The Meta Quest 3 surpasses its predecessor, the Quest 2, in various aspects. It not only offers improved comfort but also packs more power, making it more user-friendly for extended usage. The overall experience is notably superior. If you were seeking a quick overview of Meta’s latest headset, there you have it. The enhancements in passthrough functionality alone are significant; now, I can effortlessly grab my coffee or navigate around the room without removing the headset. This, in itself, makes the upgrade worthwhile, even if you invested in a Quest 2 just a couple of years ago and haven’t utilized it as much as you initially anticipated.
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However, when it comes to the Meta Quest 3, my certainty wavers. I can confidently affirm that it surpasses the 2020 Quest 2 in terms of a VR headset, yet the steep price hike raises questions. If it’s positioned as cutting-edge mixed reality headgear aimed at seamlessly merging the digital and real worlds, it falls short due to notable faults and a scarcity of content. While it excels as an incredibly immersive gaming system, its library lacks the breadth and depth found in competitors like Sony and Microsoft. The ambiguity surrounding the Quest 3’s identity leaves room for both praise and skepticism.
Meta consistently labels the Quest 3 as “the first mainstream mixed reality headset,” and technically, they’re accurate. Priced at $499.99 for the 128GB variant and $649.99 for the 512GB model, it represents a notable increase from the Quest 2’s initial $299.99, yet it stays on the favorable side of affordability, especially when juxtaposed with Apple’s upcoming $3,500 Vision Pro. Notably different from mixed reality offerings by Magic Leap, Microsoft, and others, the Quest 3 is available for individual purchase. Meta’s ambition extends beyond creating the premier budget-friendly headset; they aspire for the Quest 3 to be the catalyst that captivates users, encouraging widespread adoption and development in the mixed reality space.
Zen first then weekend 🧘 What’s on your #MetaQuest3 to-do list? pic.twitter.com/UuDA7zvUuK
— Meta Quest (@MetaQuestVR) November 10, 2023
Release date of Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 is now available for purchase!
Currently, with the purchase of the 128GB model, Asgard’s Wrath 2 comes complimentary. Furthermore, opting for the 512GB model not only grants you the free game but also includes a six-month subscription to Meta Quest Plus. The window for preorders closes on January 27, 2024.
Preorders for the Quest 3 are now open in 23 countries, with various options including the Meta Store and select retailers. In the United States, customers can place preorders through Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart. Meanwhile, customers in the UK have the option to preorder from Curry’s, Argos, and Amazon.
As of now, the Meta Quest 3 is not yet available for purchase in China, but indications suggest that this may soon change. According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, Meta is planning a return to China, and the Quest 3 will be part of this endeavor. However, expectations are that this particular variant of the Quest 3, sometimes referred to as a “Quest 3 Lite” by analysts, will come with a more budget-friendly price tag.
What is included in the package?
| Charging dock |
| 2m cable |
| Quick start guide |
| Safety and warranty guide |
| Rechargeable controller batteries |
Specifications of Meta Quest 3
| Price | $499.00 (128GB), $649 (512GB) |
| Launch date | September 27 |
| Release date | October 10 |
| RAM | 8GB |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Display | 4K+ Infinite Display (2 LCDs, each with 2064 x 2208 pixels) |
| Storage | 128GB, 512GB |
| Full-color passthrough | Two RGB cameras (18 PPD) |
| Rate of refresh | 120Hz (experimental), 90Hz (native). |
| Viewing Angle | 110 degrees horizontally, 96 degrees vertically |
| Dimensions | 184 mm x 160 mm x 98 mm |
| Weight | 515 grams |
| Battery life | (estimated) up to 2.9 hours |
| Charge period | 2 hours (estimated) |
| Backwards compatible | Yes |
| Eye tracking | No |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2 are both supported. |
The price of Meta Quest 3
In the United States, the Meta Quest 3 is priced at $499 for the 128GB storage variant, marking a $100 increase from the Quest 2’s initial $299 cost. Alternatively, the 512GB storage option is available for $649.
