Zornitsa Vuteva Meta’s efforts at producing high-quality and consumer-accessible VR headsets have gained a lot of success, especially after the launch of the Meta Quest 2 headset, which is by far the most popular and purchased VR product. This made Meta strive for improvement and wish to develop an even better headset. That’s how Meta Quest 3 came to life – this Quest 2 successor is believed to be the ultimate VR headset for people with all types of VR experience.
Key Takeaways
- Meta Quest 3 offers a main campaign, side missions, and a variety of enemies to battle.
- The game has multiple difficulty settings to cater to different skill levels.
- The hardware specifications include the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and storage options of 128GB and 512GB.
- The headset design is adjustable, slimmer, and lighter than its predecessor, with comfort features such as foam padding and adjustable straps.
Our opinion in short
There’s no doubt that the Quest 3 is the best standalone VR headset on the mass market right now. Its upgraded tech specs include a more powerful processor and an amazing refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It is way easier to play around with, thanks to the slimmer dimensions, and the strap can now be adjusted while on the head. And although its battery life still isn’t enough for longer gaming sessions, we can totally recommend the Quest 3 to both beginner and advanced gamers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports mixed reality Standalone Optional PC tethering Mixed reality in color Refresh rate up to 120 Hz Relatively affordable Automatic mapping of the play space | Still not enough battery life Link Cable and other add-ons are pricey and separately purchased No headphones included |
What’s in the box?
In your Meta Quest 3 box, you’ll find:
- Meta Quest 3 headset
- Adjustable Standard Facial Interface (preinstalled)
- 2 Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers
- 2 wrist straps (preinstalled)
- 18w power adapter
- USB-C charging cable
- 2 AA batteries (pre-installed)
Hardware
The following is all you need to know about the hardware powering the Quest 3.
Processor
The Quest 3 uses the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, which is based on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Qualcomm’s flagship system-on-chip provides more than double the GPU performance compared to the previous generation processor used in the Quest 2. With the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, you can expect smooth and responsive gameplay, as well as improved visuals that will bring your virtual world to life.
RAM
With 8GB of RAM, more than Quest 2’s 6 GB, you’ll never have to worry about performance being impacted by apps running in the background. You can keep multiple games and applications running at once with no issues. This will also allow you to play more graphically intensive games with no slowdown.
Storage
There are two SKUs of the Meta Quest 3 – 128 GB and 512 GB. Both are great upgrades from the Quest 2 (128 GB) and Quest Pro (265 GB), offering more room to save your favorite games.
Battery life
You’ll experience shorter battery life with the Meta Quest 3, lasting only 2 to 3 hours – the same as its predecessors.
It’s a shame that Meta Quest didn’t upgrade the battery life for the Quest 3, as it would have been a great addition to an otherwise impressive product.
Though the battery life may be shorter, there are ways to maximize it. You can turn down the brightness of the headset, as well as turn off any unnecessary applications and features to extend the battery life. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have an extra power source handy should you need it.
Displays
Quest 3 has two LCD panels with a resolution of 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye – that’s almost 30% more than Quest 2. Pancake lenses also grant sharper images, a wider field of view, and a thinner casing for improved comfort.
Here’s what you can expect from the Meta Quest 3’s displays:
- Refresh rate: 90 hertz, 120 hertz (experimental)
- Field of view: 110 degrees horizontal, 96 degrees vertical
- Nearly 15% wider than Quest 2
- Enhanced image sharpness
- Thinner casing for comfort
Audio
You’ll enjoy improved audio capabilities with the Meta Quest 3’s built-in speakers. The sound quality is upgraded with deeper bass and up to 40% more volume than the Quest 2.
Additionally, you can use your own headphones with its 3.5 mm jack. So, no matter what kind of audio device you prefer, the Meta Quest 3 has you covered. Plus, you can still use your Quest 2 headphones if you don’t want to buy new ones.
Headset design
The most notable design change in the Quest 3 headset is that it is 40% slimmer than its predecessor and also lighter.
The Quest 3 has an IPD adjustment wheel that gives you more control over the distance between the lenses. Unlike the Quest 2, this wheel is placed underneath the visor so you can make lens adjustments without taking the headset off. This is a great improvement, as the Quest 2 only offered three presets and required you to take the headset off to change them.
Measures
At 515 grams and 184 mm x 160 mm x 98 mm in size, it’s smaller and more compact than the Quest 2, making it easier to carry around. It’s also lightweight, which means you can comfortably wear it for extended periods of time.
Cameras
The headset has 6 cameras – two on the sides for tracking and 4 in the center arranged into distinct camera islands with rounded corners. Inside the middle camera, the island is a depth sensor for any mixed reality features.
The Quest 3 improves the mixed reality features with its advanced sensor system. Featuring two RGB cameras and a depth sensor, it captures your physical environment and displays it accurately. This process, known as passthrough, is of higher quality than what was seen in Quest 2 and Quest Pro. In fact, Quest 3’s passthrough is ten times the resolution of Quest 2 and three times the resolution of Quest Pro.
Controllers
You’ll quickly find that the Quest 3’s new ‘Touch Plus’ controllers offer an improved haptic experience, as well as the option of controller-free hand tracking. These controllers are the first 6DOF consumer headsets to be shipped without a tracking ring, making them much easier to use.
The haptic feedback is improved over previous models, providing more realistic sensations when using the controllers. The hand tracking is also a great addition, allowing you to navigate through menus and interact with objects without the need for controllers.
How to set up Meta Quest 3?
Once you take the headset out of the box, you must charge it unless it has some power left. After that, you’ll have to follow these setup procedures:
- Press the power button for a few seconds in order to turn it on.
