Apple’s Vision Pro Gets a Boost with Sony PlayStation VR Controller Support

Apple’s Vision Pro headset might soon take a significant step toward gaming relevance, thanks to a partnership with Sony Group. According to reports, the companies have reached an agreement to enable Vision Pro compatibility with Sony's PlayStation VR controllers, addressing one of the key limitations for immersive gaming on Apple’s platform.

Although the Vision Pro already supports PlayStation 5 and Xbox controllers, these lack the six degrees of freedom essential for precise VR gaming experiences. Adding Sony’s VR controllers to the mix could transform the Vision Pro from a productivity and content-focused device into a legitimate contender in the gaming space—a shift from Apple’s original vision for the headset.

Interestingly, Apple itself had explored developing a dedicated controller for the Vision Pro. The company reportedly spent years working on a “wand” resembling an Apple Pencil for fine control. However, concerns over increased costs and developer confusion led to the project's cancellation. Instead, Apple has relied on hand and eye gestures as primary inputs, which may have limited the headset's gaming potential.

The Vision Pro’s adoption, meanwhile, has faced hurdles. With a $3,500 price tag, it’s positioned as a luxury item, and sales have reportedly fallen short of expectations, with some customers returning the device or underutilizing it. Apple is rumored to be exploring a more affordable version that would offload processing tasks to an iPhone, potentially widening its appeal.

Despite critical acclaim, Vision Pro’s struggles highlight the importance of a strong content ecosystem. Developers remain cautious about investing in a platform that has yet to establish itself as a gaming staple. While Apple grapples with these challenges, competitors like Meta’s Quest headsets have leaned on exclusive gaming content to drive demand.

If the Vision Pro integrates Sony’s controllers successfully, it could signal a broader commitment to gaming and a fresh attempt to draw in users seeking immersive entertainment experiences. This potential partnership might be exactly what Apple needs to shift the narrative around its groundbreaking yet niche device.