The recently launched Apple Vision Pro headset offers an exciting new way to experience games, including playing PlayStation 5 titles. With its advanced display and processing capabilities, the Vision Pro creates stunningly immersive visuals that take PS5 games to the next level.
Connect a PS5 Controller
The first step is connecting a PS5 DualSense controller to the Vision Pro. This can be done easily via Bluetooth, just like connecting it to an iPhone or iPad. Instructions:
- Put the PS5 controller into pairing mode by pressing and holding the PS and Share buttons simultaneously until the lightbar flashes.
- Open the Bluetooth settings on the Vision Pro and select the controller to pair it.
- Once connected, press the PS button on the controller to activate it.
The Vision Pro supports other controllers like the Xbox controllers as well, providing flexibility in the type of controller you use.
Stream PS5 Games
There are a couple of options for streaming PS5 gameplay to the Vision Pro. The easiest method is to use the MirrorPlay app on an iPad connected to the PS5. To set this up:
- Connect your iPad to the PS5 via Remote Play. This streams the PS5 screen to the iPad.
- Launch MirrorPlay on the iPad and select the Vision Pro to mirror the iPad display.
- Put on the Vision Pro and you will now see the PS5 gameplay screen mirrored in front of you.
You can also use a Mac connected to the PS5 to stream to the Vision Pro using AirPlay. The overall latency is a bit higher than using MirrorPlay but it still works fairly well.
Optimize the Experience
When streaming PS5 games to the Vision Pro, there are a few settings you can tweak to get the best experience:
- Set the PS5 resolution to 1080p for lower latency. The Vision Pro display tops out at that resolution when mirroring.
- In MirrorPlay settings, choose the “Quality” profile to prioritize image quality over latency.
- Sit close enough to your WiFi router for a strong 5GHz signal to the iPad/Mac to minimize any streaming artifacts or lag.
While streaming introduces some minor visual compression and lag, playing PS5 games on the Vision Pro’s large virtual screen from anywhere in a room is incredibly compelling. Motion is smooth and the spatial audio makes it feel like you’re inside the game world.
Vision Pro Exclusive PS5 Games
While the Vision Pro lacks the processing power to natively run intensive PS5 games, developers are creating lighter, made-for-VR versions of popular titles. For example, Beat Saber has been optimized for the Vision Pro with spatialized menus and enhanced visual effects.
Sony has confirmed a special VR edition of Gran Turismo 7 will launch later this year, built from the ground up for VR headsets like the Vision Pro. It promises to take full advantage of the headset’s capabilities for an unparalleled racing simulation.
As adoption of the Vision Pro grows, we should see more bespoke games and experiences designed specifically to showcase what this advanced headset can do. It may never match the performance of a high-end gaming PC in VR, but the Vision Pro brings stunningly immersive virtual worlds to your living room.
The Fina Words
While still early days, the potential for the Vision Pro to redefine console gaming is immense. Streaming technology will continue improving, making accessing PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S games on a virtual big-screen display more seamless than ever.
We may even see a scenario where the Vision Pro can tap into the processing power of the PS5 itself over a local network connection, enabling native gameplay without streaming lag or compression. This would truly bring next-level fidelity to VR gaming beyond what the headset can deliver on its own.
For now, streaming current-gen games to the Vision Pro works surprisingly well. As developers optimize titles for Apple’s advanced headset, we’ll unlock new dimensions in immersion. It’s an exciting time for gaming as creativity unlocks the full potential of spatial computing. The Vision Pro offers just a taste of things to come.