Meta’s next-generation virtual and mixed reality headset has been announced and is set to launch this fall. The head unit will be available in all countries where Meta Quest is currently supported with the 128GB headset priced from $499.99. Additional storage options will be available, but pricing and details on those variants weren’t announced. Expect to hear more at Meta Connect on September 27, 2023.
This will be the first headset to use a next-generation Snapdragon chipset, which has been developed in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. Meta says that the chipset delivers more than twice the graphical performance as the previous generation Snapdragon GPU in Meta Quest 2.
Compared to Meta Quest 2, the new headset has a 40% slimmer optic profile, making it a sleeker and more comfortable headset. The Touch Plus controllers have also been completely redesigned with a more streamlined and ergonomic form factor. TruTouch haptics, which first debuted in Touch Pro, are also included and users can upgrade to the fully self-tracked Meta Quest Touch Pro Controllers for a premium experience.
Naturally, the Meta Quest 3 will be compatible with the Meta Quest 2 catalog of over 500 virtual reality games, apps, and experiences. Some of the new games that will be available were shown during the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase.
With the announcement of Meta Quest 3, the Meta Quest 2 is going to be seeing a discount. Starting June 4, the Meta Quest 2 will start from $299.99 USD for the 128GB unit and $349.99 for the 256GB version. In addition, through an upcoming software update, the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro will see CPU performance increases of up to 26%, along with GPU speed increases of up to 19% for Meta Quest 2 and 11% for Meta Quest Pro.
