The new Xbox VR headset built in collaboration with Meta can change the metaverse gaming realm

The featured image was created using DALL-E and it’s not an actual photo of the new Xbox VR headset

Recently, Copilot was compared to the Metaverse, and there are signs that AI has a lot of potential enhancing the virtual realms. Well, it seems like Microsoft and Meta are joining forces to bring Xbox fans something special, yet there’s a twist that might not be what everyone was hoping for.

They’re working on an Xbox-branded VR headset, but before you get too excited, it’s not exactly what it sounds like. This partnership is all about creating a limited edition of Meta’s Quest VR headset, decked out with Xbox branding and some cool perks. But here’s the kicker: it’s not going to support VR gaming on Xbox consoles. At least, not yet.

So, what’s the deal? Well, Meta and Microsoft have decided to collaborate on this special edition Meta Quest headset, which will come with Xbox controllers and a Game Pass subscription. This setup is designed to give users a taste of cloud gaming on a virtual big screen, but it won’t dive into the VR versions of Xbox favorites like Halo or Forza just yet. Essentially, this is more about branding and less about new VR gaming capabilities on the Xbox.

Will the Xbox VR headset change the VR adoption?

This isn’t the first rodeo for Microsoft when it comes to VR. They’ve dabbled in VR hardware in the past and their HoloLens 3 headset might even launch this year, but never brought it to the Xbox platform. It has business and even military applications and was never intended for entertainment purposes.

This new venture with Meta allows Xbox to dip its toes into the VR market without the hefty investment in research and development. Meanwhile, Meta gets to bolster its gaming credibility, which it’s been eager to do.

But why go this route? It is a strategic move for both companies. Microsoft gets to explore the VR space with minimal risk, and Meta gets a chance to appeal to Xbox’s hardcore gaming audience. Plus, by including Xbox controllers and a Game Pass subscription, they’re making cloud gaming more accessible and appealing, even if it’s not the entire VR experience gamers might have dreamed of.

For those keeping an eye on the VR industry, this collaboration is a clear sign that the landscape is evolving. Meta is opening its Meta Horizon operating system to other hardware makers, aiming to create a broader ecosystem for mixed reality devices. This means we could see more VR devices from companies like Asus and Lenovo, based on Meta’s platform. And with Xbox in the mix, it’s evident that the gaming world is starting to take mixed reality more seriously.

Meta opens its OS and Microsoft is opening their Xbox Cloud gaming to VR

Moreover, Meta just announced that it’s opening the Horizon OS mixed reality operating system that powers our Meta Quest headsets to all developers.

That is a huge deal and here’s why:

• ASUS’s Republic of Gamers will use its expertise as a leader in gaming solutions to develop an all-new performance gaming headset.
• Lenovo will draw on its experience co-designing Oculus Rift S, as well as deep expertise in engineering leading devices like the ThinkPad laptop series, to develop mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment.
• Xbox and Meta teamed up last year to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to Meta Quest, letting people play Xbox games on a large 2D virtual screen in mixed reality. Now, we’re working together again to create a limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox.

Meta press release

Until now, the developers didn’t rush to create VR-related apps and content and that’s why the consumers were not so enthusiastic about buying headsets. With Microsoft opening up the Xbox Cloud Gaming hub to VR, the move might literally going to be a game changer.

There is still one remaining issue. VR headsets are still heavy and bulky, and you can’t wear them for more than a few hours before getting headaches and nausea. With enough incentives, gamers will jump in the metaverse, but with is the price to pay when it comes to their health?

As for the price of the new Xbox VR headset, we don’t have any information yet, but we do know that the Meta Quest 3 headset is priced $499 right now. If Microsoft will slap their logo on it, the price will probably stay the same.

So, what do you think? Is this limited-edition Meta Quest headset a smart move for Xbox and Meta, or is it just a tease for gamers hoping for full VR support on Xbox? It’s an exciting development, for sure, but only time will tell how it plays out in the broader context of VR gaming and mixed-reality experiences. Let your opinion be seen in the comments section below.