The third installment of the Meta Quest series is now up for pre-order and looks set to revolutionize the VR industry. The new Meta Quest 3 headset is an improved version of its predecessor, the Meta Quest 2, and boasts advanced technologies like full-color video passthrough and mixed reality. Meta’s 128GB variant starts at $499, while the 512GB model costs $649, making it clear that the company wants to dominate the VR industry. This page will cover all you need to know about the Meta Quest 3, including its features, price, and release date.
In this article, we will cover the following:
- Availability and pre-order details for the Meta Quest 3.
- Pricing for the Meta Quest 3 in different regions and storage options.
- Meta Quest 3 specifications.
- Design improvements.
- Upgraded audio features and strap options.
- Redesigned Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptics.
- Mixed reality capabilities with full-color video passthrough.
- Backwards compatibility with previous Quest headsets and access to existing content.
- Accessories available for the Meta Quest 3.
- Consideration of the Meta Quest 3’s role in the development of the Metaverse concept.
Meta Quest 3 Overview
Availability & Pre-Order Deals
Pre-orders for The Meta Quest 3 can be placed now, and the game will begin shipping on October 10. Pre-ordering the 128GB device will get you a free copy of Asgard’s Wrath 2, while the 512GB model will net you a free game and a six-month subscription to Meta Quest Plus. On January 27, 2024, this pre-order deal will be no more. The Quest 3 is available for pre-order at the Meta Store and other retailers in 23 countries, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Argos in the United Kingdom.
Price
The Meta Quest 3 128GB model starts at $499 in the United States, which is $100 more than the Quest 2’s starting price. The 512GB version can be purchased for $649. In the United Kingdom, the 128GB model costs £479, while the 512GB variant costs £619. The 128GB version costs €549 and the 512GB version costs €699. In Australia, the starting pricing for the 128GB variant is AU$799.
Meta Quest 3 Specs
The Meta Quest 3 is available with either 128GB or 512GB of internal storage space. While the lack of a 256GB option may surprise some, individuals who require more space for their VR experiences have other options.
CPU Performance: When compared to the Quest 2, the Quest 3’s graphics processing capability is doubled thanks to the Quest 3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.
RAM: The Quest 2 only had 6GB of RAM, but this has been upgraded to 8GB.
Display: The Quest 3 has a 4K+ Infinite Display, with two LCDs providing 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, for a total resolution that is about 30% higher than that of the Quest 2. It has a virtual reality resolution of 25 PPD and a resolution of 1,218 PPI (pixels per inch).
Full-color passthrough: The headset’s passthrough quality has been vastly improved over its forerunners thanks to the inclusion of two RGB cameras with 18 PPD for mixed reality experiences.
Refresh rate: It has both a standard 90Hz refresh rate and a 120Hz “experimental” mode.
Design and Comfort
Weight: At only 515 grams, the Quest 3 is noticeably lighter than some of its rivals.
Dimensions: It has dimensions of 184mm by 160mm by 98mm.
Battery life: As with the Quest 2, the Quest 3’s battery life supports up to 2.9 hours of media playback.
Charge time: The headset’s battery needs about 2 hours of charging time.
Backwards compatible: The Quest 3 can play games made for the Quest 2. This means that the full library of hundreds of titles currently available in the Oculus store will be playable for Quest 3 users from launch.
Eye tracking: Unfortunately, the Quest 3 does not feature eye tracking. This was a feature made famous by the Quest Pro but sadly won’t be brought forward for the Quest 3.
Wireless Connectivity: It has fast and reliable wireless networking via Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.2.
Enhanced Visual Design
The Quest 3’s visor profile is 40% smaller than before thanks in part to the adoption of pancake lenses as part of the extensive redesign. Two pill-shaped RGB cameras and a depth projector are housed in the headset’s front, allowing for improved full-color video passthrough and augmented reality features.
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Lens Distance Adjustment Wheel
The new Lens Distance Adjustment Wheel in the headset allows for fine-grained control over the interpupillary distance (IPD), with a range of 53 mm to 75 mm.
Audio
The audio range of the Quest 3 is 40% louder than that of the Quest 2, and it also features 3D spatial audio. There’s a 3.5 mm jack for headphones, too, in case you’d rather use those.
Strap
The Quest 3 can be customized with either the basic soft strap or the premium Elite Strap.
Touch Plus controllers
The new Touch Plus controllers are more comfortable to hold and have enhanced haptics thanks to the addition of TruTouch technology. They need throwaway AA batteries, but a charging dock, the Meta Quest, may be purchased separately for $129.
Mixed-Reality Capabilities
The Quest 3’s full-color video passthrough is the device’s crowning feature, enabling innovative mixed reality applications. Users can easily go from virtual reality (VR) to mixed reality (MR) with holographic overlays by double-tapping the side of the headset.
