It's official: Meta's VR division is bleeding money. In Meta's latest earnings call, its Reality Labs department lost a staggering $6.02 billion in its fourth quarter while bringing in $955 million, putting Quest VR headsets in a dire state.

That isn't to say Meta hasn't seen a successful year, though. With a revenue of $59.89 billion in the fourth quarter and $200.97 billion in full-year revenue, the company has seen a 24% and 22% year-over-year increase, respectively. But it's Meta's advertising business pulling this weight.

Reality Labs, the home for its Quest VR headsets, smart glasses and metaverse projects, hasn't been profitable. Despite Oculus founder Palmer Luckey stating Meta's recent 1,500 layoffs "is not a disaster," it's clear the company's most exciting department for consumers is facing strong headwinds.

But Meta has long-term plans in place, one that makes AI and smart glasses a top priority for the tech giant. In fact, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg states, expect Meta to make heavy investments "towards glasses and wearables going forward" to make "VR a profitable ecosystem."

Well, one more than the other, it seems. With the Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses being the company's highlight in 2025, with still no sight of the highly anticipated Meta Quest 4, Zuckerberg and co. may be done with VR after all, and the writing is on the wall.

Move over, VR

While the Meta Quest 4 is reportedly in the works, the company's latest earnings report and recent layoffs spell a shift in focus. Smart glasses are having their moment, and we've seen Meta double down on this in its Meta Connect 2025 event, releasing its next-gen Meta Ray-Ban Display, Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2) and Oakley Meta Vanguard specs.

Zuckerberg calls AI glasses "a moment similar to when smartphones arrived," so it's only fitting that he continues to say that "the bulk of our 'new' R&D and capital for 2026 is going into the AI compute for glasses."

With Google's Android XR glasses fueling the smart specs race, Apple reportedly ditching its Vision Pro headset and looking into Apple smart glasses and Samsung even confirming plans for its first smart specs during its earnings call, it's only fair for Meta to be doubling its efforts to stay on top of the smart spec industry.

In any case, this looks to lean heavily towards the development of AI and AR in smart glasses over VR headsets, as any mention of a successor to its Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, or advancements on the virtual reality front, isn't in the conversation.

Even CFO of Meta, Susan Li, backs this up: "We've realized efficiencies in our hardware supply chain for Quest, and as Mark mentioned, the headcount reductions in the VR teams allow us to lean harder into the 'Personal Superintelligence' scaling without the total loss line growing further."

While there's nothing to say Meta is completely abandoning its VR plans, there's reason to believe the company is prioritizing focus on a new wave of tech driven by smart glasses. Unfortunate, considering Quest is one of the best VR headsets you can get today.

Shifting priorities

With AI and smart glasses now in focus, that leaves little room for Meta's Quest VR headsets to grow. While this (hopefully) doesn't mean plans for the Quest 4 will be scrapped, many otherwise VR projects won't see the light of day.

Since Meta closed first-party XR studios, including Armature Studio, Twisted Pixel and Sanzaru Game, we now almost certainly won't see a Batman: Arkham Shadow sequel, or even a Harry Potter VR title — as they've reportedly been canceled. VR gaming continues to be a key factor for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, so this isn't a good look for the future of the headsets.

Of course, Meta also tried pushing its Quest VR devices as productivity machines, although that didn't work out for the Quest Pro. While we've seen some recent updates, like Meta Horizon TV turning the headsets into quality devices for binge-watching shows, there haven't been many major updates since.

Is Meta quietly giving up on its VR dreams? It may be more of a niche, but those invested in VR, looking for what's coming next, may not have much to look forward to, as AI and AR glasses take priority to see bigger revenue gains.

At the very least, Valve's Steam Frame looks to keep VR in the loop this year.

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Meta has seen several shake-ups over the past year, from shifting focus to smart glasses, including its Meta Ray-Ban Display specs, to potentially increasing the price of Meta Quest for more "premium" VR headsets. But now, it's seen a major restructuring of its VR department.

Recently, Meta laid off 10% of its Reality Labs division, which is around 1,500 people. This includes its social platform, Horizon Worlds, along with the closure of several VR studios, such as Sanzaru Games — the developer behind Asgard's Wrath and a reported Batman: Arkham Shadows sequel (via UploadVR).

In light of this, the future of Meta Quest VR has been put into question, with concerns about what will come next for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, along with the expected Quest 4 that's tipped to be in the works. Mind you, this shift in focus from VR is to push the development of AI smart glasses, such as the company's wearable range like the Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2).

It appears Meta's VR plans are looking bleak, but Oculus founder Palmer Luckey has a different outlook. Speaking about the shake-up on X, Luckey says "the 'Meta is abandoning VR' narrative is obviously false," but there's reason to believe the doom-and-gloom narrative.

Not a 'disaster' after all?

There haven't been many updates to the Meta Quest 3/3S and Horizon OS as of late, aside from a small update to Horizon TV announced during the smart glasses-heavy Meta Connect 2025. Already, this puts VR in a tough spot, and the layoffs don't make it any better. But Luckey explains on X how this could be a "good thing" in the long run.

"This is not a disaster," Luckey states. "They still employ the largest team working on VR by about an order of magnitude. Nobody else is even close. The "Meta is abandoning VR" narrative is obviously false, 10% layoffs is basically six months of normal churn concentrated into 60 days, strictly numbers wise."

Luckey continues: "The majority of the 1,500 jobs cut in Reality Labs (out of 15,000) were roles working on first-party content, internally developed games that competed directly with third-party developers. I think this is a good decision, and I thought the same back when I was still at Oculus."

While the number of workers now laid off seems like a staggering amount, Meta's VR presence is strong and there will still be people working on the metaverse and Quest's ecosystem. So, it's not like the company is outright abandoning its virtual reality front (yet), although we may not see many heavy-hitters when it comes to first-party VR games.

Of course, with XR studios including Armature Studio, Twisted Pixel and Sanzaru Games being scrapped, the developers of the biggest first-party games like Marvel's Deadpool VR (Twisted Pixel) and Resident Evil 4 VR (Armature Studio), this still doesn't paint the state of VR in a good light.

In the post, Luckey further explains how Meta's VR plan should play out: "Change always sucks because people lose their jobs in the process, but in a world of limited resources, Meta heavily subsidizing their own (with money, marketing, placement, etc) at the expense of core technical progress and platform stability doesn't make sense.

"Crowding out the rest of the entire ecosystem, even less so. Every developer big and small, even the hyper-efficient ones, have had an extremely hard time competing with games developed by Meta-owned teams with budgets and teams that spend vastly in excess of earning potential. People will point out that these teams did an awesome job and got awesome reviews from critics and customers alike — yes, and f*cked up though it is, that makes the problem even worse!

"Some people will say 'they should have just funded those developers as external studios rather than acquiring them, then!' Yes, I agree, but hindsight is 20/20. Do you think Oculus expected to only sell 700 copies of Rock Band VR after spending eight figures to make sure it was ready and awesome for Rift CV1 launch, to the point of bundling the guitar adapter with every single headset? Of course not, but sometimes you learn what the world actually wants from you the hard way."

VR isn't dead (yet)

While Luckey's comments spark interest, stating that "this is a good thing for the long-term health of the industry, especially the ongoing incentives," other recent cancelations doesn't bode well for VR systems.

Along with a Batman: Arkham Shadows sequel apparently being canceled due to the layoffs, A Harry Potter VR game has also reportedly been cut, according to YouTuber Gamertag VR. This was set to be developed by Skydance Games, the studio behind Skydance’s Behemoth, and it was said to be a Quest exclusive.

These are popular IPs, with the success of Hogwarts Legacy standing as a fine example. Not having these VR titles in the works isn't ideal, as it would have been expected to prove popular with Quest owners, and possibly see more consumers flock to the platform.

For now, it's hard to say what Meta's strategy is for VR As of December, the company's Reality Labs division lost more than $77 billion since 2020, as The Wall Street Journal reports. Perhaps a shift in focus was needed, but it still doesn't result in an optimistic outlook for the state of VR.

