Xbox One X is the Most Powerful Console on the Market, But Does It Have Virtual Reality?

The Xbox One has been the leading third generation console for over three years now. It’s continued to win out against its competitors with a steady stream of first-party exclusives and features that keep it ahead of the pack. The latest model, the Xbox One X, is the most powerful gaming console available right now. It’s got double the GPU processing power, dynamic 4K resolution support, and support for HDR visuals that are vibrant and crisp. However, none of those things make an Xbox virtual reality headset release imminent. In fact, VR is not even on their radar as a priority at this time. And considering Sony recently released their own new version of PSVR complete with a lower price tag and several key improvements like eye tracking, this seems like quite the oversight from Microsoft. So what gives? Are there any plans for future versions of the Xbox that will include integrated virtual reality functionality? Read on to learn more about this topic…

What’s the Latest on Xbox One X and Virtual Reality?

We’re not going to sugarcoat this: it doesn’t seem like there are any plans for an Xbox VR headset. At least, Microsoft hasn’t made any announcements to that effect. We contacted them for a comment and were told that the company has nothing to share regarding virtual reality support on Xbox One X. That’s a pretty definitive “no.” So what about the Xbox One and Xbox One S? Don’t worry: there is VR content for both of those models. They are backward compatible with all Xbox 360 games, and a small but growing number of those 360 titles have VR functionality. The VR games for Xbox One X are mostly ports of titles that were released for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. For example, Fallout 4 VR comes to Xbox One X with better performance and visuals than its original release. If you have an existing PC-based VR headset, you can also use it with your Xbox One X through Windows Mixed Reality support. There are also some newer titles exclusive to Xbox One X, but they are mostly games ported from mobile devices.

Past Rumors of an Xbox VR Headset

The Xbox brand has been associated with virtual reality for years, with many expecting a VR headset to be released alongside the Xbox One X. But as we mentioned above, Microsoft has never confirmed that an Xbox VR headset is in development. In fact, the company has actively shot down rumors and speculation that they would be releasing such a device. In July 2018, a Microsoft spokesperson told UploadVR that “We have nothing to announce at this time.” This was in response to a rumor that the company was developing an Xbox VR headset with accompanying controllers. In December 2018, a source told Windows Central that Microsoft was working on a VR headset codenamed “Fortaleza.” It was supposedly supposed to launch alongside the Xbox One X during the console’s first year on the market. Thankfully, that never happened. But the plan was reportedly to release Xbox VR as a standalone platform that would be different from other VR systems, such as the PlayStation VR or Oculus Rift. The goal was to create an experience that felt like an “Xbox-ized version of VR” with a big focus on games.

Why Doesn’t Microsoft Support Virtual Reality?

We’re not sure. But we can make some educated guesses based on what we know about the Xbox brand as a whole, and Microsoft’s stance as a company. The Xbox One X is a powerful machine that can certainly handle VR content. But does it make sense for the company to release VR headsets now? Well, the PSVR has been out for the past couple of years and has seen limited success. PSVR is still a viable product, but Sony recently announced a price drop to make the headset more accessible to more people. This shows that there is a demand for VR headsets, but people still aren’t flocking towards Sony’s offering. If this is why Microsoft isn’t releasing an Xbox VR headset, we can understand why they’re not interested: the market isn’t exactly clamoring for VR headsets at the moment. However, a few key improvements to the PSVR headset might change that. Namely, the addition of eye tracking for improved immersion. With that new feature, the PSVR isn’t just the VR headset for PS4 owners: it’s a VR platform in its own right.

Why an Xbox VR Headset Isn’t Coming Anytime Soon

Microsoft seems to be content with their current position in the gaming market. They’re not looking to make a big splash with an expensive new peripheral that could potentially fail. Instead, they’re focusing on providing better experiences for their existing fan base. This is why the One X was released without VR support: it was the most powerful console on the market. And now that it’s even more powerful, it’s even more competitive against Sony’s PS4 lineup. It’s also worth noting that the Xbox brand has a less than stellar track record with VR headsets. The first one, the now discontinued Kinect-based Samsung Gear VR, was a slapdash experience that was heavily promoted while never being released. The second headset, the Windows Mixed Reality headset, was a bit better but still limited to Windows 10 PCs. Microsoft has a lot to address before they can even begin to think about releasing an Xbox VR headset. In fact, if they even want to release an Xbox VR headset, they’d better start thinking about it soon.

Final Words: Should You Buy an Xbox One X?

We’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: the Xbox One X is a powerful console that’s great for gamers. It has a ton of desirable features and is future-proof, meaning you won’t need to upgrade for a long time. If you’re interested in VR and have an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive, you can also play some games on it. Xbox One X is a great machine, and it’s ideal for people who have fond memories of the original Xbox. If you’re looking to dive into VR, you’d be better off getting the PSVR. It’s cheaper and has a more robust selection of games. However, if you’re an Xbox diehard, then an Xbox One X is the best console for you.