The PS VR2’s controllers aren’t sold separately, and it’s an enduring problem

Since its launch in February, the PS VR2 hasn’t been without problems. Many people are disappointed that it doesn’t support 3D movies, and there have also been reports of the lenses getting scratched when players wear glasses while using the headset.

One of the most prominent complaints concerns the lack of standalone Sense controllers for sale. A few days before the headset hit shelves, Sony released an FAQ explaining that the VR2’s Sense controllers will not be sold separately, though we weren’t given an explanation for this decision.

It wasn’t apparent how much of a problem this would be until people finally got their hands on the headset. Players tried to take care of their hardware, but unexpected events inevitably occurred, and almost immediately after launch, the PlayStation VR subreddit featured posts from people who had broken their controllers for various reasons.

Some controllers broke after being burned by the charging dock. Others have been gnawed by pets, or are the victim of a vigorous gameplay session. A few players can’t pinpoint the cause of their problems, and they may have just been unfortunate enough to receive a faulty controller.

What options do you have if you need to replace your PS VR2 Sense controllers?

You aren’t completely out of luck if you find you need to replace a Sense controller or two. Firstly, not all games are dependent on the controllers. You can play racing games like Gran Turismo 7 just fine if you have a racing wheel. Some games, like Tetris Effect, make use of the PS5’s DualSense controller. However, for many games, you can’t get around not having Sense controllers.

There have been reports that Sony will replace controllers if they’re still under warranty. If they’re out of warranty, or you’re the cause of the excessive damage, you may have to pay a fee. This is helpful, but you may be waiting a while before you have your replacements.

Your other options are to search online markets to see if anyone’s selling their own pair of controllers. In a worst-case scenario, you could purchase the entire headset again.

It’s a terrible oversight to not have standalone Sense controllers for sale, especially when there are numerous reasons why someone might need another pair. Until replacements are made available, there will regularly be posts of players who suddenly find themselves with chewed-up controllers and no easy solutions in sight.