Meta invested heavily in VR gaming, along with how its Quest 3 and Quest 3S could be used for productivity and entertainment (such as its Mixed Reality Link for Windows 11 PCs). With this in mind, as Road to VR fittingly points out, if a company like Sony or Nintendo started closing its first-party gaming studios, it would rub consumers using the platform the wrong way.

In any case, the state of VR is set to change in a big way, and while we at least have Valve's Steam Frame to look forward to, the future of Meta Quest VR feels up in the air.

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One of my nightly rituals is to binge my way through shows or movies while in bed, whether that be on my phone, laptop or TV. But in VR? Well, the Meta Quest 3 didn't offer that chance for a long time.

With Meta pushing streaming shows on its VR headset via the Horizon TV hub, it makes sense for the Quest 3 and Quest 3S to be the go-to device that owners reach for to get a personalized cinematic experience when watching the most binge-worthy shows on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and the rest.

But it doesn't quite have the same appeal of kicking back on a couch or bed while watching many of the Golden Globes 2026 winners on one of the best TVs. I mean, sitting upright with a chunky VR headset for an hour or two isn't exactly comfortable (and it kind of gets in the way of the all-important popcorn and drinks).

How about lying flat with your head on a pillow for supreme comfort, though? Point a projector at the ceiling, and you can do just that. But in VR, it would make for the ultimate viewing experience. Originally, the Quest 3 and Quest 3S weren't able to do this due to restrictions, forcing you to watch shows head-on. But a simple feature broke those shackles.

If you're looking for a new way to use your VR headset and adore movie marathons or binging your way through series in bed, I've tried the aptly named Lying Down Mode on the Quest 3, and it works a treat for watching the latest shows and using VR apps.

Bingeable comfort

While Lying Down Mode on Meta Quest headsets isn't anything new (it arrived in 2025), it's an underrated feature that can finally give you the freedom to view media or try out VR apps the way you want.

The Quest 3 and 3S are designed for movement, abiding by the laws of gravity so you don't feel disoriented. By that, I mean the orientation of the VR headsets is restricted to always facing forward. Even when you hold the Meta button to reset your view while looking up or facing down, the headset will always target a forward-first direction.

With Lying Down Mode enabled, though, you can finally fix the orientation to where you want. As a fine example, when resetting the view while lying in bed facing the ceiling, the Quest 3 will now think the ceiling is "forward," and the head of my bed is "up."

It's an extremely simple change, but it's one I've now used to satisfy my binge fix before hitting the sack. I recently tuned into "Tron: Ares" using the Quest 3, and it was pure joy seeing all the red Light Ribbons tear their way through the city on a massive virtual screen — all while my head lay in comfort.

Sure, there isn't the same level of detail as on an OLED TV like the Samsung S90D in my room, but having a personal theatre on my face (and not to disturb my partner sleeping with flashing lights) is a real benefit. No one's disturbed, and I'm happily catching up with shows.

It also helps that I've attached the Kiwi Design K4 Duo heatstrap that adds up to three hours of battery to the Quest, and it also offers immersive audio with 40mm drivers for clear, surround sound. It just builds on to that cinematic effect.

With Lying Down Mode enabled, it's just another way of getting full use out of your Quest 3 or Quest 3S, and is well worth it for anyone after a comfy way to check out the latest series, movies or videos in your own virtual cinema. And if you haven't tried it yourself, it's incredibly easy to enable.

How to enable Lying Down Mode on Meta Quest

If you're looking to give Lying Down Mode a try, it's extremely simply to enable on your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S. It's still classed as an experimental feature, but it works just as intended.

Follow the instructions below so you can get watching while staying comfy.

There you have it. Now, you'll be able to lie down, look up at the ceiling while in bed (or anywhere else) and hold the Meta button on the right Touch Plus controller to reset your view and carry on without any problems.

It's just one of the many ways to fully utilize what the Meta's latest VR headsets have to offer, along with these other five apps to try first on your Quest 3. Looking to try it yourself or aren't a fan? Let us know your thoughts!

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Over the years, Quest VR headsets have accumulated a wide collection of games. But it's with the Meta Quest 3 where VR gaming really started to heat up for the system, and 2025 only dished out more quality spice for its ever-growing list of titles.

And hallelujah to that. We've seen stand-out hits like the must-play Batman: Arkham Shadow and the wonder that is Asgard's Wrath 2 (I'm still playing it to this day), but what about other knockouts? I thought this year would have me starved for content. That didn't turn out to be the case.

As it so happens, 2025 has been a stellar year for VR gaming, with blockbusters like Marvel's Deadpool VR and sleeper hits such as Ghost Town taking up most of my time when putting on my headset. If you thought your Quest 3 or Quest 3S had nothing more to offer, think again. Below, you'll find five of the best VR games I've played this year — ones that will stand out proudly in anyone's library.

Marvel's Deadpool VR

Let's kick it off with the biggest release on Quest this year, and it didn't disappoint. Remember that seemingly forgotten 2013 Deadpool game from developer High Moon Studios? Despite its janky combat, it absolutely nailed what a game all about the Merc with a Mouth should be. In Marvel's Deadpool VR, developer Twisted Pixel Games takes that and runs with it — and the gameplay slaps.

Playing as the foul-mouthed anti-hero who refuses to die, you're tasked with capturing a satisfying collection of villains from the Marvel universe to play in Mojo's twisted tournament. Oh, and to become an interdimensional streaming star. It's an exciting setup that leads to plenty of swords, guns and mayhem, along with spitfire, fourth-wall-breaking gags.

If you've been a fan since the comics or movies, and especially the most recent "Deadpool & Wolverine," then you know exactly what you're in for. But aside from the humor, Deadpool VR itself is an action-packed thrill ride filled with a strong collection of weapons, satisfying sword-and-gunplay, smooth movement and a healthy dose of collectibles and easter eggs to discover.

It also offers a ton of replayability, with different multiverse Deadpools. Most of all, it's just pure fun to be a forever-regenerating, wise-cracking fool.

Reach

Who knew the developers behind the VR version of PowerWash Simulator would deliver an intense, action-fueled blockbuster adventure with some of the best VR mechanics around today? Okay, nDreams has plenty of other titles under its belt (like Synapse and Fracked), but none quite like Reach.

From the inventive combat that mixes fantasy with realistic gunplay to the truly immersive platforming that allows you to jump, grapple and slide your way around the well-detailed environment, Reach is a fine example of how far VR gaming has come. Now, it's not for the squeamish. That said, if you're used to being in virtual reality, then this will bring the freedom you've been after.

Along with all the fights against daunting mech-like statues and high-scale traversing, there are a few well-designed puzzles in here, too. It's a little bit of everything, and seeing a VR title of this scale that's not attached to an existing IP is refreshing. No, its story won't blow your socks off, but it's engaging enough to find yourself intrigued to stop an invasion from a mystical underground world coming to the surface.

Reach is one of the bigger hits of 2025, and a worthy title that shows the heights your VR headset can reach. I've heard some problems when it comes to connecting it to PC VR, but on Quest, it's a blast.

Ghost Town

Look, the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S aren't exactly powerhouse systems, but just like the jaw-dropping visuals of Red Matter, developer Fireproof Games clearly knows how to make a VR game look stunning. Case in point: Ghost Town.

In this puzzle-horror narrative adventure from the creators of The Room (that should already give you a good indication of the finely crafted puzzles you can expect), expect to be entranced in the photo-realistic environments the game presents, from the streets and decor of 1980's London to an isolated Scottish island with a haunting atmosphere.

Blending story and puzzles in a well-paced mystery, it's more "spooky exploration" rather than jump scares, but that doesn't take away from the intriguing, paranormal case you have to solve. Being a detective of all things freaky, Editch must find out what happened to her suddenly missing brother, taking you down a rabbit hole of clues to find and spirits to talk to.

It isn't very long (around six hours for me), but for the enthralling mystery it offers, it's one you'll want to delve into.

