Meta Quest 3 Specs, Price and Release Date

Official Announcement

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, offered a sneak peek of the company’s newest virtual reality headset, the Meta Quest 3, on June 1st. In an Instagram caption and video, Zuckerberg revealed that the starting price for the new headset would be $499. More details will be announced on September 27 at their Connect conference. As the date draws close, there is a lot of speculation about the Meta Quest 3 specs and what else might be in store. Here, we share all the information we know so far.

Meta Quest 3 Specs: Summary

The upcoming Meta Quest 3 VR headset will feature a base storage of 128GB, optional higher storage variants (256GB or 512G), and a next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon chip for doubled graphics performance. Boasting nearly a 30% resolution increase from its predecessor, as described on Best Buy, it may offer up to 4,128 by 2,208 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. While it includes high-fidelity color passthrough for mixed reality experiences, it lacks the eye-tracking tech on the Meta Quest Pro. It’s expected to have a 2-hour battery life similar to the Oculus Quest 2. (Quest 2 vs Quest 3 Specs: How they compare)

Next-Generation Qualcomm Snapdragon Chip

According to those in the know, the Quest 3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset which offers twice the graphical performance of the Quest 2. With this robust processor, VR gamers can look forward to smooth, lag-free experiences.

Storage capacity starts at 128GB. There will be extra storage options available for those desiring more space.

The Display

Zuckerberg’s post highlighted that the Quest 3 will be “the first mainstream headset with high-res color mixed reality.” Speculation suggests that the Quest 3 might feature a resolution of either 4,128 x 2,208 pixels or 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye. This would represent a 30% enhancement compared to the Quest 2’s resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye. The refresh rate remains undisclosed at this point, but there’s an expectation that the headset will support a 120Hz refresh rate.

Full-Color Passthrough and Depth Sensing

The Quest 3, like the Quest Pro, boasts a full-color Passthrough that offers ten times more pixels than the Quest 2, according to Meta. It will come equipped with two RGB cameras for capturing color information in 3D. Its depth sensor will also offer more accurate distance measurements, helping the system determine how far each part of the scene should be rendered.

Design and User Comfort Enhancements

The Meta Quest 3 is 40% slimmer than the Quest 2. This reduced size not only lends it a more refined look but also improves user comfort. The front has a trio of pill-shaped cameras or sensors while the head strap appears to be made of a high-quality flexible material.

The headset also comes equipped with a USB-C port, volume control, an IPD adjustment wheel, and a power button. An improved face shield is likely to offer better light blocking capabilities.

Touch Plus Controllers

Its Touch Plus controllers are designed with ergonomics in mind, aiming to feel like a seamless extension of the user’s hands while also minimizing their physical space requirement. They can be swapped with the Quest Pro’s Touch Pro controllers if desired.

One of the key features of these controllers is the incorporation of TruTouch haptics to enhance the immersive experience. A notable change is the absence of outer tracking or halo rings on the controllers. However, the continued reliance on disposable AA batteries may dismay some users.

Unique Features of Meta Quest 3

The Smart Guardian System

Leaked videos have hinted at a major improvement to the Smart Guardian feature. Instead of just using the controller, the Quest 3’s cameras and depth sensor would map the room, creating a safe VR zone and allowing accurate interaction with real-world objects.

The VR Subscription Service: Quest+

Meta has also introduced a VR subscription service, Meta Quest+. Priced at $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annually, it offers subscribers two new games each month. This strategy aims to enrich existing Quest users’ game libraries in anticipation of the Quest 3 launch. The service could help users explore new titles without full-price commitments. The inaugural titles are Pixel Ripped 1995 and Pistol Whip.

Meta Quest 3 Release Date: When is Meta Quest 3 Coming Out?

The headset is scheduled for release this fall. It’s possible the release date will be on September 27. Alternatively, pre-orders might start around that time and the official release could happen shortly afterwards. Considering that the Quest 2 was launched on October 13, 2020, it would be reasonable to expect the Quest 3 to also have an October release.

The fall release positions the headset perfectly for the holiday season, potentially driving significant sales as consumers look for the latest tech gifts.

Meta Quest 3 Price

The Meta Quest 3 will start at $499 for the 128GB version. This is $200 more than the Quest 2. The price hike is likely attributed to the use of better technology and hardware. However, when compared with competitors’ HMDs like the PlayStation VR2, which costs $549 plus an additional $500 for the gaming console, Meta’s pricing strategy remains competitive. This demonstrates Meta’s dedication to making high-quality VR experiences accessible to a wider audience.

Final Thoughts on the Meta Quest 3 Release

Despite its premium price, the Meta Quest 3, with its sleek design, full-color passthrough, new chipset, and exclusive features, represents a significant step forward in Mixed Reality. It promises notable improvements over its predecessor and, with a growing VR game library, could be the perfect pick for new virtual reality enthusiasts this fall.