The Meta Quest 3 ($499 to begin) is Meta’s newest VR headgear, but it’s more than simply a sequel to the successful Meta Quest 2.
This VR headset, which borrows elements from the Meta Quest Pro, has a higher-resolution display, a smaller optical profile, ergonomic controls, and several other improvements. This revamped headgear has a lot going on.
At a recent event in New York City, I got hands-on (or is it heads-in?) with the Meta Quest 3 and had a great time playing with the headset. That’s saying a lot given that I’m not a huge fan of VR gaming. Despite my quick demonstration, I was pleasantly pleased by how easy and enjoyable it is to use the Quest 3. While the headset might not be revolutionary, its improvements make the VR experience more enjoyable.
I’ll need more time with the Quest 3 to see if it’s worthy. Based on my experience, I think it has a shot. Here are my initial impressions of the Meta Quest 3.
META QUEST 3 HANDS-ON REVIEW:
*Specs :
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Meta Quest 3 |
|---|---|
| Price | $499 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| Resolution | 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye |
| Storage | 128GB |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Battery life | 2.2 hours (rated) |
| Size | 7.2 x 6.2 x 3.8 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
*Price and Release Date :
The Meta Quest 3 is available for pre-order today (September 27) for $499. If 128GB of storage isn’t enough for you, the $649 variant with 512GB of storage is available. Orders will begin shipping on October 10.
It’s worth noting that Meta has reduced the pricing of the Quest 2 to $299 for the 128GB device and $349 for the 256GB model.
*Design and Display :
The Meta Quest 3 is 40% smaller than its predecessor, making it more pleasant to wear. That’s not to suggest the Quest 2 was unpleasant, but the difference was obvious the moment I attached the Quest 3 on my head. I almost forgot I had the gadget on throughout my roughly 30-minute demo. It’s that relaxing.
The new headset has color cameras on the front, which is a significant aesthetic contrast between it and the Quest 2. Because of these cameras, you can view the world around you in full color while wearing the headset, just like you can on the Quest Pro. The front of the headset is also more rounded than previously, making it more comfortable.
Everything seemed bright and clear via the Meta Quest 3 thanks to the 2,064 × 2,208 resolution for each eye. The same was true when I utilized the Passthrough feature of the headset to view what was going on around me. I was also struck by how vibrant the colors were in-game. We’ll need to get the headset into our testing lab to see what the display is capable of, but based on my previous experience, I expect strong overall results.
*Controllers :
The Quest 3 comes with new Touch Plus controllers, though I use the term “new” loosely because they’re essentially the same as the Quest Pro’s. The Touch Plus controllers, like those, include self-tracking technology that allows for a complete 360-degree range of motion – no need to worry about the headrest losing sight of the controllers when they’re behind your back, for example.
The controllers also use TruTouch Haptics, which gives improved feedback. You may, for example, squeeze virtual items and feel resistance on the buttons you’re pushing.
The Touch Plus controllers seem like a natural extension of your hands, which I appreciate. The controllers did an outstanding job of simulating the actions of my hands. You don’t want unresponsive controls to drag you out of the experience when you’re playing in virtual environments. Because it seldom happened throughout my presentation, I’d say the upgraded controls are fantastic. They’re also a lot of fun to use, which is a big benefit.
*Setting up :
The enhanced Passthrough function of the headset, which allows you to view your surroundings in color, makes setting up your play environment easier than ever.
Using the controller, you are requested to highlight or construct the boundaries of your space during setup. One amusing feature is that the newly formed wall instantly clamps to the previously produced wall. After that, you’re instructed to glance about the room so the headset can detect any furniture. In person, you’ll see a virtual mesh or polygons covering your furniture, which looks very impressive.
This entire process takes less than three minutes. Setting up headsets may be a tedious procedure in the past, so it’s fantastic that Meta has shortened the process while still making it pleasant. Best of all, the headset stores your room’s layout so you don’t have to set it up each time.
*Performance :
The Quest 3 is the first headset to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 technology, according to Meta. According to the business, this chip can give more than twice the graphics performance of Quest 2’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 CPU.
We’ll need to get the Quest 3 into our testing lab to see what its new CPU is capable of, but based on my hands-on experience, I trust Meta’s boasts. From Samba de Amigo to Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, every game I tried ran buttery smooth with no latency. More significantly, all of the games I tested were highly responsive, never failing to recognize my head and hand motions.
*Audio :
The Quest 3 not only has outstanding images, but it also has excellent sound quality. The new headset, according to Meta, boasts a 40% louder audio range than Quest 2. The Quest 3 also boasts improved sound clarity and bass performance, according to the firm.
I believe that based on what I’ve heard. The rich spatial audio in Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord made it easy to determine where noises were originating from. The thundering beats and heavy bass of Samba de Amigo made me feel like I was in the thick of a party. Overall, the audio quality of the headset is excellent in my opinion.
*Battery Life :
The Quest 3 has “about the same” battery life as the Quest 2, according to Meta, depending on device usage and settings. The battery life is rated as 2.2 hours on average. That may not seem like much, but if you play in small 15 to 20-minute bursts every now and again, battery life may not be an issue.
*Verdict :
Meta Quest 3 appears to be a fitting sequel to Quest 2. Meta’s decision to use several of the Quest Pro’s capabilities, such as full-color passthrough cameras and Touch Plus controllers, appears to be a wise one. The fact that this headset is half the price of the Quest Pro just adds to the allure.
The October 10 ship date is approaching, so it won’t be long until people can test out the Quest 3. Personally, I’m excited to dive into the headgear and discover what it can accomplish. Maybe it’ll finally convert me to VR gaming. Stay tuned for our complete Meta Quest 3 rated review.
