Table of Contents
The Playstation VR is offered by Playstation and allows you to get inside your favorite games.
This virtual reality headset is designed to work with the Playstation 4 and the Playstation 5. As with most VR systems you’ll need to place the headset on your head and connect to the Playstation. You can then load games on the Playstation as per normal and enjoy the virtual reality experience.
It is worth noting that the Playstation VR needs VR specific games. You can play standard games on the Playstation or movies but the image on your VR headset will appear the same as on your television.
The Cable
There are a few virtual reality systems that use wireless to link the headset to the computer or games console. This is not the standard approach with the Playstation. A simple cable connects your headset to the games console, giving you the freedom to walk around and enjoy the virtual experience.
However, there are many ways in which a cable can be damaged. Simply unplugging it and leaving it lying around is an invitation for the dog to chew it. Pulling on it vigorously in game mode, or even out of game mode, will cause strain at the ends. Eventually this will cause data loss or a complete breakdown of the signal.
The result is an inability to play your VR games.
The good news is that the PSVR uses standard cables. Unfortunately, there are several of them.
- HDMI cable from the Tvport on your processor unit to your television
- HDMI cable from the Playstation to the processor unit
- Aux cable from Playstation to Playstation camera
- Micro USB between processor unit and Playstation
- The power cord from the processor unit to an electrical outlet.
All of these connect your Playstation, processor unit for VR, and your television. The connection from the processor unit to the headset is done with a dedicated Playstation cable. It actually consists of two parts. One part comes from the headset and the other comes from the processor unit, the two attach together for gameplay. The fact that they are separate makes it easier to store your PSVR when not in use.
The two cables together are 14.4ft long, which is adequate for many gameplay scenarios. The real issue is when these cables get damaged. They are listed as proprietary cables. That means they are designed by Sony and only replaceable by Sony.
Before you start searching for alternate ways to get around the issue of damaged cables, you may want to look at these replacement options.
Pre-Owned
This is an unlikely avenue but worth looking at. Some people have damaged their PSVR system and it no longer works. The system is effectively useless but, they may still have an original cable that you can use as a replacement. Advertising on gaming forums should help you to locate any potential candidates.
Sony
Sony has an excellent customer service reputation and may replace the cable free of charge. The decision regarding this will be based on your personal circumstances, how long you’ve had the PSVR, and what has happened to your old cable.
However, if a free cable isn’t an option Sony will sell you the necessary cable. Of course, this will not be a cheap option.
Amazon
This remains the best place to source a replacement cable. It’s also potentially the fastest which is likely to be important to you After all, without the cable linking the PSVR headset to the processor, you won’t be able to use your VR device!
The HDMI connection extension cable for PSVR can be used to replace the standard cable that runs from the processor unit and connects to the headset cable. It won’t run the entire distance itself as it is designed to extend cables not simply replace.
Its high-quality, foil shielded, with copper wire, ensuring the best possible transmission of your data and audio. It may not say Sony on the cable but it will enable you to keep playing your favorite games.
HDMI Cable
You may also need to replace the HDMI cable and you’ll need to make sure the one you purchase is at least 1.4. The higher the quality the better to enhance your gameplaying experience.
You’ll find plenty of options available on Amazon to match any budget.
You can choose from 6ft, 10ft, 15,25, 50, and even 100ft. It’s a standard HDMI male to male cable which supports data transfer including video and audio.
The outer jacket is made of PVC to offer a greater level of protection. Each wire has high-resistance insulation, and there is aluminum foil and mylar shielding around the inside of the cable to provide protection against wear and excessive electrical resistance. Even the contacts are gold plated and the wire is copper.
- 4K HDMI Cable
This high-quality cable also comes in an array of different sizes, ranging from 1.5ft to 50ft with 4K-60Hz capacity.
It has an ultra-durable nylon jacket with a bend lifespan of over 6,000. It’s compatible with HDMI 1.3, 1.4, 2.0, 2.0a, and 2.1; making it perfect for a multitude of options. It incorporates tinplate metal shielding and gold plating connectors that are designed to be corrosion resistant.
In short, it’s one of the best HDMI replacement cables you can get.
USB Cable
The ZRM&E 2-pack 3m cable is exactly the same as the micro USB cable that you already use on the PSVR. It is a male USB 2.0 to a male micro-USB connector. It will allow your headset to stay powered while providing a good rate of data transfer, enough to ensure you enjoy the game playing experience.
Replacement Adaptor
It is possible to purchase another cable from Playstation, although the price of this cable may surprise you. However, there is an alternative and effective option. The Old Skool AC DC adapter charger is designed for the Playstation VR.
In fact, it’s compatible with all models of the PSVR. The input voltage must be between 100-240 volts and at 60Hz. The output is 12V 3amp, exactly the same as the original. With a length of 7.5 feet it should be more than adequate for your needs.
Final Thoughts
The hardest cable to replace is the one that runs from the processor to the headset. This is disappointing because it can be considered the most important of all the cables. The good news is, with a little patience and searching, you should be able to locate a replacement cable for every cable included in the PSVR.
As it’s frustrating waiting after damaging a cable it can be a good idea to invest in a spare set of cables today. Then, nothing will be able to stop or interfere with your gameplay! Of course, hopefully Sony will make these cables more readily available or another company can replicate them. In the meantime, it’s best to source the cable before you need it, it will prove far less stressful and you’re less likely to purchase the wrong cable!