Skip to main content

Sticking to 2D: Don’t expect Xbox Scarlett to support VR

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Sony launched PlayStation VR several years ago on the PS4, giving console players a chance to experience the virtual reality craze that had been limited to PC platforms in the past. If you were expecting Microsoft to follow suit with its upcoming Xbox console Project Scarlett, however, you’re going to be in for some disappointment.

Speaking to Stevivor, head of Xbox Phil Spencer expressed his doubt that console customers would be interested in a VR headset for the Xbox platform, pointing to its success on PC. He also stressed that the sales figures for VR were still relatively low, and far from comparable to traditional console units.

“I have some issues with VR — it’s isolating and I think of games as a communal, kind of a together experience. We’re responding to what our customers are asking for and nobody’s asking for VR,” Spencer added.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s a curious move by Microsoft, considering that it had been partnering with Oculus to bundle in Xbox controllers for use on the PC-connected Rift headset. Given the cross-play and cross-buy initiative at Microsoft across Xbox and PC gaming, the decision to omit VR support could be in order to guarantee cross-buy can be universal for the next generation.

The need for an external device to play VR games is also a thing of the past, thanks to systems like Oculus Quest. At a fraction of the cost of more powerful systems like HTC Vive or Valve Index, the standalone headsets support many of the same games, need no tracking cameras, and run on batteries so they can be played almost anywhere. Should Microsoft choose as an alternative to develop titles for Quest, it could create more interest in its core Xbox games and encourage VR players to also purchase a new console.

Should Microsoft change its stance on VR support for Project Scarlett, the system will certainly be powerful enough to handle it. With 8K resolution and ray tracing enabled, the console can outperform midrange PC systems, and should be future-proof for at least the next several years. The PS5 will be, as well, and will support VR just like the PS4 did before it.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
PlayStation VR2 is lighter and larger than PS VR
The PlayStation VR2 headset along with its controllers.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony revealed the final design for its upcoming PlayStation VR2 headset, which it claims will be lighter than the original PS VR headset, all while being larger and packing more features.

https://twitter.com/PlayStation/status/1496107726291845120

Read more
Huge PlayStation 5 update adds M.2 SSD support, 3D audio for TV speakers
A PS5 standing on a table, with purple lights around it.

The PlayStation 5 will get a significant global update on September 15. This major update includes storage expansion, improved game streaming with PlayStation Now, and UX enhancements. Updates to the PlayStation 4, PlayStation App, and PS Remote Play App will also roll out in addition to the major PS5 update.

This new update will allow PS5 owners to install an M.2 SSD to expand their storage for both the mainstram PlayStation 5 and the digital-only version of the console. Players can play both PS4 and PS5 games directly from the M.2 SSD storage.

Read more
Final Fantasy XIV shouldn’t come to Xbox consoles, and the past proves why
final fantasy xiv xbox nintendo switch port ffxiv featured

Final Fantasy XIV has been on a wild ride over the last decade. Starting off as a train wreck that threatened Square Enix's very existence before becoming one of its biggest revenue sources, the game has grown considerably throughout its existence. The MMORPG is about to get even bigger as fans predict that the fourth expansion pack could be announced at a fan event tonight.

There's more than just new content to be considered for the game's next update. With two new consoles out there, it's time for its developers to talk shop about how they'll be supported. A PlayStation 5-optimized version is a no-brainer, and with Microsoft's new machine holding more power under the hood, it's only natural for the game to finally make the jump. But it won't. And, quite frankly, it shouldn't.
The long road to stability
Credit: Famitsu Image used with permission by copyright holder

Read more