Apple Vision Pro Gains PlayStation VR2 Controller Support
New ALVR Update Bridges PC VR Gaming to Spatial Computing
Apple’s Vision Pro headset is expanding its gaming capabilities, now offering compatibility with Sony’s PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers through a recent update to the ALVR streaming tool. This development unlocks a vast library of PC VR games for Apple’s spatial computer.
ALVR Powers the Connection
ALVR, an open-source SteamVR streaming tool predating similar solutions like Quest Link, initially brought VR gaming to visionOS through the efforts of software developer Zhuowei Zhang. Further refinement came from programmer Max Thomas, who launched an improved version on the App Store and continues to update it.
Previously, ALVR relied on hand tracking and gesture-based emulation for controller input, which proved cumbersome for many games. The new integration with PS VR2 controllers provides a more natural and intuitive gaming experience.
Apple announced visionOS 26, which includes native support for the PlayStation VR2 Sense controllers, at its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday. The update is slated for release this fall, with a beta version currently available to developers.
Pickle Pro Leads the Charge
The first announced game to take advantage of the new controller support is Pickle Pro
, developed by Resolution Games. Gamers with PS VR2 controllers and a gaming PC can now access SteamVR content designed for tracked controllers by installing the visionOS 26 Beta and enrolling in ALVR’s TestFlight program.
TestFlight functions as a public beta system, similar to Quest’s former App Lab. Thomas explains that this functionality is currently limited to TestFlight builds, as Apple typically restricts beta features from public App Store releases.
Currently, ALVR displays Index controller models in SteamVR, but Thomas intends to incorporate Sony’s official models from the PlayStation VR2 SteamVR driver, making the experience pretty usable
.
The global virtual reality market was valued at $34.84 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $202.89 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 22.8% from 2024 to 2032, according to a report by Allied Market Research. Allied Market Research, 2024
Users interested in trying the feature can access the PS VR2 controller support through the ALVR TestFlight.