Content
The best Quest 2 games, and there are a lot of them, are all available on the Quest 3, along with the rest of the library. In addition, by the end of the year, over a hundred brand-new Quest 3 apps and updated Quest 2 apps will be available, giving players even more options.
VR Support for PCs
The Quest 3, like the Quest 2, connects to Windows PCs via Oculus Link and Air Link, allowing users to play a wide variety of virtual reality games.
Meta Quest Plus
Meta Quest Plus, a monthly membership service delivering two hand-picked games at $7.99, is included in The Quest 3.
Playspace Boundary Scanning
With its six high-tech camera sensors, the Quest 3 can automatically scan the playspace in 3D, figuring out the room’s architecture to make mixed reality experiences work properly.
Conclusion
Soon to be released as Meta’s third generation virtual reality headset, the Quest 3 boasts an extensive feature set, increased processing power, and the potential for more immersive mixed-reality adventures. It aspires to be a frontrunner in the VR business by offering a low price point and access to a large content library. Before making a purchase, however, customers should consider the privacy risks posed by Meta’s data practices. If you’re looking for the most cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, the Quest 3 is a great alternative.
The Meta Quest 3 is emblematic of Meta’s dedication to expanding access to immersive experiences as virtual reality (VR) technology develops, thereby erasing distinctions between the real and virtual. The Quest 3 provides a flexible platform that will develop along with the Metaverse idea, making it ideal for a wide range of uses, including gaming, productivity, and social interaction.
In need of accessories for your Meta Quest headset? Why not check out what’s on offer here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Meta Quest 3
- What features does the Meta Quest 3 have?
The Meta Quest 3 has a number of impressive features, such as a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, Inside-Out Body Tracking (IOBT) for upper body tracking, Generative Legs (AI-estimated legs), a 4K+ Infinite Display, full-color video passthrough, Touch Plus controllers with TruTouch haptics, and support for a wide variety of VR experiences. Check out Meta’s specs for a comprehensive rundown of what’s included with your purchase.
- Is Meta Quest 3 worth it?
Whether or not you should invest in a Meta Quest 3 depends on your individual tastes and how you intend to put it to use. The Quest 3 could be a good option if you want a high-quality virtual reality experience with lots of options and features. However, before investing in virtual reality, it’s important to evaluate whether or not it fits your demands and whether or not the cost is justified.
- Does Quest 3 require a Meta account?
It’s true that you’ll need a Meta (previously Facebook) account to make use of the Quest 3’s features and content just like you did with its two predecessors. During the first time you use Meta, you will be prompted to establish an account or sign in with an existing one.
- How do I set up Meta Quest 3?
The process of setting up the Meta Quest 3 is simple. You’ll need to download the Meta Quest app onto your smartphone or tablet after you’ve taken the headset out of its packaging. Connect your headset, adjust the app’s settings, then explore the virtual reality library by following the on-screen prompts. Check out Meta’s official setup documentation for Meta Quest 3 for a more in-depth, step-by-step guide.
- Is Quest 3 better than Quest 2?
The Meta Quest 3 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Quest 2, thanks to its faster processor, higher-resolution display, and innovative upper-body tracking and AI-estimated legs. Whether or not it’s “better” depends on your unique requirements and how much you value the added capabilities.
- Does Quest 3 have better graphics?
Images on the Meta Quest 3’s 4K+ Infinite Display are sharper and more detailed than those on the Quest 2. The Quest 3’s speedier processor and enhanced graphics capabilities make for a more visually impressive and immersive experience when used with compatible virtual reality applications.
- Can I play my existing Quest 2 games on the Meta Quest 3?
The games you bought for your Quest 2 can be loaded and played on your Meta Quest 3, so that’s a resounding yes. This will ensure that your collection of virtual reality games may be played without interruption.
- What is the battery life of the Meta Quest 3?
The Meta Quest 3 has a maximum playback time of 2.9 hours on a single charge. Depending on the power-hungry nature of the material and other variables, your actual battery life when playing virtual reality games may vary.
- Does the Meta Quest 3 support external accessories and add-ons?
The Meta Quest 3 may be customized with a number of add-ons, including as the Elite Strap for improved comfort and stability, the Meta Quest charging dock for the Touch Plus controllers, and more. These add-ons can improve the quality of your VR experience and give you access to new features.
- Can I connect the Meta Quest 3 to my PC for gaming and content streaming?
Connecting the Meta Quest 3 to a Windows PC is possible because of the headset’s compatibility with Oculus Link and Air Link. As a result, you may play more games and have access to more content in virtual reality by streaming VR experiences from your computer to the Quest 3.