The 128GB variant’s launch pricing in the UK is £479, while the larger 512GB model is £619. The 128GB variant’s launch pricing in the European Union is €549, while the 512GB model is €699. The 128GB base model’s launch price in Australia is AU$799.
The Meta Quest 3 design
As per Meta’s description, the Meta Quest 3 undergoes a comprehensive redesign from the “inside out.” While the primary external design remains consistent with the Quest 2, notable changes include a 40% reduction in the optic profile, attributed in part to the integration of pancake lenses. A bold addition to the front of the headset includes a trio of two pill-shaped RGB cameras and a depth projector, aimed at facilitating full-color video passthrough.
Furthermore, the inclusion of a Lens Distance Adjustment Wheel enhances the precision of adjusting interpupillary distance (IPD). The supported IPD range for the headset spans from 53 mm to 75 mm. Notably, unlike the Quest 2, which necessitated a glasses spacing insert, the Quest 3 eliminates this requirement with its built-in eyeglasses and depth adjustment features.
The audio experience in the Quest 3 receives a notable enhancement, with the speakers getting an extra boost. Meta claims that the Quest 3’s audio range is 40% louder than its predecessor, the Quest 2, delivering 3D spatial music with enhanced bass and clarity. For those seeking a more personalized and immersive audio experience, the headset also features a 3.5 mm headphone port, allowing users to use their preferred headphones.
The Features of Meta Quest 3
Undoubtedly, the primary highlight of the Quest 3 lies in its mixed reality capabilities, enabled by the full-color video passthrough within the headset. A simple double-tap on the side of the headset seamlessly transitions users between immersive VR content and augmented reality (AR) experiences facilitated by passthrough technology, featuring holographic overlays. Explore our guide to the new mixed reality elements in the Meta Quest 3, where five such features are immediately accessible upon receiving the headset.
The Quest 3 ensures a seamless transition of all Quest 2 content, encompassing the top Meta Quest 2 games. With the Quest 3, a plethora of experiences and games await, as over 100 new Quest 3 apps and updated Quest 2 apps are set to join the lineup by year-end. Explore our compilation of confirmed Meta Quest 3 titles to get a preview of what’s on the horizon.
The Quest 3 expands its versatility with Quest Link and Air Link, enabling compatibility with Windows PCs and granting access to the PC VR features enjoyed by the Quest 2. This allows users to delve into a vast array of top VR games. Additionally, the Quest 3 is eligible for Meta Quest Plus, akin to the Quest 2. Priced at $7.99 per month, Meta’s VR gaming subscription service, Quest Plus, provides users with curated access to two selected titles each month.
A key feature receiving a substantial upgrade is the Quest boundary function. With the Quest 3’s six powerful camera sensors, the boundary function can now autonomously scan your playspace, identifying its boundaries. This advanced capability plays a crucial role in optimizing mixed reality experiences by scanning the area in 3D, accurately pinpointing the location of walls, floors, furniture, and other surfaces. This enhancement significantly contributes to a seamless and immersive user experience.
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Q:Â can you play the games you have on quest2 on the new quest 3??
Yes! Games purchased for any Quest product, including Quest 1 and Quest 2 should be compatible on newer Quest 3 hardware.
Q:Â If I buy 2 quest 3’s, will my kids be able to play the same game at the same time if the quests are logged into the same account?
 No, only one purchase of a game can be played at the same time on the same account. However, you can utilize multiple accounts and app sharing so that each user can play a game using their own account. Setup both headsets with the same account, and on one headset, setup a secondary user and enable app sharing. For more information, check this link: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/help/quest/articles/accounts/multiple-accounts-and-app-sharing
Q:Â Can I trade in my quest 2 for a quest 3?
There are currently no trade in options for the Quest 3 from our webstore.
Q:Â Will my current quest games continue on new system
Absolutely! Previous Quest games are compatible on newer Quest headsets. You can also check the store page on any particular application to see the compatible devices in the info box.
Q:Â How much are games? Are there free games? How much are games subscription?
Game and subscription costs are decided by the developer of the application! Our platform allows developers to upload their own games to be purchased, or downloaded for free. These applications can be located from headset itself, or the store page here: https://www.meta.com/experiences
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