Is the Quest 2 VR Headset Still Worth It Despite the Release of the $500 Quest 3?

The Quest 2 is currently being supplanted by the $500 Quest 3, of course, but it’s still an incredible entry point to VR, one that plays every Quest game except for a single Quest 3-exclusive title announced last month. It doesn’t have color passthrough vision or good mixed reality gaming, and I definitely prefer the Quest 3 for comfort and immersion, but I don’t know if I prefer it by $300.

I do have concerns regarding how long Meta will support the Quest 2 following seeing how much the company dissed the original Quest by retroactively shutting down fan-favorite games and pulling support. Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth told me we should expect first-party games to support Quest 2 for “quite a while” last June but didn’t answer my question regarding whether Meta might retroactively shut down games on Quest 2.

Still, there are millions more reasons to support Quest 2: it was the most popular headset the company’s ever produced and the lion’s share of the 20 million headsets Meta sold as of February 2023. It was in such high demand during the pandemic that Meta actually raised the price on a then-two-year-old gadget in 2022.

For now, the Quest 2 can even get some updates ahead of the Quest 3, like the lying down mode that arrived in March and took another month to hit Meta’s newer headset.

The Quest 2 still feels like a good deal today.

Analysis:

The release of the $500 Quest 3 has generated excitement among VR enthusiasts, yet the Quest 2 remains a highly commendable device for those seeking an entry point into virtual reality. With the ability to run almost every Quest game, it provides a comprehensive gaming experience. However, certain features, such as color passthrough vision and mixed reality gaming, are lacking in the Quest 2 when compared to its successor, the Quest 3. This raises concerns regarding the long-term support for the Quest 2 from Meta, especially considering their track record of retroactively shutting down games and withdrawing support for the original Quest.

Meta’s CTO, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, mentioned that first-party games are expected to support Quest 2 for a considerable duration. However, clarification regarding the potential shutdown of games on Quest 2 was not provided. These uncertainties cast a shadow on the future longevity of the Quest 2 as a viable VR option.

Nevertheless, the Quest 2 boasts impressive popularity, having become the most sought-following headset Meta has ever produced. Its success can be attributed to its widespread demand during the pandemic, which led to Meta increasing its price, a rarity for a two-year-old gadget. This demonstrates the strong market demand and consumer interest in VR experiences provided by the Quest 2.

In terms of software updates, the Quest 2 has even received certain enhancements ahead of the Quest 3. For example, the lying-down mode, introduced in March, was made available for the Quest 2 before being extended to Meta’s newer headset. This timely update showcases Meta’s commitment to refining the user experience of their devices, ensuring continued customer satisfaction.

Looking towards the future, the advancements and trends in the VR industry are likely to shape further developments in both hardware and software. The release of the Quest 3 hints at a continuing focus on immersive experiences and improved comfort. As technology evolves, it is expected that VR headsets will become even more cutting-edge, offering enhanced graphics, increased processing power, and seamless integration with other devices and platforms.

Industry Predictions and Recommendations:

Given the rapid progress in the VR industry, several trends and opportunities can be predicted for the future. Firstly, as VR becomes more mainstream, we can expect a wider range of applications beyond just gaming. Industries such as education, healthcare, and training are likely to adopt VR technology to provide immersive and interactive experiences. Companies should explore the potential of VR in their respective fields and consider investing in VR solutions that can enhance their products or services.

Additionally, the integration of VR with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) holds significant potential. By combining these technologies, we can create more realistic and interactive virtual environments, enabling users to have compelling and immersive experiences. For instance, AI-powered virtual assistants might enhance the user interface and create more intuitive interactions within the virtual realm.

Furthermore, the Quest 2’s success highlights the importance of affordability and accessibility in the VR market. As the technology becomes more advanced, companies should strive to offer cost-effective solutions that cater to a wider consumer base. Lowering barriers to entry will drive increased adoption and lead to further growth in the VR industry.

In conclusion, while the Quest 2 faces potential challenges in terms of long-term support and features compared to the Quest 3, it remains a commendable VR headset with an extensive game library. Meta’s commitment to software updates indicates their dedication to enhancing user experiences. Looking ahead, the VR industry is poised for significant growth and expansion, with opportunities in various sectors. The integration of VR with emerging technologies and a focus on affordability will contribute to the continuing evolution of the industry.