The Xbox app is now available on Meta's Quest 2, 3 and Pro headsets, with no console required as it utilizes Xbox cloud gaming. We have concerns about latency.
The plans for the partnership between Microsoft's Xbox and Facebook's Meta were announced earlier this year, and Meta has now confirmed the availability of the Xbox app. Users need to update their Quest headset's software to the latest version.
The Xbox app for Meta Quest. Photo: Meta
- "It's a huge day for VR as a massive new player has entered the game. That’s right, the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app is now available on Meta Quest! Now, anyone with a Meta Quest 2, 3, or Pro headset, the latest Quest software update, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, a supported controller, and a high-speed internet connection can download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Quest Store and stream hundreds of high-quality games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport on a massive virtual 2D display—no console or TV required," announced Meta.
The app supports Xbox controllers, PlayStation 4 controllers and Nintendo Switch Pro controllers, with support for Sony's PS5 DualSense controller coming later
Latency is a concern
Xbox cloud gaming – over the internet – can exceed 100ms click-to-pixel latency in a 60Hz environment. This can significantly impact the gaming experience compared to running games locally on-device.
While cloud gaming latency is an inconvenience on regular devices, it can literally make you sick in VR.
The app is available now in beta (see app listing here) for everyone to try on Meta Quest, so we will be awaiting gamers' feedback, but from a technical standpoint it seems like a poor solution to the real problem of enabling console games to be played on VR headsets.
Here's how it works, according to Meta:
