Facebook’s Meta Quest 3 is a next-generation virtual reality (VR) headset. It’s a successor to the well-loved Meta Quest 2 and is very much more performant and mixed reality than the Meta Quest 2. Quest 3 is a device that provides immersive gaming and entertainment and productivity experiences. A new benchmark in the standalone VR market can be made by improved hardware, a more elegant design, and superior tracking.
However, the Quest 3 is not your typical mixed reality model to the point where you have virtual reality elements cohabitating with augmented reality elements all in the same space. Also, it is more versatile and useful for other applications than for gaming.
Today, in this article, we will discuss the Meta Quest 3, its launch date, key specs, and pricing.
Launch date of Meta Quest
On 1 June 2023, Meta officially announced the Launch Date officially after which CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the device with a video presentation. The headset first appeared for pre-ordering on September 28, 2023, allowing those who are interested in getting one to do so somewhat in advance. It was released on October 10, 2023, and has been widely available for purchase ever since.
In the period when Meta was selling in, the game included special promotional offers like a free copy of Asgard’s Wrath 2 for early buyers. Also, subscribers of the 512 GB model were given a heads-up, granting them a six-month free subscription to Meta Quest+, a platform of premium VR content.
Key Specifications of Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 brings some hardware improvements compared to its previous version. An important spec for it is listed below in a table:
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8 GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 128 GB or 512 GB |
| Display | Dual LCD panels, 2064×2208 pixels per eye |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz (default), 120 Hz (experimental) |
| Graphics | Adreno 740 GPU |
| Audio | 3D spatial audio, built-in speakers, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Cameras | Two 4MP RGB cameras and four infrared sensors |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Battery | 4879 mAh, rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Weight | 515 grams |
| Controllers | Touch Plus controllers with haptic feedback |
New advanced features The Meta Quest 3 include:
New Touch Plus Controllers:
Refined Controllers such as the new Touch Plus controllers have a more compact and ergonomic layout that doesn’t require any tracking ring and, therefore, are easier to use. They also have improved haptic feedback for better immersion in virtual objects.
The Quest 3 has backward compatibility with all the Quest 2 games and the applications, making users enjoy a wide library of content once the Quest 3 hits the shelves.
Built-in spatial audio system:
This includes the advanced audio system for 3D sound amplification. For users who prefer wired headphones, the headset also has a 3.5mm audio jack.
Improved display:
The Quest 3 boasts an enhanced display in the form of a resolution of 2064×2208 pixels per eye. That equals around 30 percent improvement on pixels compared to the Quest 2, which means sharper and clearer visuals. The pancake lenses are new, and they reduce distortion and even improve image clarity.
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset makes the Quest 3 up to twice as powerful as the Quest 2. With 8 GB of RAM, the smoother performance of the virtual worlds and the more detailed graphics are ensured.
Full Color Passthrough:
One of the most notable additions is full-color passthrough, thanks to two high-resolution RGB cameras. This enables users to have their real-world environment with the enhanced clarity in the mixed reality applications, which make them more immersive and useful.
Price and Availability
The price and availability If you opt for the 128 GB version, the Meta Quest 3 costs $499.99 upon release, while the 512 GB version is $649.99. Nevertheless, Meta still launched the Quest 3S in September 2024, a budget variant priced at $299.99 for the 128 GB model. After the release of the Quest 3S, the cost of the original Quest 3 also went down:
- Meta Quest 3 (128 GB): Reduced to $429.99
- Meta Quest 3 (512 GB): Reduced to $499.99
The Meta Quest 3 is available to purchase on the Meta website or major online and physical retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and more. Depending on the region, it could come with promotional bundles ranging from popular VR games or a subscription to Meta Quest.
