynamic fights of mainline Horizon titles.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, visuals are the standout. Reddit user u/HorizonFan*** captured the sentiment: “It captures some of the wonder of being in nature… the HDR and high-fidelity graphics really come together to sell the illusion.” For PS5 owners, this bundle is a rare chance to experience console VR with graphical fidelity approaching PCVR standards. The climbing in particular resonates with newcomers; one Reddit thread called it “perfect for beginners… showing all kinds of VR content (boat rides, combat, climbing, goofing around).”
Comfort and ease of setup also earn consistent praise. Best Buy reviewers highlight the “quick one-cable connection” and adjustable fit, with one noting, “It’s comfortable, high quality, light, and the hand tracking is very good.” Eye tracking is celebrated for enhancing aiming — “makes you feel cool when you hit small targets from a distance,” wrote one Reddit user after battling Horizon’s machines.
Common Complaints
The most frequent frustration is the tether. Meta Quest 3 comparisons emphasize how being wired to the PS5 “limits movement” and poses trip hazards. Controller battery life is another hot topic; Best Buy customer Colton stated, “absolute worst battery life of anything I’ve ever bought… one would always be dead unless I fully charged both one at a time.” Motion sickness affects newcomers, with several users recommending ginger or Dramamine before prolonged play.
Game library limitations are a strategic drawback. Multiple buyers express disappointment at no backwards compatibility with PSVR1 titles. One Trustpilot review warns: “fehlende abwärts kompatibilität” (lack of backwards compatibility) makes the ecosystem feel smaller. The campaign length — often cited as 6-7 hours — leaves some feeling shortchanged given the bundle’s price.
Divisive Features
Climbing mechanics split opinion. For some, it’s meditative and varied, with “light puzzles along the way” adding depth; for others, it’s repetitive and overshadows combat. Combat itself divides players: arena-style battles are thrilling for casual fans but feel restrictive compared to the freedom in Resident Evil VR modes. Walking speed is another polarizing point — some find it immersive, others complain it’s “so so so slow” and wish for sprint options.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot entries reveal occasional quality concerns: “probleme mit verarbeitung und haltbarkeit, wirkt teilweise billig” (problems with workmanship and durability, feels partly cheap). Open box purchases are a minefield, with repeated reports of missing Horizon game codes despite “excellent condition” labels. Best Buy reviewers detail failed customer service resolutions, advising caution when buying used.
On Reddit, long-term owners note stable performance after months of use, provided cables are handled carefully and lenses protected. One seasoned PSVR2 player recommended “detachable prescription lenses… to avoid scratching the VR lenses” and stressed gentle handling to maximize lifespan.
Alternatives
The Meta Quest 3 comes up frequently as a competitor. Its untethered design appeals to those prioritizing freedom of movement, and it offers full-color mixed reality versus PSVR2’s black-and-white passthrough. However, PSVR2 wins on comfort for many, with better-feeling controllers and integration with PS5 exclusives like Gran Turismo 7. Quest 3’s PC compatibility is a selling point, while PSVR2 remains console-focused.
Price & Value
Current retail prices range from $349.99 during sales to $599.99 MSRP, with eBay listings around $399–$455 new. Community advice leans toward waiting for discounts or hunting open box deals — but only if the game code is confirmed. Resale value remains strong, with pre-owned units fetching over $400.
Buying tips from Reddit include combining sales with warranty coverage, and adding comfort mods like the “Globular Cluster CMP 2” head strap to enhance fit. For those who value Horizon lore and premium VR presentation, the bundle is seen as “worth every penny” when discounted.
FAQ
Q: Is PSVR2 backwards compatible with PSVR1 games?
A: No, PSVR2 cannot play PSVR1 titles unless a PSVR2 version is released. Several buyers were disappointed by needing to repurchase games.
Q: How long is Horizon Call of the Mountain’s campaign?
A: Most users report 6-7 hours to complete, with optional collectibles adding minor replay value.
Q: Can PSVR2 be used without a PS5?
A: No, it requires a PlayStation 5 console. Alternatives like Meta Quest 3 do not need consoles.
Q: Does the tether get in the way?
A: Some players barely notice it, while others find it limits movement and can be a trip hazard during active sessions.
Q: Is motion sickness common?
A: New VR users may experience nausea, especially in racing or fast movement games. Gradual acclimation is advised.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a PS5 owner seeking an immersive, visually stunning introduction to VR with exclusive content like Horizon Call of the Mountain. Avoid if you expect a massive game library, long campaigns, or untethered freedom. Pro tip from the community: wait for sales around $350–$400, confirm included game codes, and invest in comfort mods for extended play.
