The Xbox Series X does not currently support VR. Unlike the PlayStation 5, which supports older PSVR headsets and is getting a PSVR 2 in the future, Microsoft’s plans for VR are a bit more mysterious. Nothing has been officially announced, but the company has dabbled with VR technology in the past – so there’s a possibility that something could arrive at a later date.
Here are some options you need to consider as well as what you need to know about VR on the Xbox Series X.
Further reading
Why doesn’t Xbox support VR?
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer made it clear in October 2021 that his team is not focused on VR. Instead, the Xbox’s main focus remains software — specifically, Game Pass.
During a Wall Street Journal interview, Spencer said, “I think when we think of immersion, we think of mixed reality, virtual reality, I’ll take it to the ‘Metaverse’ as well, which That’s the talk of the day.” , “We’re big believers in that software platform and the tools that will enable it, of course, [but] We’re focusing a lot on the software side of it right now. When I think of Immersive World and I think of the relationship between a player and a community, it’s something that is very high on our investment list.
Spencer said he applauds Sony and Oculus for their VR efforts, but that Xbox will remain “software-focused” for the foreseeable future. In other words, building a stable of impressive games is more valuable than exploring VR. Given that there is already some stiff competition in the market, this is a move that makes sense. And it’s one that’s already paying off — with Game Pass hitting 25 million subscribers by early 2022.
The Xbox Series X is certainly powerful enough to support VR, so the decision not to develop a headset should be a business move.
VR Options to Consider
While the VR outlook for the Xbox Series X is bleak, there are plenty of options to consider if you don’t mind moving away from the Xbox ecosystem. Our best VR headset roundup takes an in-depth look at all your options, but here’s a quick overview:
- Meta Quest 2: Not only is it relatively affordable (starting at $300), but this standalone headset doesn’t require any cables or external hardware. Simply toss the device on your head, grab the two Touch controllers, and you’re ready to play.
- Valve Index: Arguably the best all-around VR headset on the market, the Valve Index is an absolute powerhouse. You’ll need a high-end PC to run it and be prepared to drop around $1,000, but few VR headsets can match the capabilities of the Index.
- PSVR: If you’re looking for a good console-based VR solution, your only option right now is PSVR. Its successor, the PSVR 2, is expected to arrive in the next year or so, but there is no concrete information from Sony about its launch date.
Will the Xbox Series X get VR in the future?
It’s hard to say whether VR will come to the Xbox Series X in the future. Microsoft hasn’t announced any plans, of course, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. The company has previously worked on HoloLens (a mixed reality system for commercial use), so it could be a strong foundation for building a gaming-based VR headset.
Spencer said in 2020 that adding VR would be a “no-brainer” if the technology continued to gain popularity. VR seems to be more mainstream than ever, so chances are Microsoft will throw its hat in the ring.
However, for now, Xbox Series X fans will have to look for an alternative source to get their VR fix.
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