Even though Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had previously gone on record opposing the idea of a natively designed Xbox virtual reality headset back in 2019, it appears that with the company’s recent leap into their new multi-platform gaming strategy, they are now singing a different tune. With the rise of Microsoft’s “Play Anywhere” and “This is an Xbox” cloud gaming focused marketing campaigns, VR users have already been given the ability to play a selection of Xbox titles via cloud gaming on their headsets.
The major difference here is that it seems as though Xbox has partnered with Meta to create an Xbox branded Meta Quest known as the “Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition”, that will not simply allow for a handful of cloud streamed titles but instead offer full console integration. This VR headset features the classic black and green Xbox color palette and comes equipped with Xbox Series X|S controller compatibility rather than only allowing for movement controls. If that all sounds good to you, then you’re in luck because the leak seems to indicate that the headsets could be announced as soon as June 24th for the comparatively low price of only $399.99.
This rumored leak is made all the more believable with the current shift in Xbox design focus towards player freedom including their recent statements about the future of Xbox promising to be “not locked to a single store or tied to one device”. With the continually evolving AMD partnership as well as the recent Asus partnership to develop the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handheld gaming systems, it only makes sense that Microsoft would forge another partnership to increase the scope of their steadily growing collection of platforms and devices. According to the rumors, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is slated for a June 24th Shadow drop (as that is the current fad in the gaming industry) which saves them money on marketing because they know that we nerd culture enthusiasts and internet sleuths will find out what’s going on and get the word out for them.
If the headset isn’t good enough for the $400 price tag, then don’t fret, because it is also rumored to come with an Xbox wireless controller, an Elite Strap, and 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate, all nicely packaged in the box. I for one have wanted an Xbox VR headset for many years now and I am hopeful that it is as fun as the others on the market, though perhaps better utilized in future titles. If the headset functions similarly to other Meta Quest headsets, I look forward to developers designing quality games for the device, and one day hopefully having a VR section on Game Pass.
Are you excited for Xbox VR? Do you agree with Xbox’s current development strategies? What game would you want to play in VR first? Let us know over on the Discord.
