It’s been a strange week for Xbox and VR. The latest addition to Microsoft’s console brand, Xbox One X, was finally revealed in full, but the promised VR support was not detailed. Since then Xbox boss Phil Spencer has downplayed the importance of VR on a console, saying he isn’t often asked about it. Rest assured, though, the X will support VR at some point.
Spencer confirmed as much to CNET earlier this week at E3. There’s no direct quote, but he apparently confirmed the box fully supports VR and the company’s commitment to the tech hadn’t changed. Previously, Microsoft stated that it would bring mixed reality — it’s term to cover all things from VR to HoloLens — to the device in 2018. Xbox One X, meanwhile, will launch in November for $499. Expect to hear more on the console’s VR support next year.
Right now Microsoft is instead focused on bringing VR to PCs with its own line of Windows 10 VR headsets, made in partnership with the likes of Dell. These devices support inside-out tracking, with no external sensors necessary, and will have their own six degrees of freedom (6DOF) controllers. The first set from Acer will be launching for $300.
It remains to be seen if it’s these devices that will support the X, though Microsoft has hinted that it wants VR on consoles to be wireless. Is it possible the company will have a fully wireless headset ready to go for its new console next year? We’re hoping so, but we’ll have to sit tight for now.