Deadly Delivery

Quest actually has a fine lineup of multiplayer VR games, but it's fair to say they don't quite reach the level of the recent blow-up of fun and hilarious titles like Lethal Company and R.E.P.O. Or so I thought, as Deadly Delivery scratches that itch.

For those with a bunch of pals looking for hysterical scares and the sort of chaotic fun you'd only find in a game where you play as a delivery goblin just trying to make a quick buck, Deadly Delivery is a must. The task is simple: deliver packages. The problem is, the residents reside in pitch-black tunnels where a whole host of freaky monsters and hidden traps lurk. But hey, people need their goods.

The procedurally generated tunnels make it both fantastic and terrifying to head back into after each run, and the stuff-of-nightmares creatures will have you and your teammates screaming as you try to get away from them. There are plenty of curveballs that will keep you on your feet, and once you discover that it may be worth leaving a friend behind as prey... well, it just makes it that much funnier.

Deadly Delivery will keep you coming back for more, even if you are playing with random users (I'd recommend watching your back!).

Cave Crave

I'm not sure how anyone goes cave diving (you brave souls), but in VR, I can just about stomach it. Cave Crave offers the adrenaline-fueled thrill of cave exploration without the danger, thankfully, and it sheds insightful light on what people go through and the equipment needed to go spelunking.

From climbing up and down cramped spaces with tools to create handholds and carve a way through to marking your way through a selection of caves, along with finding secrets along the way, it becomes exciting to conquer the underground — even if it's daunting to throw a flare and see just how deep a cave goes.

Many are fictional caves — one even requires you to venture over icy walls using ice axes — but developer 3R Games takes it further by adding the very-real Nutty Putty, which even has a guided tour from renowned cave explorer Brandon Kowallis. It makes the immersion even more realistic, and it's fascinating to see just what the cave is like without, you know, actually being in danger.

Movement and traversal are great, even though graphics aren't the sharpest around. Either way, the horror of Cave Crave doesn't come from any jump scares or anything of the like; it's simply the realism of exploring a cave. And quite frankly, it's a thrill.

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An internal memo has revealed that Meta plans to raise prices on its VR devices, like the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S. Allegedly, the move is being made to extend the long-term sustainability of the line.

The memo (seen by Business Insider) reportedly came from new Metaverse execs Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, who insist the company needs to “make a shift” to sustain its VR headsets. Alongside price increases, a new focus will be on accounting for tariffs and extending the replacement cycle of the devices.

"Our devices will be more premium in price going forward, but we'll have a healthier business to anchor on and free ourselves from feeling existential about any singular device's success," the memo reads.

It also calls for creating high-quality software experiences that match the “excellence” of the Quest devices. However, that means the company may ship new hardware at a slower rate.

All of this news hits as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is planning big cuts for the Metaverse team, a section of the company that has burned more than $70 billion since 2021. Partially, this is on a perceived failure of the metaverse, but also a pivot by the company to be more AI-focused.

How high?

As of this writing, Meta offers two Quest headsets: the flagship Quest 3 for $499, which is a price cut from the original $649 it launched with. The entry-level Quest 3S retails for $299.

The memo doesn’t provide any potential price suggestions. Right now, the Quest 3s are some of the least expensive quality headsets you can buy.

Apple’s Vision Pro sells for an absurd $3,500 while the recently announced Samsung Galaxy XR starts at $1,799. For gaming, Valve revealed its Steam Frame VR headset in November but has yet to announce a price.

Previous rumors have suggested that the Steam Frame will be priced between $600 and $1,200, with most expectations pegging it around $1,000. Either way, the Frame will likely be more expensive than the current Quest 3 lineup.

To be competitive, it’s more than likely that Meta will compare its next offering to whatever the Steam Frame costs, as that is where you’ll see the most competition, especially in the VR gaming space.

Meta Quest 4

A slower release cadence isn’t a big surprise, as the long-rumored Meta Quest 4 was sidelined this year in favor of the company’s smart glasses; the Meta Ray-Ban Display and Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2) glasses. Previous rumors suggested that Quest 4 wouldn’t release until 2027.

A rumor from earlier this month revealed that Meta is working on the next-gen Quest VR headset, which will be a “large upgrade” compared to the Quest 3.

Allegedly, Meta has at least four different prototypes in the works: two Quest 4 models, an ultralight mixed-reality headset, and the rumored “Phoenix”, which would feature a tethered battery puck (similar to the Apple Vision Pro).

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Meta has put a large focus on smart glasses this year, with the release of its Meta Ray-Ban Display and Ray-Ban Meta (gen 2) glasses, leaving its rumored Meta Quest 4 on the sidelines. But now, it's reportedly finally in the works.

Meta is now working on a next-gen Quest VR headset made for immersive gaming, as seen in leaked memos via Business Insider. According to the head of Metaverse Gabriel Aul and the head of Horizon OS Ryan Cairns, the next Quest will be a "large upgrade" compared to the Quest 3, and it will "significantly improve unit economics."

Previous leaks indicated the Quest 4 would be delayed until 2027, with the two planned prototype headsets, codenamed "Pismo Low" (similar to the Quest 3S) and "Pismo High" (a high-end successor to the Quest 3), being canceled. Now, Meta looks to be back on track with its next-gen VR headset.

While there's no word on when the Quest 4 will officially release, it's still expected to at least be revealed sometime in 2027 or 2028. This is due to another headset that Meta is working on: the rumored "Phoenix" mixed reality headset with a puck.

Meta's ultralight headset gets delayed

Earlier this year, Meta was tipped to be shifting gears by pushing back work on the Quest 4 and focusing on a lightweight mixed-reality device that runs Horizon OS for 2026, which has been codenamed "Puffin" and "Phoenix."

Now, the schedule is changing yet again, as the tech giant is reportedly delaying this ultralight headset to the first half of 2027, as noted by VP of Reality Labs Foundation Maher Saba.

"Many teams in RL (Reality Labs) will need to adjust their plans and timelines," Saba said. "Extending timelines is not an opportunity for us to add more features or take on additional work."

What's more, Meta is looking to release a wearable device codenamed "Malibu 2" in 2026, although little is known about what this device will deliver.

The "Phoenix" headset is expected to come with the previously rumored tethered puck for the battery (as with the Apple Vision Pro) and to keep the headset lighter, and will resemble VR goggles rather than a headset. It's expected to have less of a focus on gaming and be more for virtual screens. So, not unlike the best AR glasses.

As Aul and Cairns state in the memos, the delay will give the lightweight mixed reality device "a lot more breathing room to get the details right" to deliver a "fully polished" headset.

Of course, with Meta continuing to shift its plans, we'll have to wait and see if the company sticks with this roadmap. In any case, while Meta is still going full throttle for its lineup of mixed-reality devices to compete with others, including the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, it's still making time for its upcoming next-gen Quest 4 headset. Hopefully, we'll see it sooner rather than later.

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Movies and TV shows are on everything. They can be found on your phone, your laptop, on the back of a plane seat and, of course, that screen in your living room. But they're also on the best VR headsets today, and Meta wants you to know it.

Meta continues to update its long-standing (and standalone) VR headsets, with the latest Connect 2025 delivering a handful of new features to its Quest 3 and Quest 3S. Any mention of a Quest 4? No, but one feature that stood out was one for all the binge-watchers: Horizon TV.

It's a dedicated app with a smart TV-like interface that acts as a central hub for all streaming content, whether it be for shows, movies, immersive experiences, sports events and more. No more opening a browser on your Quest to watch a show or accessing a streaming app individually — VR now has a TV app.

It takes all the best streaming services available on a Quest headset and compiles their content into an easy-to-navigate app, not unlike the interface you'd find on an Amazon Fire TV Stick. But this time, it's all in VR, and what does that mean? An immersive, big-screen experience right before your very eyes.

Finally, the VR headset is the smart TV I want it to be. Or, that's what I was thinking before diving into binge-watching my favorite shows and movies on, well, one streaming service. Does Horizon TV make the Quest 3 the big-screen TV killer? Not quite, as there are still some quirks to iron out. But for a new way to delve into big-time movies, shows and events with 3D special effects, Meta is onto something here.

