In launching the new Xbox Wireless Headset, Microsoft may have accidentally teased with a future VR headset from Microsoft or compatibility with third-party VR headsets.
Is Microsoft Working on a VR Headset?
The critical and commercial reception of the new Xbox Wireless Headset has nothing been short of positive. The headset, which is positioned to compete with Sony’s Pulse 3D Headset, does many of the things that its competitor can. However, one of its unlisted features might just be its most intriguing part yet. According to IGN Italy’s Giovanni Marelli, an error menu hints that Xbox is working on a new VR headset.
— Idle Sloth (@IdleSloth84) March 16, 2021 He claims that upon connecting the new Xbox Wireless Headphones to his Xbox Series X, he received an error message. The said error message reads, “the VR headset needs to be updated.” Of course, that’s not a confirmation in any way. It could be just a coincidence or just a mere error. It could also just mean that Microsoft is working on making it compatible with other VR headsets. However, there is also the possibility that the exact wording means that Microsoft is working on their very own VR headset for their consoles, in particular, the Xbox Series X. If that is indeed true, it won’t come off as a huge surprise. Microsoft has worked on AR technology for quite some time now. A transition to VR technology isn’t that big of a leap. Not to mention, Sony is already working on the PSVR 2, with the Oculus Quest remaining just as popular as ever when it first launched years ago.
Market Is Prime for Xbox VR Headset
There’s certainly a lot of incentive for Microsoft to jump in and try to compete in the VR headset market. For starters, they’ve already positioned the Xbox Series X to get ahead of the PlayStation 5. Although Sony’s flagship console remains the leader when it comes to exclusive titles, Microsoft is using its Xbox Game Pass system to get gamers to buy their own flagship console. Just recently, Microsoft made moves to acquire ZeniMax Media. The said holding company owns some of the biggest video game studios in the world, including Bethesda Softworks. They’ve also taken no time in making this known. Microsoft added 20 of the best Bethesda titles to the Xbox Game Pass and already clarified that future Bethesda titles might be exclusive to the Xbox platform. In addition to this, Microsoft secured Outriders to launch on Xbox Game Pass and will be adding a slew of other titles to their subscription service over the next few weeks. Of course, this could be much ado about nothing. After all, it’s currently impossible to get your hands on an Xbox Series S and X right now. But, you’d have to admit, it’d be interesting to see an Xbox VR headset.
