Meta, formerly known as Facebook, appears to be preparing to launch a budget-friendly alternative to its highly successful Meta Quest 3 headset. Rumored to be named either Quest 3 Lite or Quest 3S, the leaked details suggest an interesting mix of last-gen design and Quest 3 features. The unofficially named Meta Quest 3s, previously rumored as the Quest 3 Lite, is generating significant buzz due to its leaked specifications and potential to disrupt the VR market.
Leaker Lunayian recently shared an infographic on Twitter, claiming to have seen multiple devkits and spoken to individuals familiar with the device. The leak provided insights into the Meta Quest 3s, giving a clearer understanding of what to expect compared to the Quest 3 and Quest 2. It is alleged that the Meta Quest 3s will utilize the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip as the Quest 3, displaying that Meta is incorporating the latest tech even in its budget-friendly range. Additionally, the headset may feature dual 4MP RGB cameras with 18 pixels per degree (PPD) passthrough, matching the Quest 3’s specs despite a different sensor arrangement.
These leaks suggest that the Meta Quest 3s could be a midpoint between the Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3, potentially earning the moniker of “Meta Quest 2.5.” Despite Meta’s silence on the rumored device, the technical specifications have begun to surface, providing consumers with a sneak peek into the potential features of the upcoming VR hardware.
Strong evidence points towards Meta’s intention to release a budget-friendly alternative to the Quest 3, which will effectively replace the Quest 2 in its lineup. This strategy aligns with previous pricing patterns, as the Quest 2 was launched at a $100 lower price point than the original Oculus Quest. Subsequently, Meta discontinued the original Quest. However, since the launch of the Quest 3, Meta has continued to sell the Quest 2, consistent with the introduction of a new budget-friendly alternative.
In line with this strategy, Meta has been reducing the price of the Quest 2, first to $250 and then, in March, to $200. Furthermore, in April, it significantly slashed the prices of official Quest 2 accessories by over 50% compared to their original prices, indicating an impending change in its product lineup.
In conclusion, the leaked revelations about the Meta Quest 3s, combined with Meta’s pricing strategies, strongly suggest the imminent release of a budget-friendly VR headset. As anticipation builds around this potential game-changer, tech enthusiasts and consumers await Meta’s official announcement to see how this new entrant will shape the VR landscape.
