PlayStation VR2 support is coming to the PS5 version of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with the upcoming launch of Sim Update 5, and we tested it.
Specifically, I went hands-on (and head in) with a beta version of the Sim Update 5 running on PS5 Pro at FSWeekend in Lelystad, the Netherlands.
It’s worth mentioning that we used a DualSense controller. The PlayStation VR2 Sense controller was available, and Microsoft mentioned that it has redesigned the cockpit interactions for it, but I didn’t have the chance to use it, so this article will focus on flying with the traditional controller.
First of all, Microsoft kindly allowed us to record my gameplay from the screen, and you can check it out in the video below. It certainly isn’t the same as a direct feed, but the availability of this demo at FSWeekend was a surprise, so we did not think to bring a capture card (besides, the booth was crowded, and we weren’t just about to ask the folks working at it to let us dismantle the setup to let us attach a capture card even if we had one).
That being said, it’s still a good way for you to take an early look at what you can expect when the feature launches in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in terms of responsiveness and sense of speed.
Of course, since I was testing a VR headset, I had to pick a thrill ride. The whole simulator was available (meaning that it wasn’t simply a limited demo), and I selected the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft for a flight into the Grand Canyon.
I have to say that I was impressed by the responsiveness and fluidity of the implementation. While compromises are certainly necessary to make the simulator run on a virtual reality headset driven by a $700 console, the detail of the visuals held well, and the framerate was certainly fluid enough to provide a good experience.
I wasn’t expecting the level of spectacle you’ll see in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on a $4000 PC, but the PS5 version absolutely punches above its weight when paired with PlayStation VR2, likely in part due to the headset’s technological prowess.
As a matter of fact, the PS5 version and PlayStation VR2 may be a great entry point for flat screeners like me, who don’t use VR as a daily driver even on PC, since we like the simulator to look its best, dedicating the whole power of our hardware to driving the visuals instead of diverting it into VR.
There are certainly times in which I’d rather have a quick, fun flight without strings attached, and the plug-and-play nature of PlayStation VR2 has good chances to tempt me, while the fact that PC VR requires a lot more fiddling turned me off the idea so far.
As you can see in the gameplay above, the experience is quite compelling, and the responsiveness and situational awareness are definitely suitable for a challenging flight into the Grand Canyon without slamming into the cliffs. What you see recorded was my first and only attempt (there were plenty of people waiting their turn), and yet, it went rather well.
And if you’re wondering, yes, I definitely turned collisions and damage on before flying. Performing stunts with the safety net of invulnerability seems to be rather popular among certain people on YouTube, but it isn’t my style.
On a side note, I’ve seen plenty of young kids enjoying the simulator with PlayStation VR2 at FSWeekend, and that’s honestly a joyous sight for me. Flight Simulation is an old hobby, and we definitely need new blood. We’re more immortal, and today’s kids are the future of simulated aviation. Anything that can draw their attention is great in my eyes.
Ultimately, the experience left me wanting more. I have plenty of ideas for flights that I’d have tried if I had the time. I certainly am curious to see what a full flight with an airliner from cold-and-dark to the arrival gate feels like in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with PlayStation VR2.
For now, we have a few weeks longer to wait until the beta of Sim Update 5 ends and PlayStation VR2 support rolls out to everyone. That being said, what I could try was absolutely promising.
Flight Simulator 2024 has achieved many milestones since its release. The PS5 version was almost shockingly good out of the box, so I have expectation for its PlayStation VR2 implementation as well.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is currently available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5. If you’d like to hear more about the simulator, you can watch our latest interview with Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann.
If you’d like to read more flight simulation news, you can find plenty in our latest roundup article from yesterday.
If you want to go further back, we have a handy overview video of the major flight simulation news in the past week. You can watch it below. As usual, leaving a like and a comment and subscribing to our growing YouTube channel is extremely helpful.
