Meta has announced a new benefit for Meta Quest headset users by adding the Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition to its Meta Horizon+ subscription service at no extra cost. This means Horizon+ subscribers can now enjoy a large collection of Xbox games along with their existing VR game library using a single subscription.
With this update, Meta Horizon+ subscribers can access more than 50 Xbox games in addition to over 100 virtual reality (VR) games already included in the service. The goal is to give Quest users more entertainment options without increasing the subscription price.
One of the biggest features is the ability to stream Xbox games directly inside a Meta Quest headset. Instead of playing on a TV or computer monitor, users can enjoy their games on a giant virtual screen inside the headset. Meta says subscribers can stream Xbox games for up to 10 hours every month through the included Game Pass Starter Edition membership.
Although the games are played inside the headset, they are not virtual reality games. Instead, the games appear on a large virtual display, giving users the feeling of playing on a huge cinema-sized screen while wearing their Quest headset.
At the moment, players need an Xbox wireless controller to play these Xbox games. The Quest’s regular controllers cannot yet be used as Xbox controllers.
However, Meta has confirmed that this will change soon. The company is preparing a firmware update for the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. After the update is released, the Quest Touch Controllers will be able to act like an Xbox controller, allowing users to play supported Xbox games without buying additional hardware.
Meta says the update will begin rolling out over the next few weeks.
The Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition includes access to a wide variety of popular games. Some of the well-known titles available in the library include:
- Fallout 4
- Fallout 76
- Overcooked 2
- Grounded
- DayZ
These games cover different genres, including action, survival, adventure, and multiplayer games, giving players plenty of choices.
While playing, users can enjoy the games on a virtual display that can appear as large as a 26-foot screen. Meta also offers a special Xbox-themed virtual environment, making the gaming experience feel more immersive even though the games themselves are not designed for virtual reality.
Along with Xbox games, the Meta Horizon+ subscription continues to include more than 100 VR games that users can download and play directly on compatible Quest headsets. This means subscribers get access to both traditional Xbox games and dedicated VR experiences through one membership.
The Meta Horizon+ subscription is available for $59.99 per year or $7.99 per month. New subscribers also receive a free one-month trial, allowing them to test the service before paying.
This new Xbox Game Pass benefit adds even more value to the subscription without increasing its price, making it more attractive for both gamers and Quest headset owners.
Meta is also expected to announce more news about its virtual reality products during the Meta Connect event in September. The company is likely to reveal updates about future Quest headsets, new software features, and additional improvements to its VR ecosystem.
Overall, the addition of Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition makes Meta Horizon+ a more complete gaming service. Subscribers can now enjoy over 150 games, including VR titles and popular Xbox games, all through one affordable subscription. The upcoming controller update will make the experience even more convenient, allowing Quest users to play Xbox games without needing a separate Xbox controller
