When will we see the Microsoft Xbox VR headset? That’s the question everyone’s been asking since the PSVR was released, but so far, the Redmond-based company isn’t ready to officially enter the console-based virtual reality arena.
However, it is clear that VR is not a fad. Meta Quest 2 (formerly known as Oculus 2 Quest) is one of the most accessible and Best VR headset in the market we have seen since Mission Meta Pro. Elsewhere, Sony has doubled down on its commitment to virtual reality with PSVR 2 – its next generation successor PSVRnew VR headset for PS5.
While there’s no specific information about Xbox VR, the console itself (as well as its games and accessories) will certainly have discounts on Cyber Monday 2022 Sales times happen on and around November 28 If you are in the market for Cyber Monday Xbox DealsRemember to bookmark our pages and check out Cyber Monday Live Blog so you’ll be the first to know about all the best bargains during this sale period.
VR gaming has arguably never been more popular, which inevitably leads to speculation as to whether Microsoft will support the technology. Xbox Series X and Xbox Series WILL. After all, the only thing more impressive is seeing Microsoft Flight Simulator running on the console will play using the Xbox VR headset. After all, it officially supports PC VR headsets.
Microsoft also has experience in the VR market with HoloLens mixed reality headset. It’s not too hard to imagine the idea of Microsoft enabling functionality with the Xbox Series X|S console instead of creating a console-only headset, as Sony did with the PSVR.
Xbox VR: is it possible?
However, at an extremely attractive price of $3,500 for HoloLens 2A wireless headset simply isn’t viable at a consumer-friendly price point, not to mention that as a mixed reality headset, it’s not designed to fully immerse you in VR.
However, can Microsoft prepare to create the first affordable consumer VR headset for gaming for Xbox Series X | S not? Below, we have compiled all the information and rumors about the matter and whether playing endless halo in VR may become a reality in the near future.
Microsoft’s History with VR
While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced that it’s making VR headsets for the Xbox console, it’s been involved with the technology in a variety of ways. The Kinect work for Xbox 360 used RGB camera and IR detector for motion sensor input without controller this controller also (albeit unsuccessfully) added Xbox one.
It could be possible when that technology is implemented with VR, similar to what Sony has adapted PlayStation moving controller and PlayStation Camera for its original PSVR headset. Microsoft also collaborated with Valve and HP on the design HP Reverb G2 VR headset and it has also released its own mixed reality headset, HoloLens.
The latter, however, is surprisingly expensive, with the HoloLens 2 starting at $3,500, making it unviable for consumer gaming. It’s not even designed to fully immerse you in virtual reality, as it’s a mixed reality experience that relies heavily on AR: augmented reality.
However, it was also reported last month that Microsoft has scrapped development of HoloLens 3, putting its future commitment to VR in doubt. On the other hand, with more interest in consumer VR and the metaverse (which is mentioned as part of acquire Activision Blizzard for $67.4 billion), it could well be that the company is changing course.
The aim could be to develop a more affordable consumer-friendly VR headset instead of the expensive HoloLens. That scope has so far been focused on business use, including commercial contracts with the US military. However, if this is a pivot, it doesn’t explain why it has trouble retaining specialist staff. LinkedIn profiles show that at least 25 Microsoft mixed reality employees have left Meta in 2021, including several decades-old veterans. However, Microsoft has shown an interest in this space recently.
Transparent Super Connect 2022Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella joined with Mark Zuckerberg to confirm that Xbox Cloud Games coming to Meta Quest 2 and Mission Meta Pro (formerly The Cambrian Project). Unfortunately, these games are still a flat-screen experience, so you can’t suddenly switch to VR for big games like Forza Horizon 5.
Either way, as long as you’re signed up The Ultimate Xbox Game, the platform is gradually expanding over time. It also means Meta Quest Can Beat PSVR 2 For One Simple Reason.
Should VR come to Xbox Series X|S?
The VR game market can be small compared to consoles, with Sony’s PSVR selling just 5 million units as of January 2020 (compared to over 110 million units). PS4 unit sold during its lifetime), but it’s still growing. Meta Quest 2 (or Oculus Quest 2) has become a wireless and self-contained headset that can still be plugged into a more powerful PC, playing games like Half-life: Alyx.
With Sony releasing the PSVR 2 in February 2023, there’s a feeling that Microsoft won’t want to miss out on this emerging market by developing its own consumer-friendly headset. Its game-changing potential can also be huge. Imagine how much more immersive Microsoft Flight Simulator would be when you were right in the cockpit and literally looked out over the world.
We saw a similar impact with the PSVR, although admittedly it was held back by less impressive specs. However, it makes for an even more realistic experience in Gran Turismo Sport (and we hope that Gran Turismo 7 will get VR support for PSVR 2 when it comes). Even Minecraft has PSVR supportone of Microsoft’s biggest first-party games.
However, there is a lot of untapped potential from this new generation of consoles. However, Microsoft will need to act quickly if it does not want to be left behind in the field of virtual reality.
Why You Shouldn’t Expect VR for Xbox Series X|S
However, despite the potential of VR, the market is still quite small. It’s one that Microsoft may simply want to avoid, fearing a small potential profit. In terms of power, there’s no doubt that Xbox can run VR games. When it comes to discussing the topic, however, Games CEO Phil Spencer’s main concern highlights why the platform’s holders are not yet ready to bring VR to their consoles.
In 2017, after the revelation of Xbox OneX at E3, Spencer appeared in a Giant bomb video (opens in a new tab) where he discusses Xbox’s lack of VR. While he says he’s a “fan of the genre,” he was apprehensive about its suitability in the living room, especially with strings.
This hurdle could have been solved for years, with the PSVR 2 requiring only one cable and eliminating the need for an external camera. Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 2 is completely wireless but when it comes to processing power, it’s also one of the weaker headphones on the market.
Spencer hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Microsoft will invest in VR, but Xbox owners probably shouldn’t expect a dedicated headset (or support for third-party headsets) anytime soon. Or, at least until another console generation when pricing, audience reach, and cable issues, hopefully, have been resolved.
Can you use a VR headset with Xbox Series X|S?
Xbox Series X|S does not officially support any VR headsets. Although a message is detected by Italian Xbox users (opens in a new tab) in 2021 saw a pop-up saying “An update is available for VR headsets” when connecting a Xbox Wireless Headset, Microsoft has quashed this rumor as a translation error. There is also currently no Xbox software that supports any VR modes.
