Speculation abounds regarding the upcoming VR headset from Meta, the Meta Quest 3. With its anticipated launch, it has the potential to become one of the top virtual reality headsets, following the footsteps of its predecessors, Meta Quest and the budget-friendly Quest 2.
In a surprising move, Mark Zuckerberg announced the headset via Instagram, just days before Apple's expected announcement of a competing headset.
Quest VR headsets have garnered immense popularity within the community due to their wireless design and extensive gaming library. These features have made them the go-to choice for anyone seeking an immersive virtual reality experience.
Numerous rumors surrounding the Meta Quest 3's specifications have already started circulating online. Interestingly, Meta is expected to release the Quest 3 alongside Apple's first-ever headset, intensifying the competition.
To provide you with the latest information, we have conducted thorough research on what to expect from Meta's upcoming VR headset. Meta, formerly known as Oculus since early 2022, has exciting plans in store.
Meta Oculus Quest 3 Release Date
According to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta Quest 3 is slated for a Fall 2023 release. We anticipate the company will choose October or November to launch the Quest 3, just before the holiday season kicks into high gear. While Meta Connect was held in October last year, this time it will take place on September 27.
Price of Meta Oculus Quest 3
We predict that the Meta Quest 3 will have a retail price of $499. This represents a $100 increase compared to the current Quest 2 price. However, we believe this price point remains competitive and accessible for those interested in entering the world of VR.
Specifications Leak for Meta Oculus Quest 3
| Headset | Meta Quest 3 |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Resolution (Per-eye) | 2064 × 2208 |
| Display type | LCD |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz |
| Field of view | Unknown |
| Lenses | Pancake |
| Features | Hand tracking, PC compatibility, voice commands, wireless, Mixed reality |
| Controllers | Unknown |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Price | Unknown |
Originally codenamed "Stinson," the Meta Quest 3 has been subject to extensive leaks. It will feature a slightly different setup compared to its predecessors. VR analyst Brad Lynch has stated that the Quest 3 will incorporate an LCD screen with a per-eye resolution of 2064 x 2208.
This resolution is slightly higher than that of the original Quest 2. Additionally, the display will come with a built-in 120Hz refresh rate, a welcomed addition. While details about the headset's field of view are currently unknown, we can expect it to be 40% smaller than the Quest 2, regardless of the embedded hardware.
Similar to the PSVR2, the Quest 3 will feature a dial to adjust interpupillary distance, providing added convenience. Moreover, the Quest 3 is rumored to utilize "Pancake" lenses, which offer a slimmer profile and better weight distribution compared to outdated Fresnel lenses found in older devices. While eye-tracking and face-tracking may not be included, this decision likely serves as a cost-saving measure.
XR2 Gen 2 or XR3?
According to Brad Lynch, the Meta Quest 3 will utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip. This chip is expected to incorporate an Adreno 730 GPU with 2.4 teraflops of power. Based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, also featured in the Samsung Galaxy S23, this represents a significant increase compared to the Quest 2's 1.2 teraflops and the Quest Pro's 1.8 teraflops of power. Named "Project Haliday," the XR2 Gen 2 will greatly enhance the Quest 3's visual fidelity.
Additionally, the Quest 3 is likely to see an increase in RAM, possibly adopting LPDDR5. However, specific details about the headset's RAM capacity and storage configurations remain unknown.
The improved GPU power is expected to enhance the device's AR functionality, benefiting augmented and mixed-reality applications and products.
Is it Worth Waiting for the Meta Quest 3?
The Meta Quest 3 is shaping up to be a remarkable consumer VR headset. While it may lack certain features like foveated rendering and eye-tracking, the Pancake lenses, combined with the enhanced visual fidelity, promise exceptional wireless VR experiences. All that remains is for Meta to officially announce the headset.
Considering that the Quest 2 is now several years old, though still a commendable headset, waiting for the next iteration of Meta's popular line of VR headsets appears worthwhile, especially if the rumors and leaks about the Quest 3 hold true.
