A software engineer has successfully enabled the eye tracking feature of PlayStation VR2 on PC. However, they caution that the project is currently in a “very early” stage and does not yet include calibration.
Identified by their online alias whatdahopper, the developer is sharing their work through an open-source platform known as Bnuuy Solutions. Their first VR tool, released three years ago, was OculusKiller, which allows users to launch Quest Link directly into SteamVR, bypassing the need for Oculus Dash. Recently, their focus has turned to ReLinked VR and OculusWRP, tools that facilitate a setup without requiring the Meta Quest Link PC software.
Whatdahopper’s current undertaking focuses on integrating PlayStation VR2’s eye tracking into PC applications. For those unfamiliar, though PS VR2 can connect to PC VR using Sony’s official SteamVR driver, it presently lacks certain key features, such as eye tracking, HDR, headset rumble, and adaptive triggers. Notably, the developer behind Cactus Cowboy managed to enable the triggers in September.
Today, whatdahopper showcased the first footage of the eye tracking functionality operational on PC, demonstrating their reverse engineering efforts. They mentioned testing the crosseyed functionality during this demonstration.
In an interview with UploadVR, whatdahopper expressed intentions to offer this solution as a free open-source mod for Sony’s official PS VR2 SteamVR driver, which they have named DriverEx. This initiative is part of their broader reverse engineering project dubbed PSVR2Toolbox.
Despite the progress, they are clear that their work is “very much a work in progress” and lacks proper calibration, which plays a crucial role in the accuracy of the technology. Nonetheless, they are optimistic about achieving calibration, marking a notable accomplishment in getting the feature to function.
At present, unless you come across a used Quest Pro, Pimax Crystal, or Varjo Aero at a reasonable price, the only headsets available that offer eye tracking for PC come with a high price tag exceeding $2000. The upcoming Bigscreen Beyond 2e set to launch in June will retail for over $1200 with base stations, or over $1500, and the Pimax Crystal Super is priced around $1800.
Should whatdahopper manage to establish reliable eye tracking functionality with sufficient accuracy on PS VR2, it would present an affordable alternative for eye-tracked VR on PC, estimated to fall under $500 (around $400 plus additional adapter and cables), a far cry from the existing options.
Beyond enhancing the appearance of avatars in VRChat for a more immersive social experience, eye tracking is beneficial for foveated rendering in compatible games, which optimizes rendering performance. This could allow users to enjoy demanding VR experiences with smoother frame rates or improve the resolution of games that are already performing well. Examples include DCS, which already integrates eye-tracked foveated rendering, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 that is currently beta-testing similar features.
Although whatdahopper plans to release this solution as a free and open-source mod, they do offer Patreon subscription options for those looking to support their development efforts financially.
We will maintain communication with whatdahopper as they progress on the PS VR2 eye tracking features, ensuring that we provide updates as soon as the solution becomes available for public download.