The final retail version of the PlayStation VR headset won't plug in directly to the PS4 as it reportedly includes an external processing unit.
With its specs revealed previously, many wondered how the PS4 can provide enough juice for the PSVR, formerly known as Project Morpheus. And it looks like it needs an external unit to process VR images.
Attending a demo for the VirZoom bike, Polygon caught a glimpse of the said unit.
"The black box looked a bit smaller than a Wii and is used to process the VR graphics and sort out the second-screen social experience on the television."
Reportedly, the external processing unit will allow users to use the PS4 or the TV to interact with or watch the person using the VR headset.
VR Focus published photos of the PlayStation VR, along with controls on the cables and external processing unit, earlier this month.
#PlayStationVR cable features power, volume, mic controls, first images revealed: https://t.co/bMT3PCykef pic.twitter.com/7wzvQxAlzB
— VRFocus (@VRFocus) December 5, 2015
Polygon confirmed everything you see above is the PSVR's final retail version.
A commenter on PlayStation Lifestyle's piece was able to take close-up pictures of the external processing unit.
"It looks like it has 2 HDMI ports," user Gravy4Baby said. "I assume that the HDMI comes out of the PS4 to the box, then out of the box to the TV."
He went on to speculate that it could have "some extra tech." It was speculated specs could include a custom graphics card for displaying images on the headset and the TV in real time.
The user also confirmed the external unit handled the graphics processing during a "RIGS" demo at PSX.
"No hidden PC trickery going on."
The need for the said unit isn't exactly a surprise since its existence has been known earlier this year. It just doesn't get as much coverage.
Sony previously confirmed PlayStation VR specs although price and an exact release date are still unknown. The PS4 VR headset is currently slated for Q1 2016 launch.
