Meta is predicted to launch a brand new low-cost VR headset this yr to switch the Meta Quest 2, the world’s hottest VR headset. In what’s turning into a convention for a lot of digital gadgets, we have already got a good suggestion of what this new blended actuality headset will appear to be, its specs, and extra forward of Meta’s official announcement.
Right here’s what we all know and suspect concerning 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 Could, 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 frame, the Alo Strikes XR web page indicated help for the Meta Quest 3, Quest Professional, and Quest 2, as anticipated. Nonetheless, the record 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 the entire headsets besides the Quest 3S.
Quest 3S worth and launch date
The almost definitely 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 operating out of inventory at Meta and low in every single place else, there’s an excellent cause to launch the Quest 3S sooner. Nonetheless, we don’t anticipate that to occur since there’s no competitors at that worth. Meta may also take this chance to realize perception into how the Quest 3 will promote because the lowest price possibility.
Meta’s Quest 2 is the one affordable alternative for quick, enjoyable VR gaming within the $300 vary. That’s why it’s a top-rated system, for the subsequent few months, on our record of one of the best VR headsets.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, however we will make some deductions based mostly on the worth of the Quest 2. Meta started promoting the 128GB Quest 2 for $300 in 2020. In 2022, the worth climbed to $400, prematurely of the $500 Quest 3 launch in 2023.
Meta not too long ago dropped the worth of the Quest 2 to $250, then continued to chop it all the way down to $200. If the worth goes up earlier than launching a higher-priced product, it is sensible that slashing the worth indicators a brand new low-cost headset is coming. It is sensible to clear previous stock to make method for brand new merchandise.
Primarily based on Quest 2’s beginning worth and leaked Quest 3S specs, we anticipate Meta to promote the Quest 3S for $300. That might make Meta’s most inexpensive headsets aggressive with one of the 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 doubtless that it’s going to exchange the getting older Meta Quest 2.
Quest 2 inventory ranges started falling close to the start of 2024 with 256GB fashions operating out on Meta’s internet retailer. Extra not too long ago, Meta reveals all configurations out of inventory.
A number of Quest 2 models stay at Amazon, Finest Purchase, and different retailers, however most present low-stock alerts. For the reason that Quest 3 sells for $500, that leaves a niche on the low finish that Meta must fill quickly.
Quest 3S leak
We’ve solely seen one main Quest 3S leak, but it surely revealed so many particulars that we have already got an excellent image of its doubtless capabilities and the way it might evaluate to the Quest 2 it replaces and Meta’s finest headset, the Quest 3.
Meta fanatic Luna shared photos on X (previously Twitter) from Redditor LuffySanKira, reportedly captured throughout a Meta consumer analysis name. The Reddit publish is not obtainable. The pictures appear to be advertising materials for a Meta Quest 3S, full with photos 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, shade passthrough cameras for blended 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 worth, the Quest 3S will need to have some tradeoffs. The leaked photos recommend the Quest 3S could 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 may promote the Quest 3S with out controllers, decreasing the worth even additional. Meta might supply 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 virtually sure that Meta will supply 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 method 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 well-liked 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 previous holds again recreation builders that need to make the most of the newest and finest 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 blended actuality scenes.
That’s already taking place with a couple 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 blended 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.
