Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has added official support for PlayStation VR2, rolling out as part of the free Sim Update 5. This major upgrade, version 1.7.27.0, allows PS5 and PS5 Pro owners to experience the flight simulator in virtual reality. The new feature brings Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in line with its PC version, which has supported VR headsets since launch. According to developer Asobo Studio, the VR mode supports over 125 aircraft, each with its own unique feel. The update also introduces a new option that lets players turn off the heads-up display in VR mode while keeping it on on a regular screen.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 adds PS VR2 Cockpit Controls and Immersion.
The VR update lets players sit inside the cockpit and look around naturally using the PlayStation VR2 headset. The game also supports the PS VR2 Sense controllers, allowing players to interact with cockpit switches and controls. The studio drew inspiration for this immersive interaction from Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo 7, another game noted for its high-quality VR implementation on PS5.
According to MSFS Addons’ analysis, ground services are now much more reliable. “Even if one service (like catering) is unavailable, the rest of the ground crew (baggage, fuel, jetway) will now function correctly to keep players on schedule,” Asobo said. A deep dive on the PlayStation Blog revealed that achieving a stable VR framerate, especially on console, is a major challenge. The Asobo team developed a custom “frame duplication” technology to render the scene twice for every one frame of the main simulation thread, a process essential for maintaining smooth head-tracking.
Now, PS5 players will find that the photo album feature saves images straight to the console’s media gallery, not just inside the game. This change makes sharing screenshots much simpler. Yahoo Tech reports that fans have been asking for this since the game launched on PlayStation 5. Microsoft and Asobo said PS VR2 support will be a free update in 2026. The team had planned to release it last week, but needed to fix some last-minute bugs first.
Performance boosts and career mode updates in Sim Update 5
Sim Update 5 brings major performance improvements to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 across all platforms, not just in VR. The official patch notes say the update reduces stuttering and boosts frame rates, especially in big cities and busy airports. The developer has now unlocked all career modes, including missions for heavy aircraft and VTOL planes. Other improvements include more reliable ground services, better mission spawning, and a new weather radar API for aircraft developers.
- Significant Performance Boost: The update reduces stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in dense urban environments and complex airport scenes.
- New ATC Queueing System: Air traffic control requests now prioritize the player, preventing frustrating wait times behind AI traffic.
- Enhanced Career Mode: Both “Heavy” (e.g., Boeing 747) and “Oversized” aircraft certifications, as well as VTOL missions, are now available.
- Weather Radar API: Provides developers with the tools to build authentic, controllable weather radar systems for their addon aircraft.
According to a Digital Foundry performance analysis, making Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 run smoothly in VR on a PS5 or PS5 Pro is a major technical feat for Asobo. While the game targets a 30fps standard for 2D gameplay, the studio used its custom frame-duplication system to deliver a fluid experience in the PS VR2 headset. The analysis notes that despite the PS5 Pro’s added power, both consoles show similar performance ceilings in VR, with the biggest visual gains seen in resolution and visual clarity.
The addition of VR support makes Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 an even more powerful title for PlayStation owners. The free Sim Update 5, which includes all new features, optimizations, and bug fixes, is now available for all PS5 and PS5 Pro owners of the game.
