Yesterday (September 27), Meta formally unveiled the Quest 3 headset at Meta Connect. While my colleague Tony Polanco had some hands-on time with the Quest 3 before to Connect I wanted to see it for myself since I was in Menlo Park, Calif., at Meta headquarters for the event.
After a demo session with the Meta Quest 3, my reaction is varied, much like the reality the new headset dabbles in. On the one hand, you can obviously see Meta’s progress with Quest 3. The controllers are fantastic. Furthermore, the full-color RGB passthrough is rather stunning.
Unfortunately, I didn’t leave the demo marveling about how revolutionary Quest 3 was, but rather thinking, “This could be great, but…” Finally, there are three reasons to purchase the Meta Quest 3 — and one major reason to avoid this mixed reality headset when it goes on sale on October 10 for $499.
REASONS TO BUY THE META QUEST 3
The Touch Plus controllers are incredible :
I honestly can’t say enough amazing things about the new Touch Plus controllers for Meta Quest 3. I went into testing expecting them to be a little improvement, but after using them, I’m not looking forward to using my Quest 2 controllers in the future. The Touch Plus controllers are just outstanding.
And it all boils down to how you hold the controller. Yes, the lack of a tracking ring is advantageous, and it is likely that Meta was able to create the Touch Plus controllers with less physical limitations. The haptic feedback is likewise excellent, though not spectacular. I discovered that certain sessions did not give haptic input that added significantly to the experience.
However, the controller fits wonderfully in your hand. The ergonomics are perfect. As surprising as it may sound, the Touch Plus controllers are arguably my favorite aspect of the Quest 3 thus far.
Impressive full-color passthrough
I only had the opportunity to play one mixed reality game: First Encounters. I got to combat a swarm of bouncing tiny aliens in it. It was entertaining.
But it was the clarity of the passthrough and the AR holographic overlays that truly wowed me. The overlays looked just as nice as anything else I’ve seen in VR, but the game’s cartoonish design helped. The visual passthrough was likewise excellent, with barely minor juddering in my palm.
Again, I didn’t spend a lot of time in mixed reality, so it’s difficult to state clearly that Quest 3 nailed it. However, I was impressed with the outcomes in my first interaction with it.
Prepare for a mixed reality future
Speaking of mixed reality, I could tell after spending some time in it that this is the future. Virtual reality isn’t going away; the finest VR games still have a lot of appeal. When you get to experience it, the power to bring in your environment via passthrough is a tremendous game changer. And, somehow, it seems more at ease.
To be an early adopter of mixed reality, you will need to purchase the Meta Quest 3 or wait for the Apple Vision Pro. And, compared to the $3,499 pricing of the Apple Vision Pro, the Quest 3’s starting price of $499 is even more enticing.
REASON TO SKIP THE META QUEST 3
The present is still virtual
Remember how I just spent so much time bragging about how awesome mixed reality is? The issue is that it hasn’t arrived yet. Or, more precisely, not enough of it has arrived.
For example, during the Quest 3 demo, there were several games to attempt, but just two featured mixed reality from what I saw. One of them didn’t even function for me, but I’m going to chalk it up to a bug and not hold it against the VR headset.
But what about the scarcity of options? That will be deducted from my grade. I’m sure there will be more, and what Meta demonstrated during the keynote put lots of mixed reality experiences front and center. Indeed, Meta appears to be taking direct aim at the Apple Vision Pro and its “spatial computer” label. But the trouble is that I haven’t had many of those yet.
I’m hopeful that after reviewing the Quest 3, my fears will be allayed and I’ll be able to endorse the headset unreservedly. But, for the time being, there isn’t enough mixed reality stuff to make me say, “You have to get this.” That’s why I’d hold off on purchasing a Quest 3 till we see more.
