Rumor: Microsoft was developing a VR headset for Xbox

Microsoft was rumored to be developing a VR headset for the Xbox One, but canceled plans to release the headset earlier this year. The company would like to wait for some further development.

There are no images or specs of the alleged VR headset, but Cnet claims that it was not about advanced hardware. The VR headset would not offer the image quality of competitors such as the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift. Instead, it would be something like the PlayStation VR, the headset Sony sells for its PS4 consoles.

Microsoft has been working on the headset for several years, according to Cnet. In addition, it has asked developers to make games for the upcoming hardware. The company’s focus shifted from creating virtual reality for Xbox to mixed reality for Windows, something Windows 10 has been supporting since last fall. Plus, it’s still working on the Hololens, its ar headset.

In addition to the shift in focus, Microsoft wants to wait until promising techniques to make VR more mainstream, such as wireless VR headsets, hit the market. That is why it has shelved the plans for a VR headset. Microsoft already said during an interview at E3 with GamesIndustry.biz that it had no plans for a VR headset for the Xbox.

PSVR from competitor Sony