Xbox Series X VR would be pointless right now, claims Phil Spencer

(Image credit: Micosoft)

We didn't think it was likely, but Xbox boss Phil Spencer has now confirmed that the Xbox Series X will definitely not support VR at launch.

In an interview with Gamertag Radio (via VentureBeat), Spencer explained that Microsoft is waiting until Xbox VR becomes a "no brainer" but right now the company doesn't see the feature as "so important" on its next-gen hardware.

Spencer also highlighted that, while VR may be doing well on Windows, it would be a much more difficult affair to port VR support to a console – and that's not the company's focus right now.

"VR is not just as simple as plugging [in] your headset," Spencer explained. “You have to redo the dash[board], like there’s a bunch of work that goes into it.”

While Xbox VR seems like a pointless endeavour for the company right now, Spencer does hope that demand for VR will grow. It's at that point that we may see Xbox dipping its feet in the pool.

Xbox and VR

(Image credit: rustam_shaimov / Shutterstock.com)

As VentureBeat points out, Spencer's comments come just months after the Xbox boss caused controversy by suggesting that “nobody’s asking for VR” and that "nobody’s selling millions and millions” of VR headsets. 

While on the topic of VR, he tried to explain his previous comments – claiming they were for clarity rather than an insult to the VR community.

"I wanted to be clear with our customers on where our focus was,” Spencer said. If Xbox fans hoped that Microsoft would “bring out a VR headset for Xbox Series X at the launch or something I was just trying to say we’re not going to do that… we have to focus our efforts on the things that we’re doing right now.”

So, while we're expecting Sony to release PSVR 2 alongside the PlayStation 5, don't expect Xbox Series X to come with VR support – at least not yet.

TOPICS
Freelance writer

An award-winning games journalist, with seven years of experience in games journalism and a degree in journalism from City University, London, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer, The Telegraph, VG247, Dot Esports and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel, as she’s previously appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Ulster and more. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she's appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.

Read more
Does anyone care about VR anymore? It still doesn't have that "killer" app
Xbox Live Gold price deals
Xbox in 2025: a make-or-break year for Microsoft's console
Starfield
Phil Spencer isn't ruling out a Starfield PS5 release, could it be the next Xbox exclusive to come to the platform?
a screenshot from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Xbox boss Phil Spencer wants to be 'transparent' during Xbox showcases, will continue putting PlayStation and Nintendo logos in its trailers
Best VR headsets
The best VR headsets in 2025: top virtual reality headsets from Meta, Valve and more
An Xbox Series X console on an orange background beside an Xbox Series X Digital Edition on a green background
Xbox Series X vs Xbox Series X Digital Edition: comparing price, design, specs, performance and more
Latest in Xbox Series X | S
Xbox Series X Digital Edition deal
Stop what you're doing and check out this Xbox Series X Black Friday deal – it probably won't be beaten
The three new Xbox Series console variants on a stand at Gamescom 2024
Where to buy the new Xbox Series X and S consoles - including the gorgeous Galaxy Black 2TB machine
Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X|S will require Xbox Game Pass to play when it launches in full
Baldur's Gate 3 Astarion
Baldur’s Gate 3 Xbox missing save problem will soon be fixed for good as firmware issue has been found
Final Fantasy 14 Y'shtola
Final Fantasy 14 Xbox open beta will kick off next month says director
The Xbox series X on a blue background with the words "Price Cut"
Save $120 on the Xbox Series X in the second-best deal we've ever seen
Latest in News
A super close up image of the Google Gemini app in the Play Store
It's official: Google Assistant will be retired for phones this year, with Gemini taking over
Quordle on a smartphone held in a hand
Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #1147)
NYT Strands homescreen on a mobile phone screen, on a light blue background
NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #378)
NYT Connections homescreen on a phone, on a purple background
NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 16 (game #644)
Three iPhone 16 handsets on show
Apple could launch an iPhone 17 Ultra this year – but we've heard these rumors before
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough