Meta Quest 3 shipping in October: Double GPU power and mixed reality features

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirms that the Meta Quest 3 VR headset will launch on October 10 starting at $499.99. The device features mixed-reality capabilities, improved GPU processing power, and compatibility with over 500 Meta Quest VR and AR experiences. It also offers a customizable fit and multiple color options. The Quest 3 will have over 100 new and upgraded titles by the end of 2023 and will support Xbox Cloud Gaming. The 512GB model includes access to the Meta Quest+ subscription service.

At the Meta Connect 2023 event, Meta CEO and Founder Mark Zuckerberg made an exciting announcement. The highly anticipated Meta Quest 3 all-in-one VR headset is not only a virtual reality device but also a mixed-reality device. The Meta Quest 3 is set to launch on October 10, with prices starting at $499.99 for the 128GB version and $649.99 for the larger 512GB model.

The Meta Quest 3 introduces a new feature with cameras on the front that provide full-color passthrough. This allows users to experience mixed-reality content while wearing the headset, immersing them in a world that combines virtual and real environments. Meta emphasizes that this full-color passthrough technology delivers ten times more pixels than its predecessor, the Quest 2.

Despite the addition of mixed-reality capabilities, the Meta Quest 3 remains primarily a virtual reality headset. The new Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform powers the device, offering double the GPU processing power compared to the Quest 2. This upgrade enables faster loading times for games and enhances the overall performance of the headset.

One of the advantages of the Meta Quest 3 is its backward compatibility with all 500+ Meta Quest VR and AR experiences. Users can enjoy their existing library of games and experiences on the new device without any issues.

In terms of design, the Meta Quest 3 boasts a thinner profile and a "more customizable fit." Users can choose from multiple color options for the face interface and straps, allowing for a personalized look and feel.

To demonstrate the improved visual fidelity and processing power of the Meta Quest 3, Meta has released a video showcasing the popular game The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. The video compares the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 versions of the game, highlighting the impressive leap forward in graphics and performance.

Meta has exciting plans for the Quest 3 platform, with over 100 new and upgraded titles set to be released by the end of 2023. As a bonus, anyone who purchases the Quest 3 will receive Asgard's Wrath 2 when it launches on December 15. Some highly anticipated titles include Assassin's Creed Nexus VR, Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, and SEGA's Samba de Amigo.

Another major announcement at the Connect 2023 event was that the Meta Quest 3 will support Xbox Cloud Gaming. This means users can enjoy a virtual big-screen experience while playing cloud-based Xbox titles through Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, those who opt for the 512GB model will gain access to the Meta Quest+ subscription service, which offers two hand-picked games each month.

In summary, the Meta Quest 3 is an impressive all-in-one VR headset that now includes mixed-reality capabilities. With enhanced GPU processing power, backward compatibility, and a sleek design, this device is set to provide users with an immersive and customizable virtual reality experience. The addition of Xbox Cloud Gaming support and the exciting lineup of upcoming titles further solidify the Meta Quest 3 as a top choice for VR enthusiasts.