Rumors have been circulating about Meta Quest 3 Lite, a funds mannequin meant to exchange the Quest 2, the world’s hottest VR headset. Meta will inevitably take away the Quest 2 from its lineup quickly because it launched 4 years in the past.
Meta launched the Quest 3, a VR headset with combined actuality options, in October 2023, and should you consider the rumors, it might be planning so as to add a brand new low-cost mannequin to the lineup quickly.
The primary rumors of the Quest 3 Lite appeared on WeChat in October 2023, citing unnamed sources who claimed Meta would possibly worth the entry-level mannequin as little as $199.
If true, Meta would possibly supply an entry-level Quest 3 Lite that sells with out controllers. Meta has wonderful hand-tracking expertise that runs effectively even on the Quest 2. A Quest 3 Lite with the efficiency enhance of a more moderen processor might turn into Meta’s first hands-only VR headset.
Whereas a rising variety of VR video games assist hand monitoring, a big majority of the tons of of titles within the Meta app retailer require controllers. Whereas Apple’s Imaginative and prescient Professional is a hands-only VR headset, I feel it’s unlikely Meta would attempt to promote a Quest 3 Lite that lacks controllers.
Meta Quest 3 Lite may very well be "Meta Quest 3S"
u/LuffySanKira on Reddit claims they had been proven these graphics in what was possible a Meta Consumer Analysis Zoom assembly.
I can't confirm them, however I CAN confirm Meta does suggestions periods like these. pic.twitter.com/DjkZnVMP6b
— Luna (@Lunayian) March 16, 2024
Extra lately, leaked promoting suggests Meta’s subsequent VR headset might be referred to as the Quest 3s. Redditor LuffySanKira posted the pictures however quickly deleted them. Luna shared the graphics on X.
On the left, you see the alleged Quest 3s, sporting a triangular association of passthrough cameras and sensors. On the precise, the Quest 3’s combined actuality sensors seem in three vertical traces. Primarily based on the render, the Quest 3s seems extra just like the Quest 2 with a thicker physique and extra angular design. The Quest 3 has a slimmer physique and rounded, capsule-like form.
Some doubt arose concerning the authenticity of the pictures, however these might be early mockups based mostly on prototypes. If a Quest 3s does arrive this 12 months, Meta might make the announcement as early as June, just like the Quest 3, or maintain the information till the Meta Join occasion in October.
In the event you consider in its authenticity, the only picture out there of the supposed Quest 3s does reveal a number of particulars. There’s a point out, in French, of two configurations: the bottom mannequin might have 128GB of storage with the choice of a 256GB mannequin.
The show decision can be the identical because the Quest 2’s, 1832×1920, whereas the Quest 3 contains a sharper 2064×2208 pixels per eye. The graphic doesn’t present controllers, however there’s a Beat Saber brand, a sport that requires quick motion and up to now, doesn’t assist hand-tracking.
Combined actuality in colour appears possible. A processor that’s quicker than the Quest 2’s is definite. The lenses is perhaps the a lot clearer pancake selection, however lower-cost Fresnel is feasible.
I count on the Quest 3s or Quest 3 Lite to start out at $299, similar to the unique Quest. It’s a pleasant, reasonably priced worth, consistent with gaming consoles.
Whereas these rumors and leaks have been attention-grabbing, there’s cause to take them with a grain of salt. What acquired my consideration, nonetheless, is that Meta lately dropped the Quest 2’s worth for the second time within the final three months. The $299 VR headset fell to an attractive $249 in January. Now, the Quest 2 has plummeted to its lowest worth ever, promoting for $199.
The 256GB model of the Quest 2 is out of inventory at Meta, so this is perhaps a clearance sale on the 128GB Quest 2 to make method for a brand new funds mannequin.
The Quest 2 remains to be a terrific VR headset, and the $199 worth is unbeatable if the $500 Quest 3 appears too costly. Meta’s CTO, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, has promised the Quest 2 will proceed to obtain assist for 3 years after Meta stops promoting the machine.
A whole lot of video games and apps assist the Quest 2, and Meta assist will final into at the very least 2027. It’s going to stay on our listing of the perfect VR headsets till it’s offered out. In the event you’ve been on the fence about shopping for a VR headset, this is perhaps time to get a basic Quest 2 at its lowest worth ever.