A smart TV for VR (sort of)

Meta has had issues with streaming services over the years. There was once a Netflix VR app that let you watch the likes of "Stranger Things" or "Squid Game," but with its 480p standard resolution and lack of passthrough support, that was (thankfully) taken down in 2024.

Since then, the main way to stream any show (aside from the Amazon Prime Video app still going strong) was through the Quest browser. Sure, it still offered the ultra-large screen experience, but not exactly the wide-scale support or features we'd come to expect from a streaming service showing off what it can do in a virtual space.

The Horizon TV hub changes that. Now, it looks like Meta is putting effort into making its Quest 3 and Quest 3S a device not only for VR gaming and productivity, but for streaming, too.

I've been using the app to browse through shows and movies to watch, with Horizon TV recommending the latest films and classic flicks with different genre categories — just as a streaming hub or smart TV interface would do. It's a perk to be able to add different content to my personal watchlist, which is a tab that's easily accessible at the top of the menu.

But it isn't just movies and TV shows, as Horizon also includes tabs for sports events, music and immersive content. So, you could watch the Wimbledon finals with courtside seats, play tunes on Spotify and get the live concert experience with Doja Cat and Sabrina Carpenter headlining. That's the VR touch that no smart TV can deliver.

I've been having a grand time giving shows like "Landman" and "Supernatural" the massive-screen treatment, but notice anything in common with those shows? That's right, they're all on Prime Video, and for now, it should be called the "Prime TV" hub.

Missing content

When Meta announced its Horizon TV hub, it stated it would be bringing streaming services like Prime Video, Peacock, Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN. So far, only two of those are available — Peacock and Prime Video (Pluto TV, too). In fact, as of writing, I have no way to watch Disney Plus on the Quest 3, at least in the U.K.

It's no longer available to stream shows in the Quest browser or to download an app, and I'm not the only one with this problem. Along with Peacock being a streaming service primarily for the U.S., that only leaves me with Prime Video.

With this being the case, I only see recommendations for shows from Amazon's streaming service, and it led me to notice another flaw with Horizon TV — it's more of an interface layer than an actual app. Whether I needed to stream, rent or buy content, I needed to do all this within the Prime Video app, which Horizon TV would direct me to.

So...I may as well just use the Prime Video app, right? Horizon TV is a handy app to be a one-stop shop for all streaming content on the headset, but without other streaming services available, including Netflix, Apple TV and more, then it's limited to what it can show. For me, in particular, that makes the app redundant (for now).

At least there's also Twitch, Spotify and immersive apps available to jump into, but these are more bonus features compared to the scope a streaming service offers. However, Meta is bringing the 3D goods, and hopefully more sooner rather than later.

The 3D cinema treatment

One of the major advantages of using an XR headset is viewing movies in 3D. That's what the Apple Vision Pro and Samsung Galaxy XR offer, even if their content libraries are limited (and the headsets themselves cost a premium).

With that in mind, it was exciting to see Meta announce its partnership with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse, aiming to bring special 3D effects in movies like "The Black Phone" and "M3GAN." So far, these are the only two announced, and it's done via the Blumhouse Enhanced Cinema app (which is also only available in the U.S.).

I'm a fan of giving VR headsets the ability to take the cinema experience beyond with more immersive, 3D special effects, and would adore to see Meta take this further with even more movies. Luckily, there was a clip I got to try out from James Cameron's upcoming "Avatar: Fire and Ash."

As part of a partnership with the acclaimed director, the Quest 3 now has an exclusive 3D clip of the blockbuster sequel on Meta Horizon TV. And it's quite the thrill.

The clip showed Spider, the human born on Pandora, reuniting with Na'vi before being ambushed by a flurry of fire arrows that whizzed around right off the screen, and it completely gripped me to see the depth of view of the characters and environment on display. It's a naturally more immersive experience, and I was impressed by the intricate details of the main antagonist Varang's facial paint and tribal marks.

It was only a two-minute clip, but I was fully engaged to watch more from the VR headset. More so that wanting to watch it on a big-screen TV. It offered a cinema-like experience, and really, that's the goal of watching any movie at home.

Is it binge-worthy?

The Horizon TV hub is a step in the right direction for the Meta Quest 3 to become more of a viable binge-watching device, but there's a lot more work to be done so it can become something more than just a "Prime TV" hub.

Taking the direction of bringing even more movies and shows with 3D effects should be Meta's main aim, as it takes streaming to another level that only a VR headset can show off.

Sure, streaming the latest and greatest shows with a giant virtual display is a delight, but VR headsets have already done this for years. By bringing more streaming services on board and deploying more 3D content on the level that "Avatar: Fire and Ash" seems to be delivering (if you've got a Quest 3 or 3S, give it a go), then Meta may finally have another crack at its Quest VR headsets being a worthy streaming device.

Until that time arrives, though, I'll be binging my way through another episode of "Supernatural."

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It's been a hot minute since I've set foot in an arcade. From spamming Hadoukens in Street Fighter II to throwing all the boxes at thugs in Double Dragon, there's something about piling up a stack of coins and mashing buttons on a cabinet that scratches a specific itch compared to playing on, say, a PS5 or gaming PC.

Well, that itch has certainly been scratched ever since setting up X-Arcade's Arcade2TV-XR machine. Is it a full-blown arcade cabinet? Or is it simply an oversized arcade stick? Good questions, considering there's no screen in sight on this piece of equipment.

To answer them both: yes, and it's all made possible in VR. By linking the X-Arcade up with my Meta Quest 3, I was shooting off pinballs while frantically clicking flippers in Pinball FX VR and even throwing down some Shoryukens in Street Fighter via Arcade Ranger — all while standing in front of a (virtual) cabinet.

But it also goes beyond just VR, as the Arcade2TV-XR is also compatible with a PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac and more (with the right adapters). Hooking it up to a gaming PC to play Street Fighter 6 is yet another perk this machine delivers.

It's like having an all-in-one, multi-purpose arcade kit in the corner of my room, and for many, that's the dream arcade experience. And hey, it's nearly Black Friday, so of course there's a sale on right now that takes $100/£77 off the machine.

From the classic joystick and button feel to the side bumpers for pinball action, the Arcade2TV-XR is an impressively made machine that feels authentic to the cabinets of old — with a spruced-up modern look (RGB lighting included). It takes full advantage of VR, but this will only cater to a specific niche of gamers.

Unless you're into emulation, a die-hard pinball fan and have the patience to get all of this set up, I can't say this VR accessory will be for you. Oh, and if you're already struggling to find space in your place, you can forget about squeezing this sizable, chunky device anywhere.

The arcade experience, at home

If I were just a kid asking my mom, "can we go to the arcade?" just to get a "no, we have an arcade at home," I'd actually be perfectly happy returning to what the Arcade2TV-XR has to offer.

This tankstick-style setup delivers two sets of great-feeling joysticks and more than enough buttons for arcade games, with ample room for two players, along with buttons that act as bumpers on the side for pinball. There's even a precision trackball to act as a mouse!

But this is mainly made for VR, and X-Arcade has set it up to be compatible with the ever-popular Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S. The top of the deck includes holders for your VR controllers, placed when you're moving from needing the controllers to controlling a virtual cabinet or pinball machine using the accessory.

Along with its adjustable pedestal to get the right height, glorious RGB lighting on its glass panel with "X-Arcade" emblazoned on it and sturdy frame with rubber grips and wheels to move it around, it's an impressive accessory to put on show in a room.

The hardware is all for naught without the right software, though, and it's not exactly easy to translate the controls of an arcade machine to VR. Actually, the Arcade2TV-XR doesn't even work in the normal VR space, so you'll still need those Quest Touch plus controllers handy.

Fortunately, X-Arcade includes two VR games that support its accessory upon purchase. That includes Arcade Ranger and Pinball FX VR, which provide all you really need to make the most of the device. I spent the most time in the latter, and I didn't realize just how many hours I could sink trying to get the high score in various pinball machines.

It's a simple thing, but using physical buttons to control flippers is hard to beat. Not only did it feel like I was actually in control of the ball, but the experience itself felt authentic — especially with Zen Studios' varied and well-made virtual arcade machines.

