With the launch of PlayStation VR 2 now out of the way all eyes are now on Meta. Having already confirmed the Quest 3 will launch later this year, a new report indicates it’ll be thinner and more powerful. However, that’ll come at a cost, with a pricier Meta Quest 3 aimed at enthusiasts instead.
A new report from The Verge states that Meta’s VP of VR, Mark Rabkin presented a roadmap of the company’s VR and AR efforts to thousands of employees. Said to be two times thinner and at least twice as powerful as Quest 2, Meta Quest 3 (codenamed Stinson) will cost “slightly more” than the current model which retails for £400 GBP.
Mixed reality for the masses
With mixed reality features trickling down from Meta Quest Pro, the Quest 3 will be geared towards VR fans more willing to pay for the latest technology. Rather than trying to encourage new users. “We have to get enthusiasts fired up about it,” Rabkin said during the presentation. “We have to prove to people that all this power, all these new features are worth it.”
It seems Meta is pinning a lot more of Quest 3’s success on its mixed reality capabilities. Rather than being a VR gaming platform. “The main north star for the team was from the moment you put on this headset, the mixed reality has to make it feel better, easier, more natural,” he said.
“You can walk effortlessly through your house knowing you can see perfectly well. You can put anchors and things on your desktop,” Rabkin continued. “You can take your coffee. You can stay in there much longer.”
That sounds great, but the Quest Pro’s launch hasn’t been plain sailing. With very mixed reviews regarding that natural feeling Meta is trying to achieve. Rabkin also mentioned that 41 games and apps – including mixed reality experiences – would be shipping for Quest 3.
As for Quest 2, it has seen great success. Rabkin revealed that almost 20 million had been sold, although new user retention is becoming an issue. “Right now, we’re on our third year of Quest 2. And sadly, the newer cohorts that are coming in, the people who bought it this last Christmas, they’re just not as into it.” A likely factor in Meta’s enthusiast approach to the new model.
Are you a VR enthusiast interested in buying Quest 3? Let us know in the comments below.