Gaming has never been the same since the advent of VR technology. From the surreal graphics to wide fields of view, virtual reality offers you the chance to enjoy an immersive experience when playing your favorite game on the different consoles available.
Unfortunately, not all gaming consoles support VR headsets. In this article, we explore whether or not any VR headsets work with the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Do any VR headsets work with Xbox One & Series X?
No. Not every VR headset is compatible with Xbox. According to the latest update from Microsoft (the manufacturers of Xbox), VR support is not available for the Xbox One or the newer Xbox Series X.
However, this does not mean that you cannot connect a VR headset to an Xbox One or an Xbox Series X console.
You can connect popular VR headset brands like Oculus Rift and HTC Vive to your Xbox consoles without much fuss.
It is very easy to do so as long as you have the right equipment and streaming software.
The only difference is that you won’t have that immersive experience as is the case with other applications that support VR headsets.
Xbox does not support any VR headsets meaning the immersive elements and real-life experience will be missing as the headsets only function as a second screen.
This is not the full VR experience that gamers are looking for, but it remains an interesting option for those who want to play with a VR headset.
Read Do VR Headsets Come With Games?
It appears Microsoft is not ready to pursue the idea of manufacturing their own VR headsets. Apparently, producing wireless headsets for the Xbox One and the Series X is somewhat expensive, thus Microsoft is reluctant to provide native support for VR headsets.
At one point, Microsoft had its own VR system known as the Kinect, which combined elements of augmented reality and virtual reality. The VR system was however discontinued after it became too costly to pursue the idea.
As it stands, Xbox gamers have to use what is available without relying on native support from Microsoft.
Read: Do VR Headsets Require Internet?
What does a VR headset need to work with Xbox?
Not any VR headset can work with Xbox One or Series X, since Microsoft does not provide support for VR technology. However, you can work your way around this limitation to make your VR headset work with Xbox.
Depending on the type of VR headset you intend to use, you need to download the Xbox streaming app. You also need a Windows 10 PC, which you will connect to your Xbox console and then to your VR headset.
If you are using a PS VR headset, you can connect it directly to your Xbox console using an HDMI cable.
Is Oculus compatible with Xbox?
Yes. Oculus is compatible with Xbox. Out of all the VR headsets available in the market today, Oculus is the most compatible with Xbox consoles. The headset comes equipped with an Xbox One controller and it features an Xbox wireless adaptor tailored for Windows.
Some Oculus Rift versions come with a 9-foot USB cable instead of a wireless adaptor.
Oculus VR headsets come with so many features that promise an incredible VR experience.
They consist of inside-out tracking with up to 5 cameras placed on a single headset. With this feature, you do not require external tracking sensors.
Oculus headsets also have the biggest resolutions for maximum clarity when playing your favorite Xbox games.
How to connect Oculus to Xbox?
The best part about Oculus VR headsets is that they are very easy to set up. You do not have to be tech-savvy to connect your Oculus headset to your Xbox console. In case of any challenges, you can follow these steps to set up your Oculus headset and Xbox.
- Obtain an Xbox controller
- Turn on your PC
- Install the Oculus app on your PC
- Launch the Oculus app
- Navigate to the left menu and select “Devices”
- Go to Rift and Touch and select Pair Device
- Select Pair Gamepad
- Follow instructions and add your Xbox controller
How do I stream Oculus to Xbox?
The process of streaming Oculus to Xbox is equally easy. Here are the steps:
- Launch your Xbox console
- Go to settings and enable game streaming
- Connect your Xbox console to your PC (Windows 10)
- Download and install the Xbox streaming app on your PC from the Oculus store
- Connect your headset to the console
- Start Xbox streaming
- Your current game will start streaming automatically to your Oculus headset
What other VR headsets work with Xbox?
If you want to explore other options that fit your budget, you can consider other brands. Here are examples of other VR headsets worth checking out.
HTC Vive Pro
Last update on 2024-04-26 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The HTC Vive Pro is another great choice for Xbox gamers who want to enjoy the immersive experience of virtual reality.
This headset allows you to create a virtual world of 20 by 20 feet thanks to its 2.0 base station.