The pinball machines available in Pinball FX VR include Pinball Noir, Curse of the Mummy and Sky Pirates: Treasures of the Clouds. They're a blast to play, and I enjoyed how each table comes with its own avatar to make the games feel alive. Like the detective talking about the crimes of the city and the mummy spooking me when I'd sunk a ball.

Other machines are based on well-known movies and shows, like "Tomb Raider," "Indiana Jones," "Star Trek" and even "Battlestar Galactica." These require an additional purchase (from $9.99), which can be a bit of a kick in the teeth, considering the price of the X-Arcade machine. But for serious pinball fans, the game provides an arcade-style paradise.

To put the rest of the buttons on the tankstick to use, I also tried Arcade Ranger. Now, this allows gamers to use legal ROMs of classic arcade games to play in-game on a virtual cabinet, meaning you can create as many virtual cabinets as you'd like. It's a shame these aren't provided already, but Arcade Ranger is currently in early access, so hopefully some titles will be available down the line.

I can imagine trying my all-time favorite classic Street Fighter II would be wicked to play, but in the meantime, I tried the latest Street Fighter 6 by linking the Arcade2TV-XR up to my gaming PC. The arcade vibes quickly sank in, with the feel of the joystick (which can be customized with the three restrictor gates included, such as four-way, circular and octagonal) and the layout of buttons, this experience got pretty close to simply being in a realistic arcade setting with a proper cabinet.

And yes, another player can quickly join in by pressing the player two button. My partner got involved, but only lasted five minutes before getting sick of my aforementioned Hadouken spamming (I'm not even sorry).

An enthusiast's machine

Perhaps I've been spoiled by the plug-and-play mentality of modern devices, but the Arcade2TV-XR isn't exactly straightforward to set up.

First, building the stand itself can take around 30 minutes, which is fairly painless, but a required step before diving into arcade games. Second, you have to redeem and download the games that are compatible with the accessory. And, finally, you'll need to own and download ROMs of arcade games and use SideQuest to transfer games over to Arcade Ranger.

If you're not familiar with getting these up and running through the Quest 3 just to use the Arcade2TV-XR, then you'll find this process to be a pain. This is why I spent the majority of my time playing pinball, even though this doesn't use X-Arcade's device to its full potential.

I do appreciate the easy connection between the Arcade2TV-XR machine and the Quest 3, as all it takes is slotting in the wireless USB-C adapter to the headset to get it going. But otherwise, it can be a nuisance to just boot up the arcade stick to play a game from the get-go.

What's more, the Quest Touch plus controllers are essential. In order to move to a virtual machine while in VR, along with selecting menus, changing settings and the like, you'll need the Quest's controllers to navigate around before you can actually use this tankstick. This was an apparent problem when one of my controllers suddenly ran out of battery, as I was left standing in an arcade like an awkward kid, not knowing which cabinet to play.

Without the bounty of classic games to play right off the bat, or the numerous pinball tables that need to be bought, the Arcade2TV-XR is left to be a shallow experience. And for its price (more than a Meta Quest 3S headset itself), I'd find it hard to find a reason to have this taking up space in my home.

Is the Arcade2TV-XR worth it?

X-Arcade's Arcade2TV-XR may have numerous use cases that go beyond all the fun to be had building your own arcade space in VR, seeing as it could easily fit in among the best fightsticks for fighting games and beat 'em ups on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and more, but its main focus is virtual reality. And that's already quite niche.

Not everyone has a library of classic arcade ROMs ready, let alone the patience to get this set up in a specific VR game made for Meta Quest headsets. And not everyone wants to spend $499 on a huge machine just to play pinball in VR with two physical side buttons (and pay more for extra pinball tables!).

The Arcade2TV-XR is very much made for enthusiasts, but that's not entirely a bad thing. For anyone who dreams of creating their own arcade space with one finely built machine that holds their collection of all-time great arcade games and pinball machines, and who wants to use it on various other platforms, this arcade-style VR accessory is exactly what you're looking for.

Did it ignite a hidden joy for playing far too much pinball, though? Yes, and I'll be mashing those flippers in VR with gusto.

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Alongside revealing the new Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses at this year's Connect, Meta also announced a new way to watch TVs and movies on its existing Quest headsets. The new "Horizon TV" hub will become the one-stop-shop for some of the best streaming services like Prime Video, Peacock, Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN.

We don't have much to go on, but the image below shared by Meta shows a list of streaming app tiles below what looks like algorithmically generated recommendations from each of the services. There's the ability to dive straight into a recommendation or add it to your watchlist.

That watchlist looks to be anchored to the Horizon hub, letting you mix and match a customised list drawn from whichever services you subscribe to. Across the top of the hub are options to quickly switch between Movies, TV Shows, Sports, Music and something labeled "Immersive."

Meta says it has partnered with Universal Pictures and Blumhouse to watch movies like "The Black Phone" and "M3GAN" on the Meta Quest with 3D effects enabled — which could be what it means by immersive.

It's worth pointing out Apple and Disney have a similar partnership for Apple Vision Pro. Although Horizon TV is reportedly getting an exclusive 3D clip from the upcoming "Avatar" movie added soon.

There are a lot of details we still don't know about Horizon TV, specifically which Quest headsets will be compatible and when it'll roll out.

Alongside the new hub, Meta said it will be making overall platform improvements that include eliminating letterboxing and displaying media in a correctly sized window based on its aspect ratio.

These improvements are sure to be welcomed by Quest owners. While the likes of the Meta Quest 3S excel for gaming, it's not as accomplished as the (admittedly much more expensive) Vison Pro when it comes to video content.

Check out our Meta Connect live blog for the latest announcements from Meta, including the newly announced Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses and Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses.

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Meta's next smart glasses appear to be on the horizon, with new leaks spilling the beans on its "Celeste" glasses with a heads-up display (HUD) and wristband codenamed "Ceres." Now, a new report details that it's thankfully going to cost a lot less than expected.

Initially, Meta's upcoming smart glasses (also codenamed "Hypernova") were set to go as high as $1,300 to $1,400. That's a steep price, but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman now reports that the specs could be around $800 — and that's with the sEMG wristband included in the box.

Compared to the recent $499 Oakley Meta HSTN glasses, the new smart specs now don't seem as pricey for an extra built-in display that's tipped to feature a variety of apps on display (à la Meta Quest 3 and the upcoming Android XR) and touch controls with hand gestures for navigation via the wristbands.

As Gurman notes (via UploadVR), Meta has decided to keep the price down to drive demand. However, the $800 price tag would only be the starting point, as prescription lenses and different styles will bump up the price.

With Meta Connect 2025 set to kick off on September 17, it's believed the Celeste smart glasses will receive their stage to be announced, with pre-orders tipped to drop soon after and shipping to start in October.

Price is key

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Making the most of my Meta Quest 3 has opened my eyes to the possibilities mixed reality (MR) presents — features that go well beyond punching, shooting or dancing your way through the best VR games.

Thanks to the Quest 3's MR capabilities, I've cooked up a storm in the kitchen while streaming shows on Netflix, given my room a makeover by visualizing furniture and measurements in the Layout app, and even started learning to draw thanks to the Pencil app. More importantly, these have worked fairly flawlessly.

So, why not put this VR headset to work? Meta strived to make its Meta Quest Pro the office machine replacement, and the Apple Vision Pro has also tried its hand at this. But, as you can guess, those ventures didn't catch on (and price wasn't the only major fault).

However, thanks to Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, using these VR headsets as an extension to your PC has become significantly more accessible, affordable, and, yes, actually usable.

Well, for the most part.

It offers the huge benefit of being able to utilize up to three virtual monitors, which you can resize and place wherever you want in mixed reality. This can easily act as a handy, affordable replacement for the best monitors, there's still one issue that stops me from using my Meta Quest 3 for work — and it all has to do with its video passthrough.

