Don't expect VR gaming on the Xbox Series X — that's a win for PS5

Don't expect VR gaming on the Xbox Serial X — that'southward a win for PS5

(Paradigm credit: VGC)

Don't expect an Xbox Serial X virtual reality headset any time presently as Xbox's top brass Phil Spencer has again confirmed his skepticism of the technology in a recent interview. Alternatively, Sony seems very committed to VR, which could give the PS5 an edge over Microsoft'due south console.

Spencer has fabricated some unfavorable comments about VR in the by. In 2019, he called the technology "isolating" and claimed that "nobody's asking for VR" in the Xbox customs, although he did slightly backtrack on these remarks later on. However, a recent Wall Street Journal interview again confirms that VR isn't seen as an expanse of interest for Xbox.

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When quizzed on Xbox's approach to VR, Spencer said: "We're focused a lot more on the software side of that correct at present. When I recall well-nigh immersive worlds and I recollect about the connection of a player and community, that's something that's very high on our investment list.

"I recollect that the hardware innovation that's happening is great and it's an important enabler, [but] correct now I'one thousand deciding to stay more in the software side of that enablement. I believe information technology volition calibration better in the long run."

However, Spencer was complimentary most Xbox'due south gaming rival's efforts in the space: "I applaud what Sony's doing, I applaud what Oculus is doing, what Valve has washed. I mean, there'southward a lot of expert players out there that have washed some amazing VR work. But yes, we're gonna stay equally a company right at present in the consumer space focused on software, and I think that's a good bet."

Information technology looks like whatsoever Xbox Series 10 owners hoping for some form of VR peripherals will need to reign in their expectations — and maybe buy a PS5 down the road.

Xbox is leaving the VR crown to Sony without a fight

A render image of the PSVR headset — (Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment)

Xbox'due south stance on VR is definitely not ane mirrored past its biggest competitors. Sony has already confirmed that a follow-upwards to its PSVR headset will be launching next year for the PS5, the headset is tentatively called the NGVR (next-gen virtual reality).

It's clear that PlayStation continues to run into VR equally an area worth committing resource to. And Spencer again ruling out an Xbox VR headset, leaves the track articulate for the PS5 to dominate the console VR infinite without any form of competition.

VR gaming is arguably a niche area of the market, but as of January 2020, Sony's PS4/PS5 compatible original PSVR headset has sold more than five one thousand thousand units with more than 22 million VR games also existence sold. That'due south a sizeable clamper of gamers that are willing to buy into the VR space.

With its easier setup and more authentic tracking, via a new orb-like controller, Sony will likely be hoping to significantly grow its VR playerbase with the NGVR headset. It seems a niggling odd that Xbox doesn't want its own piece of the pie. However, this reluctance to enter the market is definitely a win for Sony, giving the PS5 a selling indicate that the Xbox Serial X can't lucifer.

Of form, neither console really needs any additional selling points, both have been consistently out of stock since they launched last November. If you lot're withal looking to purchase a side by side-gen console and so brand sure to check out our PS5 restock and Xbox Series X restock hubs for the latest stock update.

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Rory is a Deals Editor at Tom'south Guide based in the UK. He covers a broad range of topics just with a detail focus on deals, gaming and streaming. When he's not scouring retailers for PS5 restock or writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he can be found attending music festivals and being thoroughly disappointed by his terrible football team.