The emergence of news about the affordable Meta Quest 3 Lite just before the release date of the Meta Quest 3 has ignited a crucial question among potential buyers: should I wait for Meta Quest 3 Lite or buy Quest 3?
The choice between waiting for the Meta Quest 3 Lite and immersing yourself in the world of VR right away with the Quest 3 can be quite perplexing. Yet, gaining a clear understanding of what each headset has to offer can simplify this decision-making process.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll navigate the intricacies of both options, helping you arrive at the decision that aligns with your VR aspirations and budgetary considerations.
Things we know about the Meta Quest 3 Lite so far
While details about the Meta Quest 3 Lite are somewhat limited, key information regarding its release year, controller support and target consumer market is available.
Mark Rabkin, who is the VP of VR at Meta, has outlined the objective for Meta Quest 3 Lite. The aim is to "pack the biggest punch we [Meta] can at the most attractive price point in the VR consumer market.”
Meta's goal is to introduce as many people as possible to VR by making this headset widely accessible. This could significantly expand their user base and boost the demand for Oculus games and other VR content on their platform.
Codenamed Ventura, the company plans to release Meta Quest 3 Lite in 2024, Rabkin said. According to a former Meta employee, the budget headset will include controllers, contradicting rumours that suggested it would rely solely on hand tracking.
Meta Quest 3 Lite speculation
The Meta Quest 3 Lite is expected to be a pure VR headset, similar to the Meta Quest 2. However, it will boast a more powerful SoC than the Quest 2, quite possibly the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor found in the standard Meta Quest 3.
A "pure VR headset" implies no depth sensor or full-colour pass-through found, making it more budget-friendly. To cut costs further, Meta might also use Fresnel lenses and a slightly lower resolution compared to the standard Meta Quest 3.
The starting price of the Meta Quest 3 Lite is rumoured to be $200. Although it's still unclear whether the base model will be available with 64GB or 128GB of storage, the $200 starting price is certainly an enticing and attractive offer.
Essentially, the Meta Quest 3 Lite can be thought of as a Quest 2 headset in a new package, but with an upgraded SoC. It is expected to replace the ageing Quest 2, offering an even more affordable entry point into the world of VR.
Should I wait for Meta Quest 3 Lite or buy Quest 3?
Our suggestion would be to wait until there is more information available on the specs of the Meta Quest 3 Lite version, before making a decision.
Of course, if your budget permits and you're looking for the ultimate VR and MR experience with superior comfort and performance, opting for the Meta Quest 3, would be a wise choice. It stands out as one of the best VR headsets in 2023.
However, if you're working with a tighter budget and don't feel the need for the overall enhanced experience offered by the Meta Quest 3, it would be wise to wait for the more budget-friendly Meta Quest 3 Lite.
That's all you need to know to make an informed decision. We will update the article as new information emerges. If you have decided to go for the standard Quest 3, make sure you pre-order your Meta Quest 3 now.