Monitors galore

Since linking my Meta Quest headset to a Windows 11 PC, I've been boasting a three-monitor setup without actually having physical displays crowding my desk. The Mixed Reality Link feature has been a treat, even though it still has some wrinkles to iron out (namely, video calls not working properly and some minor audio connection issues).

Being able to add three virtual monitors anywhere in my field of view while wearing the VR headset makes for an incredibly versatile setup — one that all types of workers would appreciate. They can be stacked on top of one another, placed side by side, reshaped to be used vertically and even offer the massive, ultra-wide treatment.

This adjustability is a boon, and moving and resizing these virtual screens is as simple as dragging and placing them via the Meta Quest 3's hand-tracking feature or Touch Plus controller.

Sure, I may boast a 32-inch 4K monitor for my usual desk setup, but for scrolling through websites while watching a YouTube video or show on Netflix, all while playing games like Doom: The Dark Ages on Xbox Game Pass? That's a setup that's hard to beat — even if I have to wear a whole VR headset to make it happen.

Now, here's the thing: despite its advantages, and still being able to see the real space around you through the Meta Quest 3's full-colour passthrough for mixed reality visuals, I'd find it hard to actually put this setup to good use while working.

The main issue

With the thousands of words I write each week as per my job here at Tom's Guide, a keyboard is easily my biggest asset. I need to be able to type with ease without any interruptions or irritations, and that makes it hard with a Meta Quest VR headset on my head.

I've been impressed with the Quest 3S and Quest 3's full-color passthrough, which allows for an overall clear view of my immediate environment while using apps or watching shows. However, there's no way to get a detailed look at real-world objects — and that includes my keyboard.

The Meta Quest 3's passthrough view is too grainy and struggles when lighting conditions aren't right for more precise motions. While that's fine for general tasks like picking up a glass, typing can be a struggle when you need to look down at keys every once in a while.

I know, touch typists probably won't have a problem with this, but as someone who looks down at their keyboard sometimes to find the right flow or enter a shortcut, I can't for the life of me get a clear view of my keyboard when I've got my headset on.

It leads to typos, stalling to find the right key and general discomfort every time I have to look down with a clunky headset on my head — it doesn't feel nearly as natural as it would without being in MR. Additionally, if there isn't enough light in the room, it's challenging to find anything via passthrough. It's too damn dark!

Oh, and as another red flag, sipping on a hot cup of coffee with a VR headset on is not recommended — so says my now-stained shirt.

AR glasses have this nailed down

This is all to say that wearing a full-blown VR headset for work and other productivity needs isn't ideal when there's a noticeably weighty device wrapped around your head with blurry video passthrough. However, I still believe this is an incredibly efficient way to work.

And that's exactly what the best AR glasses today aim to offer. First off, they're far more subtle than a VR headset, but still offer the versatility of a virtual monitor setup, like the Viture Luma Pro's massive 152-inch virtual screen with a 1200p resolution.

Our own Anthony Spadafora even tested this out by ditching his laptop for a mini PC and AR glasses, and it worked like a charm when working on the go. Plus, we've seen how AR glasses used with a laptop can beat the dreaded "tech neck."

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I once typed “how to unburn pasta” into Google. My chicken breasts are so dry, they taste like sandpaper dipped in regret. But thanks to this incredibly realistic Meta Quest VR cooking simulator, I’m finally clawing out of my way of Gordan Ramsay’s “idiot sandwich” status.

Like it or not, cooking is one of those adulting requirements you can’t skip. I can't DoorDash and UberEats my way through life forever. I mean, I could, but it wouldn’t just be dinner going up in flames — it’d be my bank account, too.

This isn’t one of those mindless cooking games where you’re just assembling burgers and calling it a day. What makes this Quest title “chef’s kiss” is that you’re forced to cook everything from scratch.

You want to make fries? There’s no bag of frozen crinkle cuts waiting for you. Get in the back and grab a potato. Peel it, chop it and get to cookin’! You’re building every meal from the ground up, teaching you how to graduate from an IRL accidental arsonist to a competent cook.

Finally, a kitchen where I can’t burn pasta

Cooking Simulator VR dropped me into a slick and sophisticated modern kitchen — Wolfgang Puck and Padma Lakshmi would cook in this culinary arena.

It’s intimidating at first, but the best aspect of this game is that it doesn’t need to be so frightful, especially if you choose Sandbox Mode. However, if you want a challenge, you’re free to select Career Mode.

But in Sandbox Mode, there’s no head chef barking orders, no impatient diners drumming on tables and no ticking timer breathing down my neck. It’s just me, a posh kitchen and a well-stocked pantry with over 140 ingredients. That’s on top of the top-tier collection of fresh spices and herbs. There’s more than just salt and pepper out there, y’know!

With state-of-the-art blenders, deep fryers, knives and stoves, this VR setup easily outclasses my real-life kitchen.

Let me cook

This isn’t a lazy cooking sim with clunky controls. Every moment felt natural and intuitive, from gripping a pro-grade knife to flipping raw meat with a spatula.

It’s the perfect replication of real-life kitchen actions: whisk with a flick, chop with a glide and twist the knob to turn up the heat. My hands performed just like they would IRL.

For my first VR dish, I decided to follow one of the recipes provided on the kitchen computer: steak and fries. After selecting it, it popped up on a giant monitor, walking me step-by-step through ingredients, measurements and timing instructions.

I pulled a juicy steak from the fridge, slapped it onto the cutting board and seasoned it exactly how the recipe suggested. After drizzling clarified butter into the pan and firing up the stove, I grabbed some tongs. After a minute, I flipped the steak, watching closely as the raw redness slowly transformed into a mouthwatering brown — just like it would in real life.

The recipe called for garnishing the steak with rosemary, so I plucked a fresh sprig straight from the indoor garden.

Next up? Fries. I grabbed a potato from the pile and went to work seasoning and chopping. I didn’t quite nail that perfect rectangular cut, but the wedges I cranked out still looked legit.

I poured them into the deep fryer and yanked them out by the basket like I was working a shift at McDonald’s.

And that was it — my culinary masterpiece was complete. My steak and fries were plated and ready to serve.

If I wanted to double-check how my dish turned out, I could slide it through the kitchen pass for a rating — but honestly, it’s optional. Not to brag, but I got four out of five stars. I’ll take that win.

Kick it up a notch

In the words of world-famous chef Emeril Lagasse, let’s “kick it up a notch!” Now that I’ve mastered the basic steak-and-fries dish, I wanted to try something more challenging.

I decided to cook Shakshuka, a Middle Eastern dish with an eggs-meet-salsa party in your mouth. I’ve never tasted it in real life, but I thought I’d give it a go in VR — against my better judgement.

Cooking this dish turned out to be a nightmare, and it exposed some of the setbacks of the game. The trouble started when I started gathering my ingredients, from eggs and tomatoes to goat cheese and jalapeños. I forgot how lifelike the controls are. At one point, I wasn’t delicate enough with the eggs, and they shattered before I could even use them.

It got worse. The recipe called for just the chopped tomatoes and jalapeños in the skillet, but I already had a medley of ingredients on the cutting board. Without a “bulk transfer option,” I had to delicately drag each slice — one by one — like I was picking peas from rice. It was culinary torture.

And here’s the kicker: I’m a clumsy pourer, apparently. The recipe called for an additional cup of water. However, I accidentally drowned the Shakshuka, which ruined the dish after spending nearly 15 minutes on it. Who wants soggy eggs swimming in tomato soup?

Out of curiosity, I submitted the dish through the kitchen pass. I got slapped with a one-star rating and immediately lost chef points. I respect the game’s honesty. That Shakshuka deserved jail.

I came, I cooked, I got roasted by a VR kitchen

Cooking Simulator VR isn’t perfect. I did feel a little woozy moving around at first, but switching to teleport navigation in the Settings solved that. I also wish the pantry items were labeled better, though you can ID them by holding the trigger button.

The chopping physics are a bit janky, which explains why some of my fries came out looking more like wedges.

Still, I learned a lot. This game teaches patience the hard way. Cooking can be tedious, especially with dropped eggs and endless veggie prep. I rushed through the Shakshuka, and it showed. But now I know: in real life, hurrying through a recipe is the quickest way to mess it up.

