No, not all VR headsets work with Xbox is the short answer. Also, Xbox does not officially support VR headsets at all but this does not mean that VR headsets will not connect to Xbox.
Several headsets can connect to Xbox One and Xbox Series X but do not expect to get the full virtual reality experience through the available headsets.
Though, full experience or not, VR headsets still provide a unique gaming experience that many gamers find to their liking. After all, a new gaming experience brings spice to normal PC gaming.
If you’re one of the eager gamers looking into getting a headset for your beloved Xbox, then the following sections about VR headsets and Xbox would be helpful for you.
Xbox and VR Headset Support
The first question that will come to mind after knowing that Xbox does not officially support VR Headsets is why Microsoft decided not to. It appears the reason has something to do with the cost not only for Microsoft but also for buyers.
Microsoft thinks that creating a VR headset specific to Xbox consoles would be expensive when it comes to manufacturing and for their customers.
There are no further news about VR Headsets officially supported by Xbox and no hints either from Microsoft about plans. But, VR gaming does look promising so we might see some plans in the future to support VR Headsets but just don’t get your hopes up.
What to Expect When You Connect a VR Headset to an Xbox
When you connect a VR Headset to an Xbox, as mentioned earlier, you will not have the full 360-degree gaming experience that you would on a PC. The display would render like an extra monitor
The following are the types of things you can do with a VR headset when connected to an Xbox:
- You can watch 3D and regular Blu-ray movies in VR. Just put on the headset, select the Blu-ray player app, and choose your movie.
- You can play any Xbox One game in a virtual cinema. For games that are not built for VR, you will have to play them from a floating screen in front of you while wearing the headset.
- Some apps are designed specifically for VR such as Skyloft which is a 360-degree video app, and Disney Movies VR.
Xbox Compatible VR Headsets
Several headsets can connect to your Xbox One and Xbox X series even when these headsets are not fully supported. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the different cool VR headsets that you might want to link up with your Xbox.
Xbox One and Xbox X Series Compatible VR Headsets
The following are headsets that can connect to either Xbox One or Xbox X Series:
Microsoft HoloLens 2
Microsoft Hololens 2 is on the pricier side of the VR Headsets but perhaps the most comfortable to wear, allowing you to freely roam around while you play a workout game. Unlike most VR Headsets that you are attached to your head, HoloLens 2 has a screen that hangs in front of you.
Microsoft HoloLens VR Headset does not use cables so you can freely move around without limitations on your movements. There are two built-in speakers that you can control using body gestures from your hands and eyes or through the sound of your voice.
Microsoft Hololens as a VR headset for Xbox Series X and Xbox One has 4 cameras and built-in spatial sound that overall provides a remarkable gaming or movie experience.
One of the downsides of this great VR headset is that for some, the screen is a bit small compared to other VR Headsets.
HTC Vive Pro Virtual Reality System
HTC Vive Pro VR is another excellent Xbox VR Headset choice. This one has a high-resolution display that will provide you with stunning visuals for an immersive VR experience.
The Vive Pro as one of the best virtual reality headsets is developed with comfort in mind as it has adjustable straps and eye relief so you can play for extended periods without any discomfort. The audio of this virtual reality headset is top-notch as it uses Hi-Res headphones that are integrated into the headset.
You will have to pay a little extra for the controllers and base stations as they are not included in the purchase.
Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 (Previously called Oculus Quest 2) is one of the most popular VR Headsets that connect to Xbox. This is a standalone headset that does not require any wires or PCs to work. You can use this anywhere you want as it is completely portable.
Meta Quest 2 uses two controllers that are similar to Xbox One controller. The Meta Touch controllers have sensors that track your hand movement providing a natural gaming experience in virtual reality environments and letting you control virtual reality environments.
Meta Quest 2 uses an integrated computer device that gives you the power to explore virtual reality without any wires.
The display is one of the best that you can find in any VR Headset as it uses a high-resolution LCD that provides clear and vibrant visuals as part of the VR games experience. The audio quality of this wireless headset is also excellent as it uses spatial audio that provides a clear rich sound experience.
The battery life of this best VR Headset is about 2 to 3 hours depending on the game that you are playing.
Oculus Rift S VR Headset
This one is for people that already have this VR headset as it is no longer sold. When it comes to virtual reality worlds for your Xbox, the Oculus Rift S which is the upgraded version of the Oculus Rift VR Headset is also a marvelous choice. This virtual reality headset has integrated VR Audio with a fantastic sense of depth and space. If you have your preferred headphones to use, you can remove the audio arm and replace it with your headphones.
With state-of-the-art displays and a wide field of view, Oculus Rift S delivers a brilliant and immersive gaming experience. This headset also features a good room-scale VR experience without external tracking sensors.
There are a few reports of the device freezing but can be easily fixed through a restart.
Additional VR Headsets that work with Xbox One
Xbox One alone has a good share of connectivity with VR Headsets. The following are Xbox One compatible VR Headsets:
Sony PlayStation VR Headset
The Sony Playstation VR Headset is another best VR headset for Xbox (surprisingly), specifically for Xbox One. Even if this was originally designed for PS4, Playstation VR is still compatible with Xbox One. You can connect the Playstation VR Headset to your Xbox using an adapter that you need to purchase separately.
The display of PlayStation VR is 5.7 inches OLED with a resolution of 1080p. The field of view is about 100 degrees which provides you with a good view of the virtual reality environment.
Sony’s PlayStation VR Headset is comfortable to use and does not require any external sensors. The audio quality is also excellent as it uses 3D Audio technology that creates a rich sound experience in the VR world.
Samsung Gear VR
The currently discontinued Samsung Gear VR has the capability to connect to Xbox but also functions as a Mobile VR headset that supports Virtual Reality Technology for Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S9, and Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus.
This VR headset is also lightweight that brings convenience during gaming. This headset comes with a controller, a touchpad, and a trigger button to control the virtual reality environment.
Beneve Headset
Beneve VR Glasses or Headset is another virtual reality headset system that can connect to Xbox One with a remarkable 1440p resolution for gaming, movies, and videos.
Beneve Headset has an adjustable phone holder that you can use depending on the size of your mobile phone.
This headset also has an excellent display as it uses a high-resolution LCD that gives you a clear and vibrant image of the virtual reality world. The audio quality is also commendable as it uses in-built speakers that provide a rich sound experience.
Beneve Headset package comes with a controller.
GenBasicQuad HD VR Headset
GenBasicQuad HD is one of the most affordable virtual reality headsets that can work with Xbox One and PC. This VR headset for Xbox One with its affordable price delivers a fantastic gaming experience.
There are different modes to choose from when using this headset including a 110-degree field of view and a 360-degree field of view.
The battery is quite impressive too but the downside is with the HDMI cable. The HDMI connectivity can result in a little lag in some games.
GenBasicQuad HD comes with a Bluetooth Controller too that can connect to your PC.
Does Any VR Headset Work With Xbox Final Thoughts
The Xbox One and the newer Xbox Series X do not have full support for virtual reality headsets but you can still use them with some of the compatible VR Headsets on the market.
Each of these VR Headsets has its unique features that can provide you with an immersive gaming experience. Choose the VR headset that fits your budget and gaming needs.