- Download the Oculus app on your phone and log into your account or create one.
- Connect the headset and controllers to the app through the Devices tap.
- Finally, adjust the straps of the headset and the lenses. If you wear glasses, adding a glasses spacer is recommended.
Here, we have prepared a list of the most important accessories for Meta Quest 3 that will definitely improve your experience with the headset.
System requirements
Although Meta puts a great emphasis on the Quest 3’s standalone capabilities, the headset can still be tethered to a PC for optimal use. These are the recommended specs when using the Link Cable to connect your PC to the Quest 3.
- Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater
- 8GB RAM or more
- Windows 10, Windows 11
- 1xUSB port
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070/ 1080 (all), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660
Ways to connect Meta Quest 3 to PC
You can easily connect the Meta Quest 3 to your PC in two ways: through Air Link or Link Cable.
Air Link allows for a wireless connection. Simply download the Meta desktop app and choose connection to headset.
Link Cable requires that you purchase the cable separately. Then, plug it into both the headset and PC. After plugging in, you’ll need to adjust the tethering settings through the Menu.
However, be aware that the PC must have specific specs in order to be compatible with the Link Cable.
Price
The 128 GB model costs $500, while the one with 512 GB storage is $650.
Until January 27, 2024, a bundle offer with Asgard’s Wrath 2 is also available. Those who purchase the 128 GB SKU will get the game for free, which usually costs $60. Those who buy the 512 GB model will get Asgard’s Wrath 2 for free and six months of Meta Quest+ too. If they cancel their subscription after this period, they’ll lose access to any claimed VR games until they renew again.
Where to buy Meta Quest 3 from?
You can buy Meta Quest 3 from the official Meta website, Amazon, and UnboundXR.eu. These are the top choices when looking to purchase the highly anticipated game. Here are some key features of each:
- The official Meta website offers the game with a variety of payment options, including credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin.
- Amazon offers a wide selection of special bundle deals for the game, making it easy to get all of the extras you need.
- UnboundXR.eu offers the game for purchase in Europe.
- All three platforms offer a secure checkout process, so you can be sure your purchase is safe and secure.
Consumer reception
It is still early days to make conclusions about the overall consumer reception of the Quest 3. However, many of those who have been fortunate enough to experiment with the headset have indicated great satisfaction with its capabilities and upgrades from the unbeatable Quest 2. As of the early days after its release, the Meta Quest 3 has been branded as the new standard for VR headsets.
The most popular games for Meta Quest 3
Every game and app on the Quest store is playable on the Meta Quest 3. Additionally, Meta announced that over 50 titles will have Quest 3 upgrades by 2023 to take advantage of the improved specs and mixed reality support. Moreover, more than 50 new games and apps will be available on the Quest store before the end of the year and are expected to be playable on the new headset.
Additionally, you can also play PC games on your Quest 3, thanks to the tethering option.
Asgard’s Wrath 3
Asgard’s Wrath 2 is set to release on the Meta Quest platform. Developed by Sanzaru Games, the highly anticipated sequel is expected to feature improved graphics and gameplay. Features include an immersive VR experience, engaging combat mechanics, puzzle-solving elements, and a rich storyline with multiple quests.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Land
This action-adventure game is set in San Francisco and allows up to four players. It follows a new team of Ghostbusters on their mission to stop the Ghost Lord and his minions. You’ll recognize elements from the original 1984 movie, like the Golden Gate Bridge.
In Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, you can customize your character’s outfit and upgrade their equipment.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus
Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is a virtual reality game available on the Meta Quest platform. Set in the Assassin’s Creed universe, players can explore historical settings and complete missions. The game includes VR controllers for movement and combat, stealth mechanics, various weapons and tools, and parkour movements. It features different historical eras, including ancient Egypt and Renaissance Italy, and offers both story-driven missions and open-world exploration.
Meta Quest 3 Alternatives
Some of Quest 3’s best specs- and price-wise alternatives are its predecessors:
Meta Quest 2
Meta Quest 2 is the most purchased and talked about VR headset on the market. As a successor, the Quest 3 does have amazing upgrades regarding the mixed reality features, design, resolution, and performance. However, the Quest 2 still remains a preferred model for beginner VR gamers.
Meta Quest Pro
Meta Quest Pro is significantly pricier compared to the Quest 3, coming at $999, it also has mixed reality features and high-resolution displays. It has 4 GB RAM more than the Quest 3, and its Snapdragon XR2+ processors outperforms the Quest 2 by 50 %.
Oculus Rift S
Although it is a much older headset, the Oculus Rift S still has some perks, like embedded speakers and LCD displays with 2560×1440 resolution. Like the Quest 3, it has 8 GB RAM but is a tethered headset. Its price of almost $400 is also fairly reasonable, making it more accessible for beginners.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3 is a great VR headset that offers amazing mixed-reality features and VR gaming experiences. It’s easy to set up and use, and with its wide range of games, it’s sure to keep you entertained for hours.
With its reliability, features, and affordability, the Meta Quest 3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a fun gaming system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Meta Quest 3 Have Online Capabilities?
Yes, it can connect to the internet, allowing you to access a variety of content. You can also use it to stay connected with friends and family.
Is There Parental Control Available on the Meta Quest 3?
Yes, the Quest 3 offers parental control options like limiting access to certain app categories.
Is the Meta Quest 3 Compatible With Other Gaming Systems?
Yes, the Meta Quest 3 is compatible with PC VR games.
Does the Meta Quest 3 Come With a Warranty?
Yes, the Meta Quest 3 includes a 1-year limited warranty.