It also taught me the art of juggling because time management is everything in this kitchen. While sautéing one dish, you’d better be chopping herbs and keeping an eye on your fries before they turn into charcoal.

Finally, the Shakshuka fiasco taught me to think ahead. I should have read the entire recipe up front. I would’ve known to set the tomatoes and jalapeños aside, saving myself a tedious sorting session.

No, I’m not ready to open a restaurant just yet, but at least I’m ready to retire the fire extinguisher.

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Ever thought VR games on the Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S looked a little...dull? I have, and while I still get a proper kick out of being fully immersed in VR, these headsets still have their limits.

Don't get me wrong; some of the best VR games show off just what these standalone VR headsets can do, with striking visuals and smooth frame rates — especially in titles like Red Matter 2. That's all without the help of the latest-gen console or a powerful PC setup, à la PSVR 2 or HTC Vive Pro 2.

But then you get games like Alien: Rogue Incursion, and that's where you'll find that the Quest 3 isn't exactly a powerhouse. Textures can look blurry, lighting can feel off and visuals can overall be choppy. Even Arizona Sunshine 2, a favorite of mine on a Quest headset, looks far better on PCVR.

So, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon Quest Game Optimizer (QGO), an app launcher that quite literally unlocks the potential of Meta Quest headsets. Yes, I'm a tad late to the party here, as the first version was released in 2022.

But its rise in popularity over the years and its continued support for the latest VR games show it's become an essential VR app that now allows me to take full advantage of my Quest 3.

From boosting performance, resolution and frame rates in virtually any game to being a one-stop app to customize, launch and video record in 4K at 60 FPS, QGO is a worthwhile venture for just $12 (that includes tax). But it's not for everyone.

First, it can be a bit of a pain to install, as it's not on the Meta Quest Store to simply download. And second, despite graphical and frame rate improvements, some games that are optimized are less noticeable than others. But if you're a VR enthusiast who wants games to look far smoother and be easier on the eyes, QGO has a lot to offer.

Installing QGO on a Meta Quest headset

Installing QGO isn't as straightforward as heading to the Meta Quest Store and downloading the app, as it isn't even there. Instead, you'll have to go through a few hoops, but the developers make it very easy to do so.

To install the Quest Game Optimizer, you'll first have to purchase the app on itch.io. It's available from $10, but including tax, it bumps up to $12. Once that's done, then you'll have to go through a step-by-step process to get it running on your Quest headset.

There are multiple ways to do so, including by using a PC and SideQuest (an Android sideloader) or through the Meta Quest Developer Hub with a PC. The way I did it was by only using my Meta Quest headset, which I found to be the best way to do it.

The setup takes a while, and you'll have to enable Developer Mode on your Quest headset by changing your Meta account into a developer one (this tutorial will help you out). But once it was set up, I was off to the VR races.

Here's how to do it:

If you aren't used to sideloading apps in VR, this can be a bit of a slog, but QGO also has a detailed walkthrough of how to install its app using only a Quest headset.

Giving VR games an upgrade

As soon as I started up QGO, I was immediately treated it to all the apps and games I've downloaded on my Quest 3. I mean, it is an app launcher, after all, but it's handy to have all the apps easily seen in one place. Plus, these can be organized to my liking, and all the games can be launched within this window.

But the key feature here is game optimization, and while I wasn't expecting much of a boost, QGO delivers the goods and then some.

QGO is able to customize VR games to your liking, with its own useful presets that configure the resolution, refresh rate, CPU and GPU levels. This isn't possible on the Quest 3 by itself, so having these options makes it feel like I'm tinkering with settings on a PC.

While you can make your own custom profiles, I found it best to stick with what QGO offers, which comes down to four offerings:

• Battery saver: Reduces settings in games to extend battery life
• Performance: Boost refresh rate for smoother gameplay
• HD: For superior visual quality (like a balanced mode between resolution and performance)
• HD+: Even greater visual quality (like a quality mode)

These settings can be pushed to the limits in nearly all VR games that are supported, with resolution going up to 4096 pixels per eye, 120Hz refresh rate and "Ultra" performance in the CPU and GPU.

However, QGO specifically states, "pushing everything to the maximum is pointless." This is true, as you won't get stable gameplay in many games at max settings, and higher settings can deplete battery life faster and make the Quest headset get quite hot.

Anyway, sticking with QGO's own profiles, I tried out Walkabout Mini Golf using the HD+ profile, and was blown away by the crisp details the game had to offer. Resolution jumped from 1680px to 3100px, with a frame rate of 72Hz.

The game has some fabulous settings, like a mind-bending "Inception"-like city to pot some holes in, but the one detail that really caught my eye was the golf ball. I could easily see all the dimples of the ball, and there weren't any blurry, jagged textures I'd usually notice. It's harder to tell with the screenshots captured, but in VR, it looks fantastic.

With the Boost profile, the game felt even more fluid at 110Hz, which can help with the subtle switch of my gold club and the movement of the ball. I preferred the HD+ profile, but it's nice to know I could easily switch between these when needed.

I then put on Metro: Awakening, which is a fine-looking game in itself, but it isn't exactly the most visually striking. That changed when I turned on HD+, boosting resolution by 37% to achieve 2300px.

The AK-47 I had in hand glistened in the light, with each of its metal components looking smooth, and I could see every wrinkle of the main protagonist Serdar's glove. It's the small things that I would never usually see that impress, and the environments looked far more daunting to travel through thanks to the upscaled visuals (gore and monsters included).

Some games, like Asgard's Wrath 2, don't have the various preset options, with only Boost being available. This cranks up the GPU to "Ultra," but otherwise, it can be tinkered to what I want. However, Asgard's Wrath 2 is already a massive title that pushes the Quest 3 to its limits, so it isn't one I would configure. Besides, I'm happy with how the game looks and performs.

There's a whole suite of games that get the optimizer treatment, including Pistol Whip, Thrasher, Arizona Sunshine 2 (although it just offers the Boost preset) and, of course, Batman: Arkham Shadow. And with games like Deadpool VR on the horizon, I can't wait to see what QGO does for even more VR games, too.

Is QGO worth it?

QGO really is a game-changer for the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, making the best VR headsets on the market that much more of a sweeter deal. For just $12, it optimizes VR games with upscaled resolution and faster refresh rates, which, in many games I tried, is a treat.

Depending on how you find playing games on your Quest headset, like if you're bothered by visuals or prefer to be able to customize a game to your liking, QGO is well worth trying out. As a game launcher, it offers plenty of tools other than optimization, like video recording and backing up data in games, but its main pull is all about giving you the freedom to tinker with games in VR.

Now that I can push VR games to their limits, it's hard for me to go back. But if you can't be bothered with sideloading the app and are fine with what the Quest 3 dishes out (it can be great, anyway), then don't feel like you're missing out on much. Still, seeing smooth textures in VR games is enough for me to stick with QGO.

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The Meta Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027, but for now, we may have seen a sneak peek of what the next VR headset is heading towards — and it comes with a mighty field of view (FOV).

Researchers at Meta Reality Labs have revealed VR and MR headset prototypes offering an ultra-wide horizontal FOV of 180 degrees, with a goggle-like design that hangs over the user's face. This is a huge leap over the Meta Quest 3, which offers around a 100-degree FOV.

In the report, the researchers demonstrate the VR and MR prototype headsets, comparing the views in virtual and mixed reality to those of a Meta Quest 3.

The VR prototype uses "high-curvature reflective polarizers" in a custom optical design to achieve its ultra-wide field of view, while the MR headset also offers the same FOV but uses 80MP cameras at 60 frames per second (FPS).

A video showcases the difference in view between virtual and mixed reality, and there's a clear distinction in what is visible. Notably, the Quest 3 is shown with a circular view of an office, with the prototype's FOV offering a wider horizontal view — now with a person in sight.

You can see the difference in views in both VR and MR below.

