Xbox VR: Everything you need to know

When will we see a Microsoft Xbox VR headset? It’s 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 known as Oculus Quest 2) is one of the most accessible programs and The best VR headsets On the market we’ve seen it since Meta Quest Pro. Elsewhere, Sony has doubled down on its commitment to virtual reality with PSVR2 – His successor from the next generation to PSVRa new VR headset for PS5.

While there’s no specific information about Xbox VR, the console itself (as well as its suite of games and accessories) will undoubtedly offer discounts on Xbox One. Cyber ​​Monday 2022 Sales period that occur in and around November 28th. If you are in the market for Cyber ​​Monday Xbox deals Be sure to keep our pages bookmarked and check out Cyber ​​Monday Live Blog So you will be the first to know about the best deals during this sales period.

Arguably, virtual reality games have never been more popular, which inevitably led to speculation about whether or not Microsoft would support the technology. Xbox series x And the xbox s series. After all, only thing is more impressive than vision Microsoft Flight Simulator Playing it on a console will play it with an Xbox VR headset. It does officially support PC VR headsets, after all.

Microsoft also has experience in the VR market with HoloLens Mixed reality headsets. 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 a very steep price of $3,500 for Holo lens 2 A wireless headset simply isn’t as consumer-friendly as it is possible, not to mention that as a mixed reality headset, it’s not designed to completely 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 about the matter, and whether he’s playing infinite aura In virtual reality could become a reality in the near future.

Microsoft’s history with VR

Although Microsoft has not officially announced that it is making a VR headset for Xbox consoles, it has shared the technology in various ways. The Kinect Made to order Xbox 360 Used RGB cameras and IR detectors for motion sensing inputs without a controller, which I also added (albeit unsuccessfully) Xbox One.

Perhaps this technology could have been implemented using virtual reality technology, similar to Sony that modified it Playstation move controllers and Playstation Camera For the original PSVR headset. Microsoft also collaborated with Valve and HP on the design of the HP Reverb G2 virtual reality glasses, and also released its own mixed reality glasses, 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 Activision Blizzard acquisition for $67.4 billion), it may also be because the company is changing 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 Goal Connect 2022 Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella joined Mark Zuckerberg to confirm this Xbox Cloud Games Coming to Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro (previously Cambria Project). Unfortunately, these games remain a flat screen experience, so you can’t suddenly jump into VR mode for big hits like force horizon 5.

Either way, as long as you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate The platform is slowly expanding over time. This means too Meta Quest may outperform PSVR 2 for one simple reason.

Should VR be coming to Xbox Series X | S?

Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S side by side

(Image credit: Microsoft)

The virtual reality gaming market may be small compared to consoles, as Sony’s PSVR has sold just over 5 million units as of January 2020 (compared to over 110 million units. Playstation 4 units sold in its lifetime), but it is increasing nonetheless. 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: Alex.

With Sony PSVR 2 launching in February 2023, there is a feeling that Microsoft wouldn’t want to miss out on this emerging market opportunity by developing 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 upon arrival). until Minecraft has PSVR support one of the biggest first party games from Microsoft.

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.

Design of PSVR 2 headsets and controllers

(Image credit: Sony Computer Interactive Entertainment)

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 highlighted why the platform holder isn’t ready to bring VR to its consoles.

In 2017, after revealing xbox onex At E3, Spencer appeared on 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 how appropriate it would be in a 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 the message was discovered by him Italian Xbox users (Opens in a new tab) In 2021, a pop-up message stating “There is an update for VR headsets available” appears when a device is connected Xbox Wireless Headset Microsoft has since dismissed this rumor as a mistranslation. There is also no Xbox software that currently supports any VR modes.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version