In June 2016, Microsoft revealed Project Scorpio, which turned into the Xbox One X in 2017. Two key features Xbox chief Phil Spencer teased for the more powerful games console at the time were 4K gaming and high-end virtual reality. We got 4K gaming, but have been left waiting for VR support. Now Microsoft has decided not to support VR or mixed reality (MR) on Xbox.

Speaking to Gamesindustry.biz, Xbox chief marketing officer Mike Nichols confirmed Microsoft's decision to not pursue those areas, "We don't have any plans specific to Xbox consoles in virtual reality or mixed reality ... Our focus is primarily on experiences you would play on your TV, and ultimately we'd like to make those experiences more broadly."

As to where Microsoft sees VR and MR being a good fit, "Our perspective on it has been and continues to be that the PC is probably the best platform for more immersive VR and MR. As an open platform, it just allows faster, more rapid iteration."

This is in stark contrast to Sony's approach, with the company fully-embracing VR through its own PSVR headset and VR-friendly, or even VR-only game releases. That seems set to continue, which means the next generation of hardware from both camps will likely have a key difference: If you want to enjoy virtual reality on console, buy PlayStation.

Is this a bad decision by Microsoft? Virtual reality is still in its infancy with the technology needing a few more iterations before the quality is high enough and the price of entry low enough for it to potentially become a mainstream form of entertainment. However, at the end of last year Sony announced over two million sales of PSVR kits and 12.2 million games, so there's clearly a market for it already.