"We [developed] a pair of wide field-of-view headsets, each achieving a horizontal FOV of 180 degrees with resolution and form factor comparable to current consumer devices," the research report states. "Our prototype headsets establish a new state-of-the-art in immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences, pointing to the user benefits of wider FOVs for entertainment and telepresence applications."

As the report points out, humans have a horizontal field of view of around 200 degrees, so these headsets aim to bring our sight closer to what's seen in VR and MR. It also notes that other consumer VR devices offer a wide field of view, like the Pimax Crystal Super with its 140 FOV (as Road to VR points out), but "come at the cost of larger form factors, limiting physical comfort and social acceptance."

This would be a major upgrade for many of the best VR headsets, but it remains to be seen if we'll see the features of these prototypes in action anytime soon.

A hint at the Meta Quest 4?

While the Meta Quest 4 is rumored to be delayed in favor of "Meta Celeste" smart glasses, the VR and MR headset prototypes may give us an inkling of what to expect in next-gen devices.

Rumors of "Quest 4 VR goggles" have been rumbling, as per a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and with these prototypes resembling more of a goggle-like design, this may be what Meta is heading towards.

Plus, with this jump in horizontal FOV allowing for further immersion into VR and MR, this could be a key upgrade for the upcoming VR headset. Still, this is only a prototype, and it's unclear whether Meta will ultimately incorporate something like this into its plans.

It will be interesting to see what type of upgrades the rumored Meta Quest 4 will arrive with, but if it's a broader field of view, it will certainly be welcome.

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It's hard to deny that Meta is the undisputed king of VR right now, with its Quest 3 and Quest 3S being among the best VR headsets to get. So it's only fitting that a Meta Quest 4 is in the cards, and there's already a lot of talk about the rumored headset.

Making VR accessible to all with the release of the Quest 3S in October 2024, along with the recent Quest 3S Xbox Edition in June, Meta appears to be on track to evolve its VR headset offerings, but it may not be the Quest 4 that comes first.

With the now-revealed Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, along with the next-gen Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), stealing the show at Meta Connect 2025, indicating that the Quest 4 headset will launch until a later date, along with a "high-end model that could eventually become a successor to the Quest Pro mixed-reality headset," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, it may be a while until we see what CEO Mark Zuckerberg has up his sleeve for its next VR headset.

However, it's been reported that Meta is already working on a new Quest 4, so it may only be a matter of time until we find out what the Quest 4 has to offer.

For the latest updates on Meta's highly anticipated VR headset, find out all you need to know about the Meta Quest 4 below

Meta Quest 4: Rumored release date

There's no official word when the Meta Quest 4 may arrive, but rumor has it we won't see it anytime soon.

The next trending device on the market is set to be smart glasses, which are almost an evolution of VR headsets. Meta is looking to beat its competition, including the rumored Apple smart glasses and upcoming Snap Spectacles in 2026, with its own Meta Ray-Ban Display smart glasses launching September 30.

Because of this, the Meta Quest 4 is now rumored to arrive in 2027. Meta appears to be shifting focus for its upcoming VR headset plans, with notable leakers Brad Lynch and Luna on X stating that the company may switch the release of the Quest 4 from next year to 2027.

This is apparently due to two planned prototype headsets, codenamed "Pismo Low" (a budget model similar to the Quest 3S) and "Pismo High" (a high-end headset akin to the Quest 3), being canceled. That, and having its smart glasses coming instead.

Not exactly "virtual reality" as with a VR headset. But for smart glasses, this is juicy.

While the Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027 now, the AR/AI glasses may give us a taste of what to expect when the Quest 4 looks to launch.

Meta Quest 4: Design

The Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S have been applauded for their design, with the former's pancake optics offering better display resolution (2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye), and the 3S featuring the same fresnel lenses as the Meta Quest 2 (1,832 x 1,920). Is there room for improvement? Sure. However, what's surprising is Gurman describing the future product as "Quest 4 VR goggles" rather than a headset.

This may just be another way of Gurman saying "headset," or a nod to the smart glasses instead. But having a more slimmed-down form factor with design cues of Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses makes sense.

While details on the Quest 4 (and a possible Quest Pro successor) are still up in the air, we may have some hints at what it may bring. For one, the Meta Ray-Ban Display specs come with a Neural Band, or wristband, to make gestures that translate into actions for the smart glasses.

Is this an indication of a move to wristbands over the Meta Quest 3 controllers? For one, many VR games like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Asgard's Wrath 2 rely on buttons for much of their gameplay, so translating this into hand motions would be difficult. However, we may see further integration of hand-tracking, which is currently included on the Quest 3/3S.

Speaking of, we've now seen new Meta prototype headsets combine a goggle-like design with ultra-wide VR. If anything, this could be a sneak peek at the Quest 4!

Researchers at Meta Reality Labs revealed VR and MR headset prototypes offering an ultra-wide horizontal FOV of 180 degrees, with a goggle-like design that hangs over the user's face. This is a huge leap over the Meta Quest 3, which offers around a 100-degree FOV (Field of View).

The VR prototype uses "high-curvature reflective polarizers" in a custom optical design to achieve its ultra-wide field of view, while the MR headset also offers the same FOV but uses 80MP cameras at 60 frames per second (FPS).

A video showcases the difference in view between virtual and mixed reality, and there's a clear distinction in what is visible. Notably, the Quest 3 is shown with a circular view of an office, with the prototype's FOV offering a wider horizontal view — now with a person in sight.

You can see the difference in views in both VR and MR below.

"We [developed] a pair of wide field-of-view headsets, each achieving a horizontal FOV of 180 degrees with resolution and form factor comparable to current consumer devices," the research report states. "Our prototype headsets establish a new state-of-the-art in immersive virtual and mixed reality experiences, pointing to the user benefits of wider FOVs for entertainment and telepresence applications."

As the report points out, humans have a horizontal field of view of around 200 degrees, so these headsets aim to bring our sight closer to what's seen in VR and MR. It also notes that other consumer VR devices offer a wide field of view, like the Pimax Crystal Super with its 140 FOV (as Road to VR points out), but "come at the cost of larger form factors, limiting physical comfort and social acceptance."

This would be a major upgrade, but it remains to be seen if we'll see the features of these prototypes in action anytime soon.

Otherwise, there's still a lot to learn about the design of the Meta Quest 4, but with the success of the Quest 3 and 3S and with the 3S Xbox Edition making gaming the focus of VR, it's likely we'll see a similar design to the current VR headsets.

That said, we hope to see improvements on its head strap for comfort, which is why other brands deliver better models, like the Kiwi Design H4 Boost Halo and K4 Boost.

Meta Quest 4: Expected price

Compared to all other VR headsets on the market, the Quest 3, and especially the Quest 3S, are the most affordable way to jump on the VR bandwagon. With prices at $499 for the Quest 3 and $299 for the Quest 3S, a lot of the success of these headsets relies on the price.

That's something we hope to see with the Quest 4. We already saw the Quest Pro fall off due to its $999 launch price, and the $3,499 Apple Vision Pro didn't fare much better. If Meta is to succeed with its upgraded VR headset, it still needs to keep the price right.

Seeing as the Quest 3 512GB version is set at $649, I wouldn't be surprised to see Meta's rumored headset to be around the same price at launch, especially if it delivers upgraded specs as assumed. This may drop further down the line, but we hope the Meta 4 price doesn't reach the heights of other headsets like the $999 HTC Vive Focus or $549 PSVR 2 (now $399), which you need a $499 PS5 to use.

We're still a while away from a Meta Quest 4, so there's no telling how much it will end up costing. However, considering the success of Meta's current VR headsets, it's likely it won't be overly expensive.

Meta Quest 4: More headsets on the way?

While the wait for the Meta Quest 4 may be long, perhaps another next-gen headset may take its place in the meantime.

Meta announced a partnership with Asus ROG to develop a "performance gaming headset" in 2024. However, hardly anything has come of it since (aside from the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition). But now, as Road to VR confirms, Meta still plans on bringing more VR headsets with Horizon OS.

Earlier this year, the Asus ROG VR headset, codenamed "Tarius," was rumored to be the first third-party headset to ship with Meta Horizