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Should Microsoft adjust their VR strategy?

kingpotato

Ask me about my Stream Deck
I was watching reviews for Star Wars Squadrons recently and the reviewers comments about how VR was the best way to play that game. They also mentioned they were able to use their Oculus Quest, a stand alone VR console, with a PC, which got me thinking about the Series X.

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I know that VR isn't for everyone, but it seems odd that Xbox doesn't support (and has yet to even dabble in) any VR solutions.

Microsoft originally introduced the augmented reality focused Hololens at E3 2015, but failed to develop it into a gaming peripheral (probably for the best) and instead developed it further for commercial applications. Microsoft also released the AR Kinect sensor to moderate success which also proved to have better application in the research community instead of gaming.

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Nintendo has continuously pushed for accessible VR solutions dating all the way back to the 1995 with the Virtual Boy. More recently they had a Labo Kit that turned the Switch into it's own VR experience. While not virtual reality specifically, they also released multiple iterations of the 3DS headset free handheld console that had somewhat convincing stereoscopic 3D.

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Sony's has also experimented with stereoscopic 3D on PSP and augmented reality with it's PS Eye/PlayStation camera. They are the only legacy console manufacturer that decided to go all in and release a viable VR headset. PSVR for PS4 will also be supported by PS5.

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With the recent acquisition of Zenimax/media, all everyone has been parroting is how much money Microsoft still has. My question is why they are leaving a growing market in gaming out of their platform when they have the means to pursue it? It obviously isn't a lack of funds and it's isn't like they have to develop their own hardware (though they could), it could be as simple as supporting existing hardware on the market.

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I'm excited to see Sony's eventual update to PSVR (maybe next year?), but in the interim wouldn't it make sense for MS to make some moves now and not get left behind in the VR market?

BEFORE ANYONE STARTS WITH BS CONSOLE WARRING OR ACCUSES ME OF CONCERN...
I think Xbox is totally fine without VR and it will not play a major role in the success/failure of the Series X, I honestly just view this as an opportunity to reassess what they can deliver in the VR realm for console gamers. If I got anything wrong, I swear it's an honest mistake and look forward to your corrections and perspective.
 

McCheese

Member
They need to build up their 2D library first, but personally I would love to see both consoles support VR. My favourite game this generation was a VR title, and I wouldn't be surprised if my top 3 next generation are.
 

TeKtheSanE

Member
I mean PC VR is 100% superior to console solutions right now.

And Microsoft partnered to help create/fund the Reverb G2 so you can't say they aren't looking to work with VR it just hasn't reached Xbox yet because it honestly isn't at the level that I believe everyone needs to have VR, albeit VR in its current state certainly has some amazing games and uses.
 

jakinov

Member
VR probably isn't worth investing into short term. Other people are already investing and making headsets better and figuring out what kinds of games work better in VR and figuring out the patterns what work well.

Long term though, if they join late that's hundreds of game that won't have VR support on Xbox but will on PlayStation.
 

Matt_Fox

Member
Microsoft already got burnt by going all in on a gimmick peripheral with Kinect, and look we all know that VR isn't the same as Kinect but it is in the same ballpark so I see why they're reticent.
 
Only if they can commit to supporting it with quality software. It can't just be a case of "We've made such and such headset compatible with our such and such console. Developers, have at it." That's the quickest way to ensure they run into another failed peripheral.
 

UltimaKilo

Gold Member
Not on XBOX, no. At least not yet. VR has quite a ways to go. Microsoft could simply purchase someone like Pimax in 3 years and jump in once the market is bigger and the tech has improved.
 

nowhat

Member
Microsoft already got burnt by going all in on a gimmick peripheral with Kinect, and look we all know that VR isn't the same as Kinect but it is in the same ballpark so I see why they're reticent.
At the same time, it's not that long ago that MS seemed keen to support it: https://www.polygon.com/2017/4/6/15206170/xbox-scorpio-vr

But sure, it's still a niche market. Whether it will ever be embraced by the masses remains to be seen.
 

Kagey K

Banned
Nope I still agree with Phil.

Once VR can go fully wireless it’s time to look at it on console. Until then it’s not worth it unless you are on PC.

 

Tranquil

Member
Bought a PSVR in 2018, sold that gimmicky piece of hardware less than a year later. Not for me.

However if they can make it comfortable where I don't feel like I'm part of the borg collective every time I put it on I'll give it another go.
 
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Arachnid

Member
TBH things seem too unstable and cordoned off with VR at the moment. That's one of the big things keeping me from buying one. I can't use an Oculus Quest with my PS unless I go through hoops to stream my PS4 to my PC? I can't play the Splinter Cell or Assassins Creed VR games coming out because they're exclusive to a specific Facebook owned headset (Oculus)? Xbox doesn't even have VR compatibility yet?

Companies are treating the headsets like consoles with exclusives and restrictions. Just treat it like any other hardware accessory and make a one-fits-all headset I can connect to any console/PC and cut out the exclusive stuff. That combined with a more attractive price point and bigger library of games (not glorified tech demos; full and fantastic games like Half Life and RE7) is what it would take for me to buy one.
 
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Resenge

Member
Nope I still agree with Phil.

Once VR can go fully wireless it’s time to look at it on console. Until then it’s not worth it unless you are on PC.

UNTETHER YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Quest 2 can also be used to play PCVR wirelessly, I think once they unlock 90hz I will probably put my Rift S in storage and use the Quest 2 exclusively for PCVR wirelessly.

I have a hunch that PSVR 2 will be untethered. The PS5 has Wifi 6 which right now is useless for the majority of users, but a wireless headset could take advantage of that extra bandwidth.
 

CRAIG667

Member
Man, VR on PC is so much better. Better than anything on any console and since their games come to PC anyway, people can get it on PC.
No need to waste resources and money on that for Xbox.
Focus on Games and Power.
...not everyone has or wants a decent gaming PC though?!
 

Edgelord79

Gold Member
Steam VR growth has slowed considerably. Most likely not enough games, covid, assinine costs, etc... Not sure if the gaming VR market is very profitable yet or will be in the near future. Send to have a lot ceiling and is very specialized.

Granted the below survey has it's limitations, it shouldn't be dismissed either.

 
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VR is still years away.
Translation: "I can't afford a VR headset right now so let's pretend it doesn't exist okay?"

Xbox is limiting their own library by not having any VR support. Let people on the console decide if they want to buy a headset. Shutting it down entirely seems shortsighted. Cut a deal with a headset maker and be done with it.
 
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Meh i don't like VR, my only experience mind is on ps4 pro but i just couldn't enjoy hardly any of the games (Beat saber was good!)
 

nemiroff

Gold Member
It's a bit odd that there's no mention in OP's post about WMR and not the least MS's partnership with Valve and HP regarding the new HP Reverb G2 headset due next month. A VR headset which BTW has received stellar reviews. I for one suspect (pure speculation) that MS's involvement in that project might lead to some kind of announcement during the XSX's lifespan..
 
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ZehDon

Member
I hope people stop wasting resources on this gimmick.
What a worthless opinion in an equally worthless post.

Anyway, I've been playing Squadrons and Minecraft on PSVR all weekend. The feeling of presence never gets old, and that we're still seeing these types of high quality experiences released in the console space is pretty incredible. Dog fighting in VR is a childhood fantasy, and Squadrons delivers everything one can ask. Really special stuff. Seeing this all play out, and seeing Microsoft effectively taking a backseat, is a little sad. I'd love to see them provide support for VR on their Xbox consoles, even if they don't manufacture an offical Xbox VR Headset themselves.
 
D

Deleted member 17706

Unconfirmed Member
Nah, I love VR, but it ain't there. I'm not sure if it's ever going to be huge for gaming. Maybe once we can do PS5/XBSX graphics at 100+ FPS in an Oculus Quest form factor with a 3+ hour battery life.
 
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Redlancet

Banned
Man, VR on PC is so much better. Better than anything on any console and since their games come to PC anyway, people can get it on PC.
No need to waste resources and money on that for Xbox.
Focus on Games and Power.
some of the best vr games out there are still playstation exclusives so..no

microsoft making xbox series x compatible with oculus quest 2 its a good idea
 
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kingpotato

Ask me about my Stream Deck
It's a bit odd that there's no mention in OP's post about WMR and not the least MS's partnership with Valve and HP regarding the new HP Reverb G2 headset due next month. A VR headset which BTW has received stellar reviews. I for one suspect (pure speculation) that MS's involvement in that project might lead to some kind of announcement during the XSX's lifespan..
I was focused on consoles but admittedly haven't been tracking WMR. PC obviously has plenty of headsets for Microsoft OS users. I also didn't spend time talking about Oculus Quest, which is a legitimate platform on it's own.

Hopefully any announcement comes sooner rather than later.
 

Kev Kev

Member
i have no idea what they are waiting for. after trying PSVR, im a believer. i still half-expect them to release a headset sometime this gen.
 

Vasto

Member
Translation: "I can't afford a VR headset right now so let's pretend it doesn't exist okay?"

Xbox is limiting their own library by not having any VR support. Let people on the console decide if they want to buy a headset. Shutting it down entirely seems shortsighted. Cut a deal with a headset maker and be done with it.


Translation: I hate when I see people say this. They are telling the truth but damn does it hurt when they do.

WTF cant afford a VR head set? :messenger_tears_of_joy:
 

Techies

Member
Not on XBOX, no. At least not yet. VR has quite a ways to go. Microsoft could simply purchase someone like Pimax in 3 years and jump in once the market is bigger and the tech has improved.

More like 8 days to go, Oculus Quest 2 on the hardware side is everything needs. Controllers are great, headset is great, tracking is great. Xbox has a usb port so on the hardware side it has everything it needs.
 

mcjmetroid

Member
No, focus on gamepass and the games. They barely have the latter sorted so let's not throw VR in there as well.
 

MrFunSocks

Banned
It’s just not worth supporting VR. Sony have gone hard with it and <5% of their install base bought a VR headset.
 

UltimaKilo

Gold Member
More like 8 days to go, Oculus Quest 2 on the hardware side is everything needs. Controllers are great, headset is great, tracking is great. Xbox has a usb port so on the hardware side it has everything it needs.

If you really think that, then you know very little about VR.

FOV, refresh rate, comfort and resolution are all way below where they need to be, so maybe 8 years before we get 8k per eye, 240hz With 200+FOV
 

sixamp

Member
All MS needs to do is partner with either facebook on the quest 2 which is $300 on October 13 or the hp reverb g2 ($600)
 

Iced Arcade

Member
If it would take time and resources from core gaming no. Partner with FB/oculus and allow them to work on the consoles, sure.

I don't even see Sony trying to hard with VR anymore. Just kind of there.
 
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