The release of Microsoft’s Xbox VR headset is a question everyone has been asking since the release of PSVR, but until now, the Redmond-based company has been reluctant to officially enter the field of console-based virtual reality.
However, virtual reality is clearly not a passing fad. The Meta Quest 2 (formerly Oculus Quest 2) is one of the most accessible and best VR headsets on the market we’ve seen since the Meta Quest Pro. Elsewhere, Sony has doubled down on its commitment to virtual reality with PSVR 2 — the next generation successor to PSVR, a new VR headset for the PS5.
Arguably, VR gaming has never been more popular, which has inevitably led to speculation as to whether Microsoft will support the technology on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. It will be played with an Xbox VR headset. It does officially support PC VR headsets, after all.
Microsoft also has experience in the virtual reality market with its HoloLens mixed reality headset. It’s not too hard to imagine the idea of Microsoft allowing functionality with Xbox Series X | consoles S instead of making a console-only headset, as Sony did with PSVR.
Xbox VR: Is it possible?
However, at an incredibly hefty $3,500 price tag for the HoloLens 2, a wireless headset simply isn’t as consumer-priced as it could be, not to mention that as a mixed reality headset, it’s not designed to fully immerse you in VR.
However, could Microsoft be preparing to make an affordable consumer first gaming VR headset for Xbox Series X| S? Below, we’ve compiled all the information and rumors on the matter, and whether playing Halo Infinite in VR could become a reality in the near future.
Microsoft’s history with VR
Although Microsoft has not officially announced that it will manufacture VR headsets for Xbox consoles, it has shared the technology in various ways. The Kinect built for the Xbox 360 used RGB cameras and infrared detectors for its motion-sensing inputs without a controller, which it also added (though unsuccessfully) to the Xbox One.
Perhaps this technology could have been implemented with VR, similar to Sony adapting the PlayStation Move controllers and PlayStation Camera for the original PSVR headset. Microsoft has also collaborated with Valve and HP on the design of the HP Reverb G2 VR headset, and has also released its own mixed reality headset, the HoloLens.
However, the latter is staggeringly expensive, with the HoloLens 2 starting at $3,500, making it unviable for consumer gaming. It’s not even designed to completely immerse you in virtual reality, as it’s a mixed reality experience that relies heavily on AR: augmented reality.
However, that was also reported last month Microsoft has canceled development of the HoloLens 3, leaving its future commitment to virtual reality in doubt. On the other hand, with increased interest in consumer virtual reality and the metaverse (something mentioned as part of its $67.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard), the company could also change direction.
The goal may be to develop an affordable, consumer-friendly VR headset, rather than the expensive HoloLens. This scope has so far focused on commercial use, including commercial contracts with the US military. If that was the focus, it wouldn’t explain why there was a problem with retaining specialist staff. LinkedIn profiles show at least 25 mixed Microsoft employees who left for the Meta in 2021, including several multi-decade veterans. However, Microsoft has recently shown interest in this field.
During Meta Connect 2022, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella joined Mark Zuckerberg to confirm that Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro (formerly Project Cambria). Unfortunately, these games remain a flat screen experience, so you can’t suddenly jump into VR mode for big hits like Forza Horizon 5.
Either way, as long as you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, the platform is slowly expanding over time. It also means that Meta Quest could outperform PSVR 2 for one simple reason.
Should VR be coming to Xbox Series X | S?
The virtual reality gaming market may be small compared to consoles, with Sony’s PSVR having sold just 5 million units as of January 2020 (compared to over 110 million PS4 units sold in its lifetime), but it’s nonetheless growing. The Meta Quest 2 (or Oculus Quest 2) has gained ground as a standalone wireless headset that can still be connected to a more powerful PC, and play games like Half-Life: Alyx.
With Sony PSVR 2 launching in February 2023, there is a feeling that Microsoft wouldn’t want to miss out on this emerging market by developing its own consumer-friendly headsets. The potential to transform their gaming experiences can also be huge. Imagine how much more immersive Microsoft Flight Simulator would be when you’re in the cockpit and looking literally anywhere in the world.
We’ve seen a similar effect with PSVR, though it’s been held back by less impressive technical specs. However, it did offer a more realistic experience in Gran Turismo Sport (and hopefully, Gran Turismo 7 will get VR support for PSVR 2 when it arrives). Even Minecraft has PSVR support, and it’s one of Microsoft’s biggest first-party games.
However, there is a lot of untapped potential from this new console generation. However, Microsoft will need to act quickly if it doesn’t want to be left behind when it comes to virtual reality.
Why not expect VR for Xbox Series X | S.
However, despite the potential of VR, the market is still somewhat of a niche. It’s something Microsoft may simply want to avoid, fearing a small potential return. In terms of power, there is no doubt that Xbox can run VR games. Broaching on the topic, however, Gaming CEO Phil Spencer highlights why the platform holder isn’t yet ready to bring VR to its consoles.
In 2017, after the Xbox One X was revealed at E3, Spencer appeared in a Giant Bomb video (Opens in a new tab) where he discussed Xbox’s lack of virtual reality. While he said he was a “class believer”, he had reservations about its suitability in the living room, especially with ropes.
This barrier may have been addressed over the years, as PSVR 2 requires only one cable and eliminates the need for an external camera. Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 2 is completely wireless but when it comes to processing power, this is also one of the weakest headphones on the market.
Spencer didn’t rule out Microsoft reaching a point where it’s investing in virtual reality, but Xbox owners likely shouldn’t expect a dedicated headset (or third-party headset support) anytime soon. Or, at least not until another generation of consoles has been worked out on pricing, audience access, and the cable issue.
Can You Use a VR Headset With Xbox Series X | S?
Does not support Xbox Series X | S is officially any VR headset. Although there is a message discovered by Italian Xbox users (Opens in a new tab) In 2021, you saw a pop-up saying “There is an update for your VR headset available” when you plugged in your Xbox Wireless Headset, Microsoft has since dismissed this rumor as a mistranslation. There is also no Xbox software that currently supports any VR modes.