Meta has officially announced the Meta Quest 3, its next-gen VR headset, which is set to release this Fall at a price of $499.
The upcoming headset features a refreshed design, boasting a 40% slimmer profile than its predecessor, and is equipped with a new Snapdragon chipset.
Zuckerberg revealed that more information will be shared at the Meta Connect conference on September 27. This feels very much like a pre-announcement, designed to take control of the narrative after the Apple Reality Pro announcement, which is expected on 5 June.
Price
The Meta Quest 3 starts at $499/£499, which is $100 more than the Quest 2 with its price tag of $399/£399. But it's less than the $549 PSVR 2, and doesn't require a console or gaming PC.
Meta also announced a price reduction for the Quest 2. The 128GB version will be priced at $299, and the 256GB model will be available for $349.
While Mark Zuckerberg's announcement didn't delve into the detailed specifications of the Meta Quest 3, several key takeaways can be gleaned from his Instagram-based announcement.
Slimmer size, more power
According to Meta, the Meta Quest 3 has undergone a complete redesign and the Quest 3 boasts a slimmer profile by 40%.
The Quest 3 will offer a base storage option of 128GB, along with the possibility of an additional storage option for users who require more space.
A notable upgrade is the inclusion of a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. While the exact chip model is undisclosed, it is expected to be customized for the Quest 3. However, Zuck outlined that the Quest 3 will deliver double the graphics performance, but we'll likely have to wait until September for more details, just like word on the resolution or refresh rate.
Mixed reality and content
One big upgrade is the High-fidelity color Passthrough for mixed reality, and the Quest 3 will use a color camera – offering the potential to mix real-world and virtual elements. However, Quest 3 does not include eye-tracking technology.
In terms of controllers, Meta has redesigned the Quest 3's Touch Plus controllers to offer improved ergonomics and incorporate TruTouch haptics.
This enhancement could potentially provide the same advanced haptic experience found in the PSVR 2's Sense controllers, which have garnered praise and secured a place on our list of best VR headsets.
With an expanding library of Quest VR games, the Quest 3 could be an attractive choice for newcomers to virtual reality. Although the higher price may pose a challenge, the technology on offer has the potential to revolutionize all-in-one VR headsets.
How we test
James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.