The Meta Quest 3 is a standalone mixed reality VR headset developed by Reality Labs, a division of Meta Platforms, released on October 10, 2023, as the successor to the Quest 2. It features a significant hardware upgrade including the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, which delivers over twice the GPU power of its predecessor, enabling better performance and visuals.

Key Features:

Display: Dual LCD panels with a resolution of 2064×2208 per eye (about 30% higher than Quest 2), viewed through custom 2-element pancake lenses for improved clarity and a wider 110° field of view.

Design: Slimmer and thinner than previous models, incorporating elements from the Meta Quest Pro for a more comfortable and secure fit.

Tracking: Four hybrid monochrome and color passthrough cameras for inside-out tracking and mixed reality experiences, including a depth sensor for environmental understanding.

Controllers: Comes with “Touch Plus” controllers that use internal sensors and headset tracking, powered by AA batteries; compatible with the more advanced Touch Pro controllers.

Software: Runs Meta Horizon OS (based on Android), supports native VR apps and PC VR streaming over USB-C or Wi-Fi.

Mixed Reality: Enhanced color passthrough cameras enable mixed reality experiences, though early reviews noted the clarity and MR app ecosystem could improve.

Pricing and Models:

The base 128 GB model is priced at $499.99 USD, with a 512 GB version available for $649.99 USD.

Pre-orders included bundled games and subscription offers.

Reception:

Praised for its improved hardware, slimmer design, and performance gains over Quest 2.

Criticized for the clarity of passthrough cameras and a relatively limited mixed reality app selection at launch.

The software interface remains largely unchanged, with some users hoping for more innovation in system features and game library growth.

Gaming Experience:

Supports both standalone gaming and PC VR streaming, offering flexibility for different user preferences.

Standalone gaming benefits from the powerful onboard Snapdragon processor, allowing wireless VR without a PC.

PC VR streaming can be done wirelessly via apps like Virtual Desktop, enabling access to high-end VR titles.

Overall, the Meta Quest 3 is a significant mid-generation upgrade focused on mixed reality capabilities and enhanced hardware performance, making it a versatile VR headset suitable for both casual and more dedicated users, though it may not yet fully realize the potential of mixed reality in software.

FAQ
How does the Meta Quest 3’s mixed reality capability compare to its predecessor
What are the main hardware improvements in the Quest 3 over Quest 2
Why did critics find the passthrough cameras of Quest 3 less clear at launch
How does the new Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 enhance gaming performance on Quest 3
What potential uses are enabled by the inside-out body tracking API