Microsoft’s powerful 4K console, the Xbox One X (formerly known as Project Scorpio) just released to the public this week. As the most powerful video game console ever made it outpaces even the PS4 Pro and virtually any PC that you could build or buy for the same $499 price tag. But one thing is sorely missing that was touted all the way back at E3 2016: virtual reality support.
Back then, a whole year and a half ago, VR support was confirmed and Microsoft even announced at its press conference that Fallout 4 VR would be making its way to the console at some point. Well, Fallout 4 VR is set to launch on the HTC Vive next month and we’ve got no indication of when exactly it’s coming to the Xbox One X, although we do know it is coming. All we’ve heard in the past year is that Windows Mixed Reality content, otherwise known as Windows VR in all honesty, is coming to Xbox One X at some point in 2018. According to Microsoft, it doesn’t want to “distract” developers with VR support just yet.
Recently we reached out to Microsoft for comment on the status of VR support for the Xbox One X now that it has officially launched and a spokesperson had the following to say:
“Microsoft is committed to delivering great mixed reality gaming experiences. We believe that right now a Windows PC is the best platform for mixed reality as its open ecosystem and enormous installed base offer the best opportunity for developers, and Windows offers the most choices for consumers. Therefore, our primary focus is making our Windows Mixed Reality experiences a success. We have games from Microsoft Studios in development for Windows Mixed Reality, and several game developers are working closely with us to bring their titles to Windows Mixed Reality. Because of the opportunity with Windows Mixed Reality, and because we believe the user experience will be best on PC right now, that is where our focus is. We have nothing to share about mixed reality for console at this time.”
Basically they’re committed to supporting the budding line of Windows Mixed Reality headsets (note: we refer to these as Windows VR headsets because “mixed reality” is often used to refer to forms of augmented reality, but that’s not what the Windows headsets do. They’re VR headsets through and through so we call them as much.) We’ve already reviewed the Acer, covered the HP, recently received the Lenovo and area trying out the Samsung Odyssey very soon. Naturally, they want to nail support for these first and foremost. And notably, it sounds like Microsoft Studios is working on multiple different games. Hopefully they’ll all be better than the disappointing Halo Recruit experience.
All in all we don’t have much of an update yet, but we’re trying to get answers. When we know more, we’ll keep you informed. How do you feel about the prospect of Windows VR and Xbox One X VR at this point? Let us know down in the comments below!
