Today, Vision Pro pairs only with standard Xbox or PlayStation pads for Apple Arcade titles. However, recent leaks claim the next software upgrade—visionOS 26—will extend that support to motion-tracking “spatial” controllers, including Sony’s PlayStation VR2 Sense wands.
Seamless badges for buyers
Engineering notes seen by developers describe a new badge system inside the visionOS App Store that will flag exactly which controller a title needs—Xbox, PlayStation, or a VR-style wand. The change should end the trial-and-error pairing that frustrates first-time Vision Pro gamers.
Sony partnership in the wings
Talks between Apple and Sony have circulated since late 2024. Insiders say Apple approached Sony first because the PS VR2’s inside-out tracking mirrors Vision Pro’s own sensor array. If a deal lands, studios could port existing PS VR2 hits with minimal code tweaks, instantly bulking up Vision Pro’s slim launch library.
Why gaming matters now
Vision Pro dazzled film buffs yet earned lukewarm marks for gameplay depth. Pure hand tracking feels futuristic, but it lacks the precision shooters and rhythm games demand. Dedicated VR controllers would add haptic buttons, analog sticks and accurate triggers, making titles like Beat Saber or No Man’s Sky feasible on Apple’s AU$5,999 headset.
Launch window still unclear
Sources split on timing. Some expect Apple to preview the feature at WWDC 2025 on 9 June; others predict a later-in-the-year rollout while developers finish integrating the new API. Apple is famous for late pivots, so shipping could slip if battery life, latency, or privacy hurdles crop up. For now, Vision Pro owners can only watch the keynote—and hope their next update unlocks two shiny Sense controllers waiting in a drawer.