It offers a resolution of 2880 x 1600 pixels for the ultimate 3D true-to-life gaming experience. Besides, it features AMOLED screens for improved clarity.
The headset is optimized for maximum comfort thanks to its ergonomic design. Moreover, the weight of the headset is evenly distributed to balance the center of gravity and fit different head shapes.
The most interesting aspect about this headset is that it supports wireless connectivity. However, you also have the option to use an HDMI cable if you want. These options make the headset portable and convenient to use.
Pros
- Premium VR headset compatible with most gaming consoles
- Support wireless connectivity for improved portability
- Offers higher resolution than its competitors
- Features adjustment controls for mic and headphones
- Extremely comfortable to wear
Cons
- Has very high PC requirements
HTC Vive Cosmos Elite
Last update on 2024-04-27 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
The HTC Vive Cosmos Elite Virtual Reality System is a great alternative to Oculus headsets. The headset comes equipped with dozens of auxiliary features designed for an immersive gaming experience.
Besides, it is compatible with nearly all major operating systems, making it easy to connect to Xbox One and the Xbox Series X.
It features up to six external camera sensors for refined inside-out tracking and its 2880 x 1700 combined pixel resolution guarantees crystal-clear graphics, which is a massive 88% upgrade over its predecessor.
The headset also features new LCD panels that work to reduce the overall distance between panels, thereby minimizing the screen-door effect.
As if that is not enough, this VR headset has form-fitting stereo headphones for great sound during your VR escapades.
Its flip-up design guarantees comfort during gameplay as you can switch between reality and virtual reality with minimal disruptions.
No matter the size of your head or the shape of your face, this headset fits a variety of dimensions. You can even use them while wearing glasses.
With lighthouse tracking, six-degree-of-freedom support, powerful audio transmission, and precision movements, the HTC Vive Cosmos VR headset is the ultimate choice for an elite gaming experience.
Pros
- Compatible with both Xbox One and Series X
- Comes with six camera sensors for inside-out tracking
- Equipped with advanced hardware configuration
- Flip-up design reduces disruptions
- Minimal scree-door effect
Cons
- Costs quite a bit of money
Sony PlayStation VR
Last update on 2024-04-27 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Your last option for connecting your Xbox console to a decent VR headset is Sony’s PlayStation VR.
It may seem odd since the headset is designed for PS4 and PS5, but users have discovered it can also work with the Xbox One console.
The PlayStation VR headset has an HDMI input port that you can directly plug into the Xbox One’s HDMI output port.
Unfortunately, there’s a downside to it. Since the headset isn’t made for Xbox, you shouldn’t expect full PSVR functionality out of the experience. It’ll only display an HD video source in a cinematic style mode.
You’ll see a massive, static screen in front of you, and it’ll be like playing the non-VR games on the PlayStation itself. There will be no head-tracking.
However, you’ll still get to play your Xbox games on a big screen with an expansive 5.7” OLED 1080p display running at up to 120 frames per second.
The headset features 3D audio technology, providing immersive sounds for you. The built-in microphone allows you to chat with your online friends while gaming.
Pros
- 5.7” OLED 1080p display
- High frame rates up to 120 fps.
- 3D audio technology.
- Built-in mic.
- Comfortable to wear.
Cons
- No immersive VR experience.
- No precision tracking and head tracking with Xbox.
Which VR headsets do not work with Xbox?
For any VR headset to work with Xbox, it must be compatible with the Xbox console streaming app. Any headset that does not support this streaming app cannot work with Xbox.
Final thoughts
No doubt, the future of gaming is in virtual reality. Gamers want to enjoy an immersive, real-life experience when playing their favorite games.
Unfortunately, some of the most popular gaming consoles, include Xbox One and Series X do not provide native support for VR technology.
This means you have to pursue other options if you want to connect your VR headset to your gaming console.
The good news is that nothing is impossible in this era of technology. You can now play your Xbox One or Series X with a VR headset if you really want to.
All you have to do is to invest in the right VR headset, streaming software, and compatible equipment.
Our top recommendation is the HTC VIVE Pro VR headset, but you can try other options highlighted in this post.
