Let’s be honest, “Project Morpheus” was easily one of the best codenames that a console peripheral has had. The days of Sony’s virtual reality headset having a super-cool name are over, though.
It's official: Project Morpheus is now PlayStation VR! pic.twitter.com/iwthYKbrVM
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 15, 2015
Announced on stage at Sony’s pre-TGS press conference, the name change to PlayStation VR was announced, as those in the audience were encouraged to check out the system during the show. Danganronpa VR, Final Fantasy XIV Online, Hatsune Miku and several others are amongst the demos that will be on show.
Of course, it’s a bit tricky for most people to get to Tokyo to try the PlayStation VR out, but those in the UK will have the opportunity to queue up for an obscenely long time to try it out at next week’s EGX show in Birmingham.
Though gaining an official name is an indication that the hardware is nearing release, targeting Q1 2016, we’re still waiting for a final date and price point. It’s quite likely that Sony will take the opportunity to discuss their plans in more depth at the Paris Game Show in October.
Amphlett
I’m not sure I’m going to queue for a go on Morpheus/PSVR but I’m certainly interested in watching other people fall over and act silly wearing it. Really looking forward to EGX!
Gaztee
I knew I was going somewhere local next weekend. I wanna see how it compares to my old jaguar VR unit :)
Avenger
What a highly original name.
Starman
They spent a long time on that didn’t they! Morpheus sounded better.
MrYd
It might have sounded better, but the new name makes a lot more sense for Sony if they want to sell some.
We might all know what “Project Morpheus” is, but what about everyone else that might see it in a shop? What is it? Some Greek god of dreams? A character from The Matrix films? Oh, no, it’s a fancy expensive hat?
The new name says exactly what it is. It’s a VR thing. For the Playstation.
Which might not sound as cool, but makes a lot more sense for Sony. I also wouldn’t be entirely surprised if some of the other VR options also changed their name before next year. What does “Oculus Rift” mean? Sounds like some sort of medical condition. The HTC one probably won’t, because it’s got the Steam VR brand to attach to it as well.
Starman
I get that but you’d have to be on an unknown level of stupidity to not notice it’s a VR set if you’ve made it into a store and seen the display of said headset and not twigged it’s the VR set. Is anyone they dense?!
Starman
But I agree oculus rift does sound like a medical condition. You can just imagine the blank stare you’d get if you asked a shop assistant if they had oculus rift. “try Specsavers”
Youles
I like the new name, fit’s into Sony’s current crop of products and services – it’s now a recognisable “thing” to people who don’t follow sites actively like us lot. Smart move, as with a lot of their marketing this gen – they are getting things right (finally) imo.
ron_mcphatty
Maybe they should rebrand the Vita as the PlayStation Portable 2 to match up? Maybe a relaunch with that name and some decently priced storage, along with some deals for PS3 ports and scaled down PS4 games would get the thing selling? Maybe? We can live in hope :) You’re right it is a good name, hopefully they have a lot of commitment to push and keep pushing it out there.
JustTaylorNow
Tell me who didn’t see that coming. It was destined to be named playstation something at the end considering, it’s part of playstation family.
TSBonyman
It probably couldn’t have been called anything else.
MrYd
Oh, it could. Just probably wouldn’t have been a wise business move to name it Bob. Or Twatty McFutureRobotFace Hat.
ron_mcphatty
Whoah there, that’s a bit close to my trademarked online persona handle for me! If I’m going to be besmirched I’d prefer Phatty McGoggle Future Helmet 4000. The 4000 bit is crucial as big numbers are impressive.
baska
I say fair play. Call it what it is . People don’t need to be tricked into buying a product because of its fancy name, we just want to know thatbwill can trust the investment and that it works. Plus PSVR rolls off the tongue….. “fancy having a go on the new PSVR” :-)
mclarenrob2
No, I don’t think I would say – in jeremy clarksons adenoids voice – “do you fancy having a go on the PSvR” because it’s so nerdy!
I’ll be hiding away on my own where nobody can see.
baska
I think you should embrace the nerdy. Hoping the games will be good for it I can imagine there will be days where I won’t acually see the day
JR.
I can’t wait to see the Japanese commercials for this.
I like the name.