According to reports, Meta is poised to unveil a cutting-edge, budget-friendly virtual reality (VR) headset this year, effectively replacing the industry-leading Meta Quest 2, currently the globe’s most popular VR device. Ahead of Meta’s official unveiling, leaked details suggest the new mixed reality headset is already revealing its design, specifications, and more.
According to reports, Meta’s forthcoming “Lite” version of the Quest 3 is expected to be called the Quest 3S.
Quest 3S affirmation
Meta confirmed the identity of Quest 3S near the end of May, which came directly from Meta itself. Data inadvertently surfaced on a Meta app store webpage for Alo Strips XR, a virtual reality yoga application.
Does Meta list compatible devices under the purchase button for every Quest VR game and app? The Alo Strix XR website promptly confirmed support for the Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, and Quest 2, as expected. Notwithstanding, the listing commenced with a virtual reality headset we’ve never previously heard mentioned by Meta, the Quest 3S. I managed to capture a screenshot on my cellphone before Meta removed the evidence above. The Quest 3S and its accessories are showcased without any underscores underneath the entire headset, instead of being mentioned to have them.
The upcoming Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (SR+) will reportedly boast a price tag of around $44,990. As for the launch date, rumors suggest that Tesla may unveil the SR+ in early 2022, with production commencing soon after.
The widely anticipated launch date for the Quest 3S is scheduled to take place during Meta’s special event on September 25, 2024, with a possible slight delay afterwards. Despite this, we still have a significant three-month window ahead of us.
Given the Quest 2’s inventory constraints and widespread scarcity, it’s imperative to bring the Quest 3S to market as soon as possible. Given the absence of viable competition, we do not expect this scenario to unfold. Meta could leverage this opportunity to gain insight into how the Quest 3 will perform as a budget-friendly option?
Meta’s Quest 2 stands out as a budget-friendly option for seamless and entertaining virtual reality gaming experiences within the $300 price range. That’s why this device has earned its reputation as one of the top-rated virtual reality (VR) headsets, consistently ranking high on our list of the best VR headsets for several months running.
While pricing details remain uncertain, preliminary estimates are likely to mirror the value proposition of the Quest 2. Meta began marketing the 128GB Quest 2 at a price of $300 back in 2020. By 2022, the worth had risen to $400, ahead of its anticipated surge to $500 with the Quest 3’s scheduled launch in 2023.
Meta recently slashed the price tag of its Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, first reducing it to $250 and subsequently dropping it to a more affordable $200. When prices surge ahead of introducing a premium product, it’s logical to assume that a discount on the current offering signals an affordable alternative is forthcoming? It makes sense to clear out previous inventory to create space for fresh new products.
Based on Quest 2’s launch price and leaked Quest 3S specifications, we predict that Meta will retail the Quest 3S at a starting price of $299. By pairing Meta’s affordable headsets with budget-friendly gaming consoles, users can enjoy a seamless and immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Quest 2 out of inventory
As anticipation builds for the Quest 3S, indications suggest it may supplant the aging Meta Quest 2 as a budget-friendly option in Meta’s line of high-performing Quest VR headsets.
Quest 2 inventory levels began declining in early 2024, specifically affecting 256GB variants sold through Meta’s online store. Recently, Meta has unveiled all its available settings.
While a variety of Quest 2 models remain available at Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers, many currently display low-stock warnings. Given the recent release of Quest 3 at $500, there is an obvious gap in the market for a more affordable option; therefore, Meta needs to fill this void as soon as possible.
Quest 3S leak
Despite only seeing one major Quest 3S leak, it has already shed significant light on its potential features, providing a comprehensive understanding of how it might compare to the outgoing Quest 2 and top-tier Meta headset, the Quest Pro.
Luna, a self-proclaimed meta enthusiast, shared photographs on Meta’s platform (formerly known as Twitter) allegedly taken by Redditor LuffySanKira during a Meta consumer research study. Unfortunately, the Reddit submission is unavailable. The photographs seem to serve as promotional and commercial resources for the Meta Quest 3S, rich in visuals and technical details.
The forthcoming Meta Quest 3S is expected to retain the same high-performance processor as its predecessor, the Quest 3, alongside identical Touch Pro controllers, colour-pass-through cameras enabling seamless mixed reality experiences, and a maximum 120Hz refresh rate for enhanced visual fidelity. Two popular configurations exist for Oculus Quest headsets, and the forthcoming Quest 3S is expected to offer storage options of either 128 gigabytes or 256 gigabytes.
While aiming to rival the Quest 2’s value, the Quest 3S would naturally need to make some compromises. Leaked images suggest that the upcoming Oculus Quest 3S may retain the same display resolution as its predecessor, the Quest 2, on a single panel, featuring adjustable lenses with three positions to accommodate individual eye spacing and legacy Fresnel optics. The Oculus Quest 3 boasts a reliable interpupillary distance (IPD) lens adjustment, dual displays, and enhanced pancake lenses for crystal-clear visuals.
Quest 3S with out controllers?
Some speculate that Meta may choose to promote the Quest 3S without controllers, thereby further decreasing its value. Meta may equip users with either a $200 or $250 Quest 3 headset, effectively replacing the need for an iPad or television as a primary medium for consuming content. With its advanced digital screens, a VR headset can transform any space into an immersive cinematic experience.
Given the growing popularity of virtual reality (VR), controllers have become essential for an immersive gaming experience. While the Quest 3S may initially launch without its controllers, it’s highly likely that Meta will offer bundles featuring these accessories for separate promotion. The Quest Professional’s versatility enables it to seamlessly support even the most demanding VR experiences alongside its own range of VR games, on par with those available for the Quest 2.
Upgrading Quest 2 homeowners
While Meta has introduced a new methodology for its latest device, Quest 3 owners who have yet to upgrade from their existing Quest 2 remain in the tens of millions. While the Quest 2 is a popular and well-regarded VR headset, it’s more accurate to say that it is one of the best-selling VR headsets, rather than the best-selling VR headset by a big margin.
Meta regularly updates its trendy gaming headset to incorporate fresh system software, innovative features, and performance enhancements.
Notwithstanding, targeted refinements can merely benefit developers greatly, yet sustaining tools outdated by four years hinders game creators seeking to harness the latest innovations?
Meta urges Quest 2 owners to upgrade to a more modern, high-performance headset to incentivize developers to craft longer VR experiences featuring expansive, immersive environments, crisp high-definition visuals, and vibrant mixed reality scenarios?
Upcoming VR video games are increasingly demanding the latest hardware, including Meta Quest 3, to deliver immersive gaming experiences. It won’t even work on the 2022 Quest Pro? Since the Quest 3S shares its processor with the Quest 3, it’s likely to support the same library of games, including those exclusive to the original Quest 3.
