Xbox Series X VR support teased again by console error message

Is VR gaming for Xbox gamers once again on the cards?

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It was teased ahead of the release ofMicrosoft’s latest consoles, but could VR gaming be once again on the cards for theXbox Series XandXbox Series Sconsoles?

As spotted byIGN Italy, some Italian Xbox users are being greeted with anXbox VR-related message that translates as “An update for the VR headset is available” when connecting the newXbox Wireless Headsetto a console. An additional message requests users “Update VR headset” before continuing.

The message only appears when using an “Xbox Series X/Soperating system”, according to the report.

Xbox VR support incoming?

Microsoft has yet to comment on the message, so it’s hard to say yet whether it’s been written into the system in error, or has slipped into consumer messaging ahead of an official announcement. Indeed, both headphones (like the Xbox Wireless) and VR hardware (like theOculus Quest 2) are both referred to as ‘headsets’, despite their differing purposes and form factors.

And yet, Microsoft has dabbled with the idea of bringing VR support to its Xbox platform in the past. Xbox boss Phil Spencer, in February 2020, stated that VR support for its console would become a"no brainer,“if VR continues to grow in popularity. And ahead of the Series X / S console’s eventual reveal, the company stated that a successor to the Xbox One X could support “high fidelity VR” – a statement that hasn’t born fruit, even if the Xbox Series X hardware is certainly capable of powering VR applications. Microsoft has even partnered with Facebook’sOculusin the past, bundling in the Xbox One controller with the company’s Oculus headsets previously.

Remember, Microsoft already works alongside partner brands to make Windows VR and Mixed Reality headsets, so it’s not completely removed from the hardware side of the equation, either, even if it decides eventually not to bringOculus Quest 3support to the table, or chooses to sidestep Xbox branded VR hardware. WithSonygoing all-in with aPSVR 2headset, maybe it’s time Microsoft followed suit.

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Gerald is Editor-in-Chief of iMore.com. Previously he was the Executive Editor for TechRadar, taking care of the site’s home cinema, gaming, smart home, entertainment and audio output. He loves gaming, but don’t expect him to play with you unless your console is hooked up to a 4K HDR screen and a 7.1 surround system. Before TechRadar, Gerald was Editor of Gizmodo UK. He is also the author of ‘Get Technology: Upgrade Your Future’, published by Aurum Press.

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