Xbox's forthcoming model may prove to be the most unconventional one so far, with a possible imminent release.
Get the lowdown on the wild ride that is Microsoft's Xbox brand – it's like watching a rollercoaster without the nausea! From doubling down on Xbox Game Pass and cloud gaming, to shared exclusives with PlayStation, to teaming up with Asus for the ROG Xbox Ally, and even proposing that third parties might build their own Xbox consoles, the Xbox strays from the beaten path like a stray mutt on a moonlit night.
One intriguing development is rumored to be an Xbox-branded VR/XR headset, though specifics are scarce. In April 2024, Meta announced it would let third-party manufacturers adopt the Quest 3 OS – that's right, Horizon OS! Xbox is said to be on board, planning to develop a limited edition Meta Quest headset, boasting features like Xbox controllers and Game Pass compatibility[4]. But what will set it apart from the standard Quest 3 model? Will it be as revolutionary as a badly-drawn cat meme on a fraternity house wall?
We don't have prototypes or release dates yet, and the pricing is a well-guarded secret, but Zuckerberg dropped a juicy hint: the Xbox edition could come ready to play on a big screen anywhere you go. That's right, folks – Xbox and Meta are teaming up to give you the ultimate gaming experience in the palms of your hands, or maybe even on your forehead if that's your thing.
The collab could result in a reasonably priced entry-level VR/MR option for first-timers, but the real question remains: do you need Touch Plus controllers to play popular games[5]? If so, be prepared to shell out $74.99 for each additional pair if you decide to join the VR/MR gang.
The last update on this Xbox-branded headset was in April 2024. Some skeptics might say this project has disappeared faster than a potato chip at a butt-chin convention, but the collaboration seems too minor to be scrapped entirely. The upcoming Meta Connect 2025 event might just unveil the answers we crave, as the Meta Quest 4 is rumored to drop in 2027.
So there you have it, folks – Xbox and Meta teetering on the brink of a VR/MR collaboration, and none of us can look away. It's like trying to escape a train wreck in slow motion – you just can't look away!
Bonus:
- *Nintendo's handhelds may lack speed, but who'd trade 'Palworld' for 'Pokémon'?*
- *That canceled Xbox project? Not so scary when you realize its brilliance*
- *What's holding back Xbox Ally X? One tiny, annoying detail*
[1] Meta Quest 4 Release Pushed to 2027, Meta Quest Pro Reportedly Coming in 2026 (Link)[2] Meta Quest 3: Everything We Know About the Headset's Specs, Release Date, and Price (Link)[3] Meta Quest Pro reportedly aims for a 2022 release, but a simple upgrade may suffice for now (Link)[4] Meta Quest 3: Powered by Horizon OS, with Limited Edition Xbox Headset in the Works (Link)[5] Meta Quest 3: Controller Speculation - Do You Need Touch Plus Controllers for Popular VR Games? (Link)
- The Xbox-branded VR/XR headset, in collaboration with Meta, promises an immersive gaming experience, potentially featuring Xbox controllers and Game Pass compatibility.
- Scheduled to release in 2027, the Meta Quest 4 is rumored to unveil the mystery surrounding the Xbox-branded headset, and hopefully, answered questions about its unique features and price.
- In need of Touch Plus controllers to play popular games, potential buyers may have additional costs if they opt for the Xbox-branded Meta Quest headset.
- Despite rumors of the project's dissolution, the collaboration between Xbox and Meta continues, hinting at the possibility of a budget-friendly VR/MR option for beginners in the near future.
