Meta is rumored to be releasing a new VR headset later this year, called the Meta Quest 3s (or possibly the Meta Quest Lite). This headset is expected to be cheaper than the Meta Quest 3, making VR more accessible to a wider audience. Here’s what we know so far:
Price and Release Date:
- The Meta Quest 3s is expected to launch in late 2024, with prices ranging from $199 to $299. This would be the most affordable Meta VR headset yet.
Design:
- The Meta Quest 3s might look similar to the older Oculus Go headset.
- It will likely have interchangeable head straps, similar to the Quest 2 and 3.
- The headset size is expected to be closer to the Quest 2, using the same Fresnel lenses.
- Leaks suggest it will be lighter than the Quest 2, but this hasn’t been confirmed.
- It will likely have the same limited 3-stage IPD adjustment system as the Quest 2, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
- The front of the headset is rumored to have 6 cameras, similar to the layout of an iPhone Pro. These cameras might not be as powerful as the ones in the Quest 3.
Controllers:
- The Meta Quest 3s might come with controllers similar to the Quest 3, featuring a smaller design and no tracking ring.
- There are rumors of a controller-less version being offered at an even lower price. Meta’s hand tracking technology is good, but there aren’t many games that fully support it yet.
- If a controller-less version exists, it would likely still work with existing Quest controllers that you could buy separately.
Specs:
- The Meta Quest 3s is expected to use the same powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset as the Quest 3, but with a slightly less powerful version.
- We don’t know much about other specs like display type or camera resolution yet. It will likely use an LCD screen and have less RAM and storage than the Quest 3 to keep the price down.
What We Hope For:
- Proper IPD adjustment: A wider range of IPD adjustment is crucial for comfort. We’d like to see Meta use a slider or wheel like on previous headsets.
- Comfortable head strap: The simple cloth strap on most Quest headsets can be uncomfortable during long VR sessions. We hope for a built-in halo strap for better weight distribution.
- Color passthrough: While the passthrough quality might not be as good as the Quest 3, color passthrough would be a big improvement over the black-and-white version on the Quest 2, especially for mixed reality experiences.
The Meta Quest 3s has the potential to make VR more affordable and accessible to many people. While it might have some limitations compared to the Quest 3, it could be a great option for those looking for a more budget-friendly VR experience. We’ll have to wait for the official launch to see the final features and price tag.