Meta has unveiled its latest VR headset, the Meta Quest 3. However, the company has cleared that it has no plans to discontinue its current model, the Meta Quest 2. Instead, Meta aims to drive further popularity and adoption by reducing the price of the Quest 2 and enhancing its performance.
Starting June 4, Meta will offer the Quest 2 at a significantly reduced price. The 128GB version will be available for $299, and the 256GB version will be priced at $349. This reduction from the current price of the 128GB model makes it an appealing choice for those who do not require the latest hardware. Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, confirmed on Twitter that all the games announced at the Gaming Showcase will be playable on both Quest 2 and Quest 3, suggesting that Quest 2 will remain relevant for a considerable period of time.
In addition to the price reduction, Meta has also announced a free software update that will enhance the performance of both the Quest 2 and Quest Pro. The Snapdragon XR2 chipset, which powers these headsets, will see significant improvements. CPU performance can be boosted by up to 26%, while GPU performance can be enhanced by up to 19% on the Quest 2 and 11% on the Quest Pro.
Meta explains in a detailed video that these performance enhancements will enable developers to release games with higher resolutions and more detailed graphics, resulting in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. Users can expect improved navigation through menus and faster application launches, making the Quest 2 and Quest Pro feel like new hardware.
Meta plans to continue marketing both the Quest 2 and Quest 3 as entry-level devices suitable for more users, as well as the only work-focused headsets available. As the market eagerly awaits Apple’s rumoured AR/VR announcement at WWDC 2023, it remains to be seen how Meta’s headsets will stack up against Apple’s offerings.
Nonetheless, Meta seems to have established a solid position in the VR market, offering enjoyable VR experiences, apps, and games alongside multiple price points to accommodate different budgets. Currently, Meta is the only manufacturer providing such options, ensuring that users can find a suitable VR experience within their desired price range.
