How to Set Up PSVR: Step-by-Step Instructions

PlayStation VR is upon us, and players will be diving into a number of different experiences in virtual reality. Of course, with this new technology and its somewhat complicated setup can come a number of different issues that can hinder your experience. With that in mind, we’ve created a handy step-by-step guide for you to get your new peripheral all set up in the best possible way to allow for an optimal VR experience.

Quick Check

First off,  take everything out of your box. It’s a good idea to make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need first, so here’s everything you should have.

• Printed Materials
• Quick-Start Guide
• Processor Unit
• USB Cable
• AC Adapter
• Stereo Headphones
• AC Power Cord
• HDMI Cable
• VR Headset Connection Cable
• PSVR Headset
• PlayStation Camera (If you ordered the bundle)
• You’ll also need some PlayStation Move controllers for some games, so be sure to have those at the ready, too.

Now that you’ve done a quick head count on everything that you’ll need, it’s time to get it all assembled. Check out our step-by-step guide on the next page.

Getting Set Up

1. First things first, get the PlayStation Camera connected to the back of your PS4 via a USB cable.
2. Next, remove your HDMI cable that’s connecting your PS4 to your TV from the back of your system, and connect it into the PSVR Processor Unit.
3. Next, take the PSVR HDMI cable and connect this to the other port on the back of the processor unit. You should now have two HDMI cables coming from the back of the processing unit- one to your TV and the other to the PS4.
4. Plug the processor unit into your PS4 via the USB cable included in the box.
5. Grab the PSVR AC Adapter and attach it to the Power Cord included in the box. Then, plug the other end of the AC Adapter into the back of processor unit.
6. Next, you’ll need to connect your PSVR Headset into the processor unit. To do this, slide the right side of the processor unit back to reveal two ports which will fit the VR headset connection cable that came in the box. Plug this cable in here. There are little symbols above the ports and on each side of the cable to ensure you plug them in the right way. Triangle and Circle go on the left, and X and Square go on the right. Once they’re firmly in place, slide the right side of the processor back into its normal position.
7. Grab your PSVR headset and plug the cord attached to the unit into the VR headset connection cable. Again, there are symbols here to ensure it all matches up correctly.
8. Take your stereo headphones and plug them into the jack on the in-line remote of your PSVR headset’s cord. This will allow you to increase and decrease volume easily while you’re immersed in your experience.
9. Turn on your TV and PS4 and then turn on your PSVR last. This is to ensure that the PSVR doesn’t get too ahead of itself and cause any errors when booting up your systems. If everything is connected and ready to roll, the two tracking lights on the back of the headset should start glowing blue.

For tips on getting the perfect room set up for PSVR, check out the next page.

Getting Ready and Entering VR

With your setup finally all sorted, you’ll need to ensure that your room is ready for VR experience. First, ensure that your PlayStation Camera is set up in the middle of your VR Play Area. This should be a recommended area of about 10 ft. back by about 6 ft. across. So ensure that wherever you’re placing your camera allows it to capture this entire area without any walls or obstructions cutting into this too soon. If you’re struggling for room, your PSVR is going to have some issues or may tell you that you need more room in your Play Area.

With that taken care of, be sure to remove any obstructions in this stated Play Area. The last thing you want to do is go about kicking the crap out of your coffee table because that clown jumped out at your in Until Dawn: Rush of Blood.

One thing which has become particularly clear from the reviews and PlayStation’s own Ultimate FAQ is the disturbance that bright light sources and reflective surfaces can lead to your PSVR experience. Be sure to turn off any light sources and move away any mirrors or glass surfaces that may be nearby. This can affect the way the camera reads your PSVR headset’s tracking lights.

Next, you’ll want to get your headset put on so it’s comfortable and securely attached to your head. First, use the Scope Adjustment button, which can be found on the bottom of the headset on the right-hand side. Use this to pull the scope away from your face.  Then use the Headband release button to pull the headband over your head and get it on. Finally, use the adjustment wheel located just above the release button to get the headband snug around your head.

When the headband is in place, use the Scope Adjustment button to pull the front of the VR headset comfortably close to your face. If you’re using a large over-ear headset, this now goes on over the top of your PSVR unit.

We’ll have plenty more content, guides, tips, and tricks for PSVR this week when it releases, so be sure to check back with us for more.