The Meta Quest 3, the successor to the popular Meta Quest 2, is expected to be released later in 2023. While Meta announced the high-end Meta Quest Pro at Meta Connect 2022, there was no mention of the Quest 3. So, what can we expect from the next-gen virtual reality headset?

According to rumors and leaks, the Quest 3 is expected to have improved performance. The Meta Quest 2 currently uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR 2 platform, offering impressive standalone performance. It is likely that Meta and Qualcomm will continue their partnership with the Quest 3 and the next-gen Snapdragon mobile platform. However, VR analyst Brad Lynch initially suggested that Meta could develop its own chipset for the upcoming headset, with a focus on a GPU that is better suited for VR.

In terms of release date, it was initially believed that Project Cambria, which was teased at the Meta Connect in 2021, would be the successor to the Quest 2. However, it was later confirmed that it is an entirely different headset with a focus beyond gaming. With that in mind, a release in 2023 looks much more likely for the Meta Quest 3. This aligns with comments in a Meta blog post, where the company confirmed that it’d be releasing a new Quest headset once the Quest Pro was available.

As for pricing, Mark Zuckerberg confirmed in an October 2022 interview that the Quest 3 will be in the “price range of $300, $400, or $500, that zone.” This is a relief for VR fans who were worried about the high $1500/£1500 price tag for the Meta Quest Pro. Therefore, it is expected that the Quest 3 will cost a similar amount to the $399/£399 Oculus Quest 2.

Overall, while it is still early days and the release date and pricing are subject to change, it appears that the Meta Quest 3 will have improved performance and a more affordable price point compared to the Quest Pro. VR fans will have to wait until Meta Connect 2023 for an official reveal and release date for the Quest 3.