Meta is anticipated to launch a brand new low-cost VR headset this 12 months to switch the Meta Quest 2, the world’s hottest VR headset. In what’s turning into a practice for a lot of digital gadgets, we have already got a good suggestion of what this new combined actuality headset will appear like, its specs, and extra forward of Meta’s official announcement.
Right here’s what we all know and suspect in regards to the upcoming “Lite” model of the Quest 3 that Meta will reportedly name the Quest 3S.
Quest 3S affirmation
We obtained affirmation of the identify of the Quest 3S close to the top of Might, which got here from Meta itself. The information got here from a seemingly unintended Meta app retailer web page for the VR yoga app Alo Strikes XR.
Meta lists supported gadgets under the order button of all Quest VR video games and apps. For a quick time period, the Alo Strikes XR web page indicated help for the Meta Quest 3, Quest Professional, and Quest 2, as anticipated. Nonetheless, the checklist began with a VR headset we’ve by no means heard talked about by Meta, the Quest 3S. I managed to seize a screenshot with my cellphone earlier than Meta eliminated that point out above. Be aware the underlines beneath all the headsets besides the Quest 3S.
Quest 3S value and launch date
The probably launch date for the Quest 3S is at Meta Join on September 25, 2024, or shortly thereafter. Nonetheless, that’s nonetheless three months away.
With the Quest 2 working out of inventory at Meta and low in all places else, there’s a superb cause to launch the Quest 3S sooner. Nonetheless, we don’t count on that to occur since there’s no competitors at that value. Meta may additionally take this chance to achieve perception into how the Quest 3 will promote because the lowest price choice.
Meta’s Quest 2 is the one cheap selection for quick, enjoyable VR gaming within the $300 vary. That’s why it’s a top-rated system, for the following few months, on our checklist of the very best VR headsets.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, however we will make some deductions based mostly on the value of the Quest 2. Meta started promoting the 128GB Quest 2 for $300 in 2020. In 2022, the value climbed to $400, upfront of the $500 Quest 3 launch in 2023.
Meta lately dropped the value of the Quest 2 to $250, then continued to chop it all the way down to $200. If the value goes up earlier than launching a higher-priced product, it is sensible that slashing the value indicators a brand new low-cost headset is coming. It is sensible to clear outdated stock to make manner for brand new merchandise.
Based mostly on Quest 2’s beginning value and leaked Quest 3S specs, we count on Meta to promote the Quest 3S for $300. That may make Meta’s most reasonably priced headsets aggressive with the very best low-cost gaming consoles.
Quest 2 out of inventory
Since all indicators level to the Quest 3S being a low-cost model of Meta’s highly effective Quest 3 VR headset, it appears seemingly that it’ll change the growing old Meta Quest 2.
Quest 2 inventory ranges started falling close to the start of 2024 with 256GB fashions working out on Meta’s internet retailer. Extra lately, Meta exhibits all configurations out of inventory.
Just a few Quest 2 models stay at Amazon, Greatest Purchase, and different retailers, however most present low-stock alerts. Because the Quest 3 sells for $500, that leaves a spot on the low finish that Meta must fill quickly.
Quest 3S leak
We’ve solely seen one main Quest 3S leak, however it revealed so many particulars that we have already got a superb image of its seemingly capabilities and the way it might evaluate to the Quest 2 it replaces and Meta’s greatest headset, the Quest 3.
Meta fanatic Luna shared pictures on X (previously Twitter) from Redditor LuffySanKira, reportedly captured throughout a Meta person analysis name. The Reddit submit is now not out there. The pictures appear like advertising and marketing materials for a Meta Quest 3S, full with pictures and specs.
This leak implies the Meta Quest 3S will use the identical high-performance chip because the Quest 3, the identical Contact Plus controllers, coloration passthrough cameras for combined actuality, and as much as 120Hz refresh charge. Two configurations are frequent for Quest headsets, and the Quest 3S might have 128GB and 256GB storage choices.
To match the Quest 2’s value, the Quest 3S should have some tradeoffs. The leaked pictures recommend the Quest 3S may have the identical show decision because the Quest 2 on a single panel, with three positions to shift the lenses to match your eye spacing, and the older Fresnel lenses. The Quest 3 has steady IPD lens adjustment, twin shows, and clearer pancake lenses.
Quest 3S with out controllers?
There’s some hypothesis that Meta would possibly promote the Quest 3S with out controllers, decreasing the value even additional. Meta might provide a $200 or $250 Quest 3S as a media consumption system to switch an iPad or perhaps a TV. A VR headset’s digital screens can fill the room, making a cinema expertise wherever.
Since VR is primarily related to gaming, controllers are wanted for many video games. Even when the Quest 3S ships with out controllers, it’s nearly sure that Meta will provide a bundle that features controllers and promote them individually. Even the work-centric Quest Professional got here with controllers and might play the identical VR video games as a Quest 2.
Upgrading Quest 2 house owners
Whereas Meta clears manner for a brand new system, there are thousands and thousands of Quest 2 house owners that haven’t upgraded to the Quest 3. The Quest 2 is the best-selling VR headset available on the market by a big margin.
That’s why Meta retains updating this widespread gaming headset with new system software program, new options, and efficiency boosts.
Nonetheless, efficiency tweaks can solely assist a lot, and supporting a tool that’s 4 years outdated holds again sport builders that wish to benefit from the newest and greatest expertise.
Meta wants Quest 2 house owners to improve to a more recent, extra highly effective headset to encourage builders to create longer VR video games with bigger, richer environments, higher-resolution graphics, and colourful combined actuality scenes.
That’s already taking place with a number of upcoming VR video games like Batman: Arkham Shadow that require a Meta Quest 3. It gained’t even work on the 2022 Quest Professional. If the Quest 3S has good combined actuality capabilities and the identical processor because the Quest 3, it ought to work with video games that may in any other case be unique to the Quest 3.
