Xbox VR: everything you need to know

When will we see a Microsoft Xbox VR headset? It’s a question everyone’s been asking since PSVR was released, but until now the Redmond-based company has been hesitant to officially enter the field of console-based virtual reality.

However, it is clear that VR is not a passing fad. The Meta Quest 2 (formerly known as Oculus Quest 2) is one of the most accessible and best VR headsets on the market that we’ve seen since the Meta Quest Pro. Elsewhere, Sony has doubled down on its commitment to virtual reality with the PSVR 2 – the next generation successor to PSVR, a new VR headset for the PS5.

While there’s no concrete information on Xbox VR, the console itself (as well as the litany of games and accessories) will no doubt offer discounts during the Cyber ​​Monday 2022 sales window that runs on and around November 28. If you’re in the market for Cyber ​​Monday Xbox deals, make sure to bookmark our pages and check out our Cyber ​​Monday Live Blog so you’ll be the first to know about the best bargains of these sale period.

VR gaming has arguably never been more popular, which has inevitably led to speculation over whether Microsoft will support the technology on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. The only thing more impressive than seeing Microsoft Flight Simulator running on a console would be playing it with an Xbox VR headset. After all, it officially supports PC VR headsets.

Microsoft also has experience in the VR market with its HoloLens mixed reality headsets. It’s not too hard to imagine the idea of ​​Microsoft allowing functionality with Xbox Series X|S consoles rather than making its own headset just for the console, as Sony has done with PSVR.

Xbox VR: is it likely?

But at the incredibly high price of $3,500 for the HoloLens 2, the wireless headset simply isn’t achievable at a customer-friendly price point, not to mention that as a mixed reality headset it’s not designed to fully immerse you. in VR.

However, could Microsoft be gearing up to make its own affordable gaming-first consumer VR headset for Xbox Series X|S? Below we’ve gathered all the information and rumors surrounding the matter and whether playing Halo Infinite in VR could become a reality in the near future.

Microsoft’s history with VR

While Microsoft hasn’t officially announced it’s making a VR headset for Xbox consoles, it’s been involved in the technology in a number of ways. The Kinect made for Xbox 360 used RGB cameras and infrared detectors for motion-sensing inputs without a controller, which it also (albeit unsuccessfully) added to Xbox One.

It would have been possible to implement that technology with VR, similar to Sony adapting its PlayStation Move controllers and the PlayStation Camera for its original PSVR headset. Microsoft also collaborated with Valve and HP in designing the HP Reverb G2 VR headset, and it also released its own mixed reality headset, the HoloLens.

The latter, however, is astonishingly expensive, with HoloLens 2 starting at $3,500, making it unviable for consumer gaming. Nor is it even designed to fully immerse you in virtual reality, as it is a mixed reality experience that relies heavily on AR: augmented reality.

However, that was also reported last month Microsoft has scrapped development of HoloLens 3, calling into question his future commitment to VR. On the other hand, with increased interest in consumer VR and the metaverse (something mentioned as part of Activision Blizzard’s $67.4 billion acquisition), it could also be that the company is changing direction.

The intention could be to develop a more affordable, consumer-friendly VR headset instead of the pricey HoloLens. That range has so far been aimed at business use, including commercial contracts with the US military. However, if this were the linchpin, that wouldn’t explain why it struggled to retain specialist staff. LinkedIn profiles show that at least 25 mixed reality Microsoft employees will have left for Meta in 2021, including several multi-decade veterans. Still, Microsoft has recently shown interest in this space.

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 a VR mode for big hits like Forza Horizon 5.

Anyway, as long as you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the platform will slowly expand as time goes by. It also means that Meta Quest can beat PSVR 2 for one simple reason.

Should VR come to Xbox Series X|S?

The VR gaming market may be small compared to consoles, with Sony selling just 5 million PSVR units in January 2020 (compared to more than 110 million PS4 units sold over its lifetime), but it’s growing nonetheless. The Meta Quest 2 (or Oculus Quest 2) has gained ground as a wireless and self-contained headset that can still connect to a more powerful PC and play games like Half-Life: Alyx.

With Sony releasing PSVR 2 in February 2023, there’s a sense that Microsoft doesn’t want to miss out on this emerging market by developing its own consumer-friendly headset. The potential to transform the experiences of its games can also be huge. Imagine how more immersive Microsoft Flight Simulator would be if you were right in the cockpit looking out over literally anywhere in the world.

We’ve seen a similar impact with PSVR, albeit admittedly held back by the less-than-impressive technical specs. Nevertheless, it made for an even more realistic experience in Gran Turismo Sport (and we hope Gran Turismo 7 gets VR support for PSVR 2 when it arrives). Even Minecraft has PSVR support, one of Microsoft’s biggest first-party games.

Nevertheless, there is a lot of untapped potential of this new console generation. However, Microsoft would need to act quickly if it doesn’t want to lag behind in virtual reality.

Why you shouldn’t expect VR for Xbox Series X|S

But despite the potential of VR, the market remains rather niche. It’s one that Microsoft may just want to avoid, fearing a possible small return. In terms of power, there is no doubt that Xbox VR can run games. However, when the subject is broached, Gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s main concerns highlight why the platform game holder isn’t ready to bring VR to its consoles just yet.

In 2017, following the reveal of Xbox One X at E3, Spencer appeared in a Giant Bomb video (opens in new tab) where he discussed Xbox’s lack of VR. Although he said he was a “believer in the category”, he had reservations about its suitability in the living room, especially with the cords.

This barrier may have been overcome over the years, as PSVR 2 only requires one cable and an external camera has become unnecessary. Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 2 is completely wireless, but when it comes to processing power, that’s also one of the weaker headsets on the market.

Spencer hasn’t ruled out Microsoft getting to a point where it would invest in VR, but Xbox owners probably shouldn’t expect a dedicated headset (or support for third-party headsets) any time soon. Or, at least not until a next generation of consoles, when the prices, audience reach, and cable issue are hopefully resolved.