The launch of an Xbox VR from Microsoft is a question that everyone has been asking since the PSVR and PSVR 2 were released, but until now, the Redmond company has shown resistance when entering the field of virtual reality. for consoles officially. That said, it hasn’t stopped players from speculating what might be to come.
The Meta Quest 2 is one of the best and most accessible virtual reality games we’ve seen on the market since the Meta Quest Pro. On the other hand, Sony has doubled down on its commitment to virtual reality with the PSVR 2, its next-generation successor. of the PSVR.
Virtual reality gaming has arguably never been more popular, which has inevitably led to speculation about whether or not Microsoft will support this technology on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. After all, the only thing more impressive than watching Microsoft Flight Simulator on a console would be playing it with an Xbox virtual reality headset.
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|S consoles instead of creating a proprietary headset just for the console, as Sony has done with PSVR.
Xbox VR: is it possible?
However, at an incredibly high price of $3,500 (approx. $65 MXN) for the HoloLens 2, the wireless headset simply isn’t affordable for the consumer, not to mention that, as a mixed reality headset, it’s not designed for fully immerse yourself in virtual reality.
Still, could Microsoft be preparing to make its own affordable consumer VR headset, a first for Xbox Series X|S? Below we have compiled all the information and rumors about it, 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 that it’s making a virtual reality headset for Xbox consoles, it has been involved with the technology in a variety of ways. The Kinect created for the Xbox 360 used RGB cameras and infrared detectors to detect movement without the need for a controller, something that was also (albeit unsuccessfully) incorporated into the Xbox One.
It might have been feasible to implement that technology in virtual reality, in the same way that Sony adapted its PlayStation Move controllers and PlayStation Camera to its original PSVR headset. Microsoft has also collaborated with Valve and HP on the design of the HP Reverb G2 virtual reality headset, and has also released its own mixed reality headset, the HoloLens.
However, it was also reported last month that Microsoft has scrapped development of HoloLens 3, casting doubt on its future commitment to VR. On the other hand, with increased interest in consumer VR and the metaverse (something mentioned as part of its $67.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard), it could also be that the company is changing direction.
The intent could be to develop a more affordable VR headset for the consumer, instead of the expensive HoloLens. Until now, that range has been focused on business use, including commercial contracts with the US military. But if this were the twist, it wouldn’t explain why he’s had trouble retaining specialized staff. LinkedIn profiles show that at least 25 Microsoft mixed reality employees left for Meta in 2021, including several multi-decade veterans. Even so, Microsoft has shown interest in this space recently.
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 are still a flat screen experience, so you can’t suddenly jump into a VR mode for blockbusters like Forza Horizon 5.
In any case, as long as you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, the platform expands little by little as time goes by. It also means that Meta Quest can beat PSVR 2 for one simple reason.
Should VR be coming to Xbox Series X|S?
The VR gaming market may be small compared to that for consoles, as Sony’s PSVR has only sold 5 million units as of January 2020 (versus PS4’s over 110 million units sold). throughout its useful life), but it does not stop growing. The Meta Quest 2 (or Oculus Quest 2) has gained ground as a standalone, wireless headset that can still be plugged into a more powerful PC, to play games like Half-Life: Alyx.
With Sony releasing PSVR 2 in February 2023, there’s a feeling Microsoft won’t want to miss out on this emerging market by developing its own consumer headsets. The potential to transform your gaming experiences could also be huge. Imagine how immersive Microsoft’s flight simulator would be if you were in the cockpit looking literally anywhere in the world.
We’ve seen a similar impact with PSVR, though admittedly it was held back by its less impressive tech specs. However, Gran Turismo Sport offered an even more realistic experience (and we hope that Gran Turismo 7 will be compatible with PSVR 2 when it arrives). Even Minecraft, one of Microsoft’s biggest first-party games, is compatible with PSVR.
However, there is a lot of potential to be exploited in this new generation of consoles. However, Microsoft would have to act fast if it doesn’t want to be left behind when it comes to virtual reality.
Why you shouldn’t expect VR for Xbox Series X|S
However, despite the potential of VR, the market remains rather niche. Microsoft may simply want to avoid it, fearing a potentially small return. In terms of power, there’s no doubt that Xbox can run VR games. When the subject is broached, however, Gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s top concerns underscore why the platform holder isn’t yet ready to bring VR to its consoles.
In 2017, following the Xbox One X unveiling at E3, Spencer appeared in a Giant Bomb video discussing the lack of VR on Xbox. Although he said he was a “category believer”, he had reservations about his suitability in the hall, especially with cables.
This barrier may have been overcome over the years, as PSVR 2 only requires one cable and eliminates the need for an external camera. The Meta Quest 2, meanwhile, is fully wireless, but when it comes to processing power, it’s also one of the weakest headsets on the market.
Spencer hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Microsoft investing in VR, but Xbox users shouldn’t expect a dedicated headset (or third-party headset support) anytime soon. Or, at least, not until another generation of consoles, when price, audience reach and the problem of cables have been solved.
