Meta, the company behind Oculus, has officially confirmed the release of their newest headset, the Quest 3. Set to launch on September 27th at the Meta Connect 2023 event, this highly anticipated device is expected to make waves in the world of Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) gaming. With the Quest Pro falling short of expectations earlier this year, Meta is hoping to captivate a wider audience with their latest offering.

The Quest 3: A New Era of Immersive Gaming

The Quest 3 is designed to provide users with a seamless experience in both VR and MR realms. Featuring Meta Reality technology, this headset promises to deliver unrivaled performance and versatility. Not only can you enjoy an extensive library of VR games and apps, but you can also scroll through the newly launched Threads app. It’s the best of both worlds, quite literally.

Key Features of the Quest 3

Let’s delve into some of the standout features of the Quest 3:

• The base model of the headset comes with 128GB of storage, starting at $499.99. There will also be an option for higher storage capacity, although details are still undisclosed.
• Powered by the next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chip, the Quest 3 boasts twice the graphical performance compared to its predecessor, the Quest 2.
• With a slimmer and more comfortable design, the Quest 3 is 40% thinner thanks to a pancake lens construction, as showcased in the images below.
• Brace yourself for a higher resolution display and High-fidelity color Passthrough, allowing for a seamless blend of the real and virtual worlds.
• Equipped with 4MP RGB color cameras, a depth sensor, and significantly increased Passthrough pixels, the Quest 3 offers stunning visual quality, surpassing that of the Quest 2.
• The redesigned Touch Plus controllers enhance the overall gaming experience, while hand-tracking support ensures a more immersive interaction. The Quest 3 is also compatible with the Touch Pro controllers from the Quest Pro.
• Backwards compatibility with the existing Quest 2 catalog of over 500 VR games and apps ensures a wide range of entertainment options.
• The Quest 3 will be available in all countries currently supported by Meta Quest. Meanwhile, the Quest 2 will remain on the market, now offered at a lower price of $299.

The Price Tag: Is It Worth It?

The Quest 3 comes with a price tag of $499.99, which places it at the higher end of the spectrum. Comparisons with the Sony PlayStation VR 2 are inevitable due to the cost. However, rumors suggest that the Quest 2 might see a reduction in price to $299, making it a more enticing option for those curious about VR gaming.

Meta has also announced the availability of the Quest+ VR subscription service, similar to PlayStation Plus. For a monthly fee of $7.99 or an annual fee of $59.99, subscribers gain access to two curated VR titles each month.

A Stylish and Ergonomic Design

The Quest 3’s sleek and modern design sets it apart from its predecessors. Thanks to the lens technology employed, Meta claims that the headset is 40% slimmer than the Quest 2. The ergonomically-designed Touch Plus controllers provide a more natural and immersive gaming experience, without the outer tracking rings seen in previous models.

Cutting-Edge Hardware for Seamless Performance

Meta proudly proclaims the Quest 3 as its most powerful headset to date. Equipped with the next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chip, it offers double the graphical performance of the Quest 2. This remarkable improvement ensures smoother gameplay and more immersive visuals.

Furthermore, the Touch Plus controllers feature TruTouch haptics, first introduced in the Touch Pro. The Quest 3 also supports hand-tracking out of the box, allowing users to interact with the virtual world without the need for controllers. This feature adds an extra layer of versatility, especially for MR experiences, such as playing a virtual guitar or creating VR artwork.

A New Perspective: Enhanced Lenses and Imaging

The Quest 3 features pancake lenses, a departure from the Fresnel lenses used in the Quest 2. Meta’s acquisition of Luxexcel, a smart lenses company, has facilitated the use of 3D printed prescription lenses with LCD and holographic technology. This innovation is particularly beneficial for glasses wearers, ensuring a comfortable and visually immersive experience.

Additionally, the Quest 3 boasts full-color Passthrough, as seen in the Quest Pro. With 10 times more pixels than the Quest 2, this enhanced Passthrough allows users to seamlessly merge the real and virtual worlds. Furthermore, the inclusion of 4MP RGB color cameras and a depth sensor ensures a more accurate representation of the user’s surroundings.

Unleashing the Possibilities: Apps and Games

Meta has promised an array of exciting apps and games for the Quest 3. During the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, they unveiled 16 titles, including new releases, updates, and reimagined classics. Notable mentions include Asgard’s Wrath 2, Assassin’s Creed: Nexus VR, Stranger Things VR, and I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine. The full showcase can be viewed here.

Moreover, the Quest 3 remains compatible with the extensive library of over 500 apps and games available for the Quest 2. Whether you want to play board games, explore virtual art, or immerse yourself in an entirely new world, the Quest 3 offers endless possibilities.

Final Thoughts: A Glimpse into the Future

With a thinner design, advanced hardware, and an extensive collection of apps and games, the Quest 3 is paving the way for the future of VR and MR gaming. Although it may not be the most budget-friendly option, its impressive features and capabilities make it a worthy investment. By seamlessly blending the physical and virtual worlds, the Quest 3 provides a truly next-gen experience. Meta’s vision of intuitive and delightful realities is within reach.

To be among the first to experience the Quest 3, sign up here.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of the time of writing. Prices and availability may vary.