Meta Quest 3 is revealed – thinner, better and more expensive

Virtual reality (VR) has been “around the corner” for many years, but in the fall of 2020, Meta-owned Oculus presented a product that made VR significantly more popular. Quest 2 invested in built-in hardware with perfectly fine performance, the possibility to use together with a computer, and a relatively low price tag. After the fall’s launch with the significantly slower-selling Meta Quest Pro, an upgraded version of the bestseller is now revealed. The name is short and sweet Meta Quest 3.

Just like its predecessor, it is a headset with a built-in system circuit and inside-out-tracking, which means that the user does not have to install reference points or so-called beacons in the game environment. Said system chip is upgraded to the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which according to Meta doubles the graphics performance compared to the Quest 2.

Specifikationer: Quest Pro, Quest 2, Quest 3

Like the Quest Pro, the newcomer comes with built-in cameras that can display the surroundings in color, for use in applications that mix reality and digital elements. Even the hand controls get a lift reminiscent of the Quest Pro, where sharpened tactile feedback is promised. However, the controls lack the built-in cameras found in the more expensive model, something that must be compensated for by sensors in the headset.

The new hand controls will have no tracking ring at the top.

One of the weaknesses of built-in hardware is that the VR headset risks becoming relatively heavy. It is a focus area of ​​Quest Pro and the same applies to Quest 3, which according to Meta will be 40 percent slimmer than the older version. The company refers mainly to the part that lies against the face, but does not mention any specific details about weight. However, the image material reveals that the design of the elastic band that holds the Quest 3 in place on the head changes slightly.

Compared to Quest 2, Quest 3 is considerably nicer.

Meta announces that Quest 3 will be launched sometime this autumn and at the time of writing the company is relatively sparing with technical details. They promise better images and a more immersive experience, pointing to upgraded screens and lenses. According to information, 120 Hz LCD panels with 2,064 × 2,208 pixels per eye, as well as so-called pancake lenses, will be used on the screen front. However, eye and face tracking will continue to be exclusive to the Pro model.

Once the Quest 3 is released, the price will start at SEK 6,790, which is SEK 1,900 more than the Quest 2 with 128 GB of built-in storage space. However, Meta promises yet another price reduction of the older variant, which will coexist with Quest 3. The newcomer thus ends up in the borderland between the existing VR products, both in terms of price and performance, but will be compatible with the many built-in applications that are available today.