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How VR Could Save the Xbox One

How VR Could Save the Xbox One

Rumors always fly ahead of E3. An especially plausible one has reared its head. Supposedly, Microsoft is going ahead with its incremental Xbox One plan to release minor updates every few years instead of an entirely new console. Part of the 2017 revision is alleged Oculus Rift support. Which makes so much sense. A deal was made to stream Xbox One games to the headset in 2015, and it works with the Xbox One controller.

It’d put the Xbox One on more equal footing with the PlayStation 4. PlayStation VR is going to launch later this year. Microsoft wouldn’t be able to create its own headset in time to keep up. Making a deal with Oculus and preparing one of its incremental updates to play nice with the peripheral is easier and more affordable. Plus, Oculus is a household name among people who game, and that kind of recognition can only help. Sure, the Xbox One will be behind the PS VR launch, but not as behind as it’d be otherwise.

This partnership would aid in new mission to make the Xbox One and Windows 10 play well together. Yes, Windows 10 isn’t officially supported by the Oculus Rift. Yet. A collaboration with Microsoft could make that happen faster, while also opening up the library of Xbox One and Windows 10 games.

Maybe Microsoft could even help with that supply issue. We know there are people who pre-ordered an Oculus Rift for their computers, but still don’t have one months after launch. Imagine what’d happen with a console launch? There’d probably be an equivalent level of demand, maybe more if Microsoft hyped it up right. Oculus alone couldn’t handle it, but if Microsoft stepped in with an assist, the two companies could make it happen.

How VR Could Save the Xbox One

Which would leave compatibility as the only issue. The current rumor is suggesting only the 2017 Xbox One model would be designed with the Oculus Rift in mind. VR headsets are demanding. That could result in fewer people getting into it. But, it could be just the motivation folks would need to go for that incremental upgrade. I wouldn’t move to a new console so quickly if it only slightly improved performance, but it’d be more reasonable if it also added support for a new peripheral.

The Xbox One doesn’t really need help. We’d be fine if this 2017 variation with its Oculus Rift support isn’t true, but it’d be super nice if it was. This is exactly the sort of thing the Xbox One needs, and a partnership with Microsoft and Oculus would add more variety to the marketplace, as the PlayStation VR wouldn’t be the only game in town. This is an idea that could work.

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