The Meta Quest 3 mixed reality headset may be a technological marvel, but it’s not the sales success many thought it would be. Following the juggernaut release of its numbered predecessor, Meta’s new headset is failing to make a splash.
Meta already reduced the planned shipment of Quest 3 headsets earlier this year, resulting in a reduced supply. However, tech analysts now claim that Q4 supplies for the device are being slashed even further.
Meta analyst Ming-Chi Kuo revealed that the tech giant is further reducing supplies of the cutting-edge mixed reality headset. Despite positive reception from fans, the more casual audience of the Quest 2 isn’t interested in upgrading to the new device.
According to the analyst, the Quest 3 is facing “significantly lower-than-expected demand” from consumers compared to Meta’s predictions. This has resulted in supplies being slashed by the company in huge quantities, and the cuts aren’t stopping anytime soon.
“Meta has cut its 4Q23 Quest 3 shipment forecast by 5–10%,” Kuo wrote on Medium. “Due to lower-than-expected market demand, shipments for 1Q24 will decline significantly by about 70–80% QoQ.”
While mixed reality technology was supposed to be Meta’s breadwinner, the is pivoting once again. After wasting billions on a metaverse no one wanted, the company is funnelling everything into AI research, after firing a large percentage of its AI researchers last year.
The Meta Quest 3 has made an impression with its brilliant technology. With fans using its impressive mixed reality functionality for Mario tech demos and even foot tracking, the headset is certainly a major improvement over its predecessor in pretty much every.
However, with no exclusive software, and no real benefits for PC VR gamers, the new Meta Quest 3 headset can’t make a dent on the Quest 2’s sales. With no casual audience to latch onto anymore, and no killer exclusive software, the headset just isn’t as enticing as the last headset was upon release.
The Meta Quest 3 is available right now at major retailers such as Amazon, Curry’s and more.