Meta’s making cheaper “Lite” version of their Quest 3 VR headset

Meta may be working on an affordable “lite” version of their Quest 3 VR headset

The Meta Quest 3 is a great VR headset, but it’s expensive. With an asking price of £479.99 for the 128GB model, it is almost 2x more expensive than the Quest 2. That’s a problem for Oculus, and a sign that they need a cheaper Quest 3 model. That’s where the Quest 3 “Lite” comes in.

Meta are reportedly working on a more affordable version of their Quest 3 VR headset. While retaining the Quest 3’s screen and processing power upgrades, the “Lite” will not feature the headset’s front-facing RGB cameras. This will take away much of the headset’s pass-through and “mixed reality” potential.

This more cost effective Quest 3 model could replace the Quest 2 in time, creating a stronger baseline for the Meta Quest ecosystem. It would also give developers more reason to utilise the Quest 3’s enhanced hardware specifications. Right now, a lot of VR games are getting made for both the Quest 2 and Quest 3.

😶‍🌫️still pancake? https://t.co/Kr1EmRRjpd pic.twitter.com/4zHpuqeXFz

— VR Panda. Alex From CHN (@ZGFTECH) March 15, 2024

If released, the Quest 3 Lite could be a great option for PC gamers. Right now, the Quest 2 is the most popular PCVR headset available. If the Quest 3 series becomes more affordable, PC gamers will have more reason to upgrade. After all, most PCVR players may not be interested in the Quest 3’s “mixed reality” features.

With Sony signalling that they could make their PSVR 2 headset PC compatible, Meta’s new, cheaper, Quest 3 could be an excellent counter to Sony’s PCVR plans.

You can join the discussion on Meta’s rumoured Quest 3 “Lite” VR headset on the OC3D Forums.