Well, while I think Microsoft's version of wi-fi direct is much better than say Bluetooth or a standard wi-fi connection, that would indicate a custom made part or headset. If MS could get the Quest 2 to work with the Xbox Series consoles even single wired like on PC, that would be a great start (it also works wirelessly with PC with some side-loaded software but with a small grfx/latency hit). Moving forward, they'd likely need to work closely with someone (i.e. Oculus) to ensure full wireless support for Xbox. Both scenarios would be a boon for Oculus. I know the Quest 2 is probably a loss leader for them (cray that this headset is the same price or cheaper than the Rift S with MUCH more tech inside) so don't know if they really could release a cheaper headset without local processing (essentially a cheaper Rift S)...but from an install base perspective, the lower the price the better...so a $199 variant that works with PC/Xbox that is wireless with no local processing is probably their goal (at least that would be my focus for VR hardware if I was head of Xbox).If they go the wireless route would it be best if they use their proprietary WiFi tech that they use for their controllers?
So, it came pretty fast and I think most people didn't even realize it but we have viable fully wireless VR today at a more than reasonable price. Not perfect but, like I said, a really great start. This is one of the items Phil mentioned as a barrier and why MS didn't jump into VR even with the X1X (the other being that the development space was immature)...but this was probably 2.5-3 years ago and a lot has changed. At the right price/config, VR could sell tons on console (i.e. price point, fully wireless, etc.). It would need to be a loss leader though and that can be a hard sell to management.
My approach:
- $199 "dumb" Headset - Matches Oculus Quest 2 current specs (or better?) for rez and is fully wireless with a 1-2 hour battery life
- Partner with Oculus to port any Oculus branded software to Xbox and all free with GP sub
- A loss leader headset would likely mean Oculus get's some sort of cut of GP subs and possibly other subsidy from MS...either way, probably much cheaper than MS doing their own R&D/headset manufacture.
- Partner with other 3rd parties to port the good/great stuff to Xbox (sorry, first foray is going to be a ton of ports)
- Some free with GP and some paid (pricing should be $40 or less for paid)
- Prep all of your first party studios for VR (all free with GP)
- VR Halo experience
- VR Gears
- VR Sea of Thieves
- Port Skyrim VR/Fallout VR
- VR Starfield
- VR Perfect Dark
- Outright buy Ready at Dawn.....the company that makes EchoVR...that game is fire
- Just buy f*cking Crytek goddammit....they have a really good VR game currently (The Climb) and you could have them make freaking Ryse VR!!! and other non-VR experiences