The Meta Quest 3 is the latest VR headset intended to lure us into the metaverse. However, since the launch of the Quest 2 in 2020, we’ve also seen the release of the Meta’s high-end headset, the Meta Quest Pro, which featured full-colour passthrough for mixed reality, a thinner form factor, pancake lenses, integrated facial tracking, and more. So the question is how many of these ‘Pro’ features have made it into the Quest 3? And has Meta addressed the issues that many people had with the Quest 2?
One of the biggest problems with the Quest 2 was the original requirement of a Facebook account to use it. We don’t need to go into the various arguments for and against using Facebook here, but it became an issue that overshadowed many of the product’s benefits. Thankfully, at the end of 2022 Meta changed this policy, and you can now use Meta headsets with a separate Meta account. Another issue with the Quest 2 was the lack of colour passthrough, which allows you to see a real-time view of your surroundings, and have VR elements interacting alongside physical objects. But this has also been addressed within the Quest 3.
As well as introducing a number of ‘Pro’ features, Meta claims that the Quest 3 is also its most powerful headset to date, and our experience with the device suggests that all the hype may have been worth it, and it is sure to be added into our best VR headsets guide.
When unboxing the Meta Quest 3 the first thing you’ll notice is that, in comparison to its predecessor, it’s far more compact. In fact, according to Meta, the Quest 3 is now 40% slimmer than the previous iteration, which when coupled with the three front-facing cameras makes it easy to distinguish from its older sibling.
Alongside the headset you also get two controllers, each of which has a thumbstick, two triggers, two control buttons, and a menu button. These are essentially the same controls found with the Meta Quest 2, but—unlike those controllers—these no longer have the cumbersome plastic “halo” found on most VR handsets, which is a real bonus.
As with most technology products nowadays, you won’t find a thick set of instructions accompanying the Meta Quest 3; you simply follow a few basic steps, install the accompanying mobile app (via a URL or QR code) and you’re ready to get started. And if you order a Meta Quest 3 before January 27th you will also get a free copy of Asgard’s Wrath 2 (which is PEGI rated 18, and retails for £44.99).
Before you start using your headset, you should ensure that it fits comfortably. This is easy to do, via adjustable back and top straps, which can be loosened and tightened via velcro and sliding attachments. If you wear glasses, there are two depth adjuster buttons inside the headset, which, when pressed, enable you to create more distance between your face and the lenses. This should give most people enough room to play with; but if you find that you still don’t have enough space, you can purchase replacement prescription lenses from Zenni VR.
Once you have the headset positioned comfortably, you start up the device by pressing the power button (situated on the left side of the headset). And once the device has powered up, you will be taken through a quick tutorial, which includes moving the lens adjustment wheel on the bottom left-hand side of the headset, giving you the option to change how close together the lenses are.
One of the benefits of the Meta Quest 3 is how easy and intuitive the setup process is. And once you’ve got your headset configured, you can dive straight into the tutorial app, which walks you through using the controllers, moving around the metaverse, and taking images and video whilst using the headset.
The general design of the Meta Quest 3 is a marked improvement on its predecessor. The ergonomics of any VR headset are one of the primary factors to consider when evaluating them, as they can have a huge impact on the overall experience.
In the case of the Quest 3, weight is still unevenly distributed, with the main body of the device sitting on your face (whereas the Quest Pro has a battery that sits at the back of your head, delivering a more even weight distribution). Having said this, a slimmer form factor puts the weight nearer your face, and it is noticeably more comfortable than the Quest 2. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. It still weighs 515g, and that much weight sitting on your face will eventually become uncomfortable after an hour or two. But with the addition of the Meta Quest 3 Elite strap with battery, you can get an even better balance, almost identical to the experience with the Quest Pro.
Read More: Meta Quest 3 review: a new gold standard in standalone VR