Microsoft Gives Update On Potential Xbox VR
In the battle of the next-gen systems, Microsoft and Sony have once again locked horns. While Nintendo carves its own path with the likes of Mario, Zelda on the Switch, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S are jostling for first place. There could be an altogether more dystopian race on the horizon with the potential of their own VR headsets.
Starting out life as Project Morpheus, the PlayStation VR headset was first released in 2016. Although it's not quite taken us to the Cyberpunk 2077-inspired future some of us expected, the PSVR has sold well since release and is fully compatible with the PlayStation 5. With Microsoft ushering in its own future with the Xbox Series X/S, there have been questions about whether the gaming giant will also want a slice of the virtual reality pie.
As more games toy with the idea of this sort of technology, it would make sense that Microsoft wants to at least test the waters with its own VR capabilities. Before you start dashing to the shops in hope of finding an Xbox VR set, Microsoft has given an official update on where it stands on a VR launch.
What's the Microsoft Xbox VR rumour?
According to a report from IGN Italy, Xbox VR could be just around the corner. The site reported that when a USB-C / USB-A cable is connected between an Xbox Wireless Headset and Xbox Series X, the following message pops up: "The VR headset needs to be updated." Other messages read, "An update for the VR headset is available" and "Update VR headset" - suggesting the Series X is at least VR ready in the back end. While it's important to remember the wording of headset can refer to both VR and headphones, some players were already excited by the prospect of Xbox VR.
Adding fuel to the fire, let's remember there was also a mention of Scarlett VR in the code for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Considering the Series X originally went under the working name of Scarlett, it isn't too much of a leap to imagine the two are connected. The idea of Xbox VR is nothing new. Back when Microsoft released the upgraded Xbox One X, we were promised it would support âhigh fidelity VRâ. In the end, it shipped without the much-hyped support being available.
We're in an interesting time for VR. Only recently, we covered how Sony delivered the surprise reveal of DOOM 3 in VR during its own VR Showcase, while we also know Nightdive Studios is working on its System Shock 2 remaster with full VR capabilities. DOOM overseer Bethesda now falls under Microsoft's umbrella, so could we see more VR releases from major franchises like Wolfenstein, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout? With the mysterious Starfield also expected at some point, it's easy to see this sci-fi juggernaut coming in VR.
Will we get Xbox VR from Microsoft?
Last year, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said. "Obviously VR is big on Windows today. We are the Windows company, and we're never going to close our eyes to where things are going. I hope it gets bigger. I hope it's something that's just so important that there would be a no-brainer for us to support it." Some took that to mean we could get an Xbox VR set, but now, Microsoft has given an official update on where it stands. After the IGN Italy "leaks", Axios Gaming's Stephen Totilo posted on Twitter and confirmed that Microsoft representatives clarified: The copy in this error message is inaccurate due to a localization bug. VR for console is not a focus for us at this time."
It feels like we're at a crucial point in terms of VR gaming. Although there were 106 million PlayStation 4's sold around the world, less than 5% of owners have PSVR headset. Although Sony has promised a new PSVR headset specifically for the PlayStation 5, Microsoft could leapfrog its rival with a next-gen Xbox VR system. There's also the Oculus Quest 2 snapping at Sony's heels, meaning the VR market could get pretty crowded. Sadly, even if Spencer thinks Xbox VR is a "no-brainer" for Microsoft, it doesn't sound like it'll be on the way any time soon.
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