A modder has managed to make PlayStation VR2 controllers compatible with Valve’s new Steam Frame VR headset. Sharing the project on Reddit, user Severe-Status1302 claims they “don’t care” for the Frame’s controllers, so they decided to swap them out for the “super comfortable” PSVR2 controllers instead. The modder says “everything works” despite plenty of tweaks and fine-tuning required.

Valve doesn’t currently sell the Steam Frame without bundling it with its controllers, so it’s not the most practical solution value-wise. Likewise, Sony doesn’t sell the PSVR 2 controllers individually at the PlayStation Store. Interestingly, the only place you can grab them is from Apple’s online store – but they’re not cheap. The pair of controllers comes bundled with a charging station for $249.95.

PSVR 2 controllers can work with the Steam Frame over Bluetooth

The project makes use of a custom OpenVR driver to allow the PSVR 2 Sense controllers to connect directly to the Steam Frame via Bluetooth and use the headset’s built-in cameras to track the controller’s infrared (IR) LEDs. “Native inside-out tracking. No lighthouses; directly accesses the built-in tracking cameras,” says the modder.

Severe-Status1302 says the proof of concept was “only a few hours of work”. The PSVR 2 controllers offer some unique features when compared to the competition, including the same Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback technology found on PlayStation DualSense controllers for the PS5. “It’s a shame adaptive triggers haven’t become more common,” comments one user.

Severe-Status1302 intends to keep working on the project and aims to “have a GitHub up this weekend,” essentially meaning this will likely be an open-source project moving forward. They also say there are plans for the Quest 3 controllers, perhaps sometime this weekend, too. The Meta Quest 3 is currently the most popular VR headset on Steam, and Meta sells its controllers separately.

“My focus has been the PSVR2, but working on a jank setup with the Quest 3,” the modder commented. Based on findings so far with the custom OpenVR driver, it should be theoretically possible to connect to the Steam Frame as long as the controllers use infrared lights for tracking. This technique is standard among a wide range of VR controllers.

About the Author

Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.