PlayStation Sells 43 VR Patents to Meta Amid PSVR 2 Shortages

Ever tried to buy a PSVR 2 lately and found it out of stock everywhere? You're not alone. And now, there's a new twist: Sony has sold a bunch of VR patents to Meta.

According to ZDNet Korea, Meta has acquired 43 US XR patents that previously belonged to Sony, filed between 2010 and 2022. The agreement also transferred a total of 419 patents filed in various territories. These XR patents cover things like head-mounted displays, mixed-reality applications, and glasses types.

This news comes after months of PSVR 2 stock shortages. The headset launched in 2023 to positive reviews, but it's had very little first-party support since. The only bundle ever released was the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle at launch. Since then, no new first-party games, and the PS Plus VR library has been shrinking.

It's not just about software. PSVR 2's design is tethered to a console, while competitors like the Meta Quest 3 and the newly launched Valve Steam Frame offer standalone capabilities. Even though PSVR 2 sits atop our best VR headset for gaming leaderboard thanks to its display and features, the lack of support has hurt it.

There was a brief resurgence when the PC adapter launched, but key features like headband haptic feedback and foveated rendering only worked on PS5. The PC connection process was also complex and limited to USB-C. Since then, Sony has pulled back from PC output, and chatter about PSVR 2's PC performance has died down.

Meanwhile, Meta is making moves that seem contradictory. They've been backpedaling in consumer VR gaming—closing studios, cutting Reality Labs workforce, and pushing Meta VR glasses that aren't focused on gaming. So why buy patents from a competitor? It's a head-scratcher.

Does this mean the end of PlayStation VR? Not officially. Sony hasn't confirmed that PSVR 2 production has ceased. But when prices go up and stock gets scarce, it usually means supply is drying up. And with this patent sale, a PSVR 3 for the PS6 seems less likely.

If you're looking to buy a PSVR 2 now, you'll likely find it pre-owned, refurbished, or more expensive than before. It's a tough spot for a headset that had so much potential.

What do you think? Is this the death knell for PlayStation VR, or will Sony surprise us? Let us know in the comments.