During the Meta Connect 2023 event, Facebook’s mother company Meta presented today its highly-anticipated Meta Quest 3, a next-generation virtual and mixed-reality headset set to launch later this year. The innovative device boasts several noteworthy enhancements, including superior resolution, enhanced performance, groundbreaking Meta Reality technology, and a sleeker, more comfortable design.
The Quest 3 pre-orders start today, with the device set to be available in all countries where Meta Quest is currently supported in the upcoming fall season, with a starting price of $499.99 for the 128GB version, along with additional storage options like the 512 GB version starting at $649.99. It is hailed as a wireless, all-in-one powerhouse, delivering a remarkable visual experience with its high-resolution display and cutting-edge pancake optics.
It’s the first headset to feature a next-gen Snapdragon chipset developed in partnership with Qualcomm Technologies, providing over twice the graphical performance compared to its predecessor, Quest 2, which can result in smoother gameplay and sharper details in immersive games.
In addition to technological advancements, Quest 3 has been redesigned for comfort and control. It boasts a 40% slimmer optic profile compared to Quest 2 and redesigned Touch Plus controllers for a more ergonomic and immersive experience. Hand tracking is also supported out of the box, enabling users to interact with virtual objects using just their hands.
Furthermore, Quest 3 maintains compatibility with the extensive Quest 2 catalog of over 500 VR games, apps, and experiences, promising an expansive library of immersive content from day one.
Speaking about Meta’s previous VR Headset, the Quest 2 got a price drop (now starting at $299.99), making it even more accessible to the masses. An upcoming software update for Quest 2 and Quest Pro will bring significant performance improvements, including enhanced CPU and GPU performance, smoother gameplay, and a more responsive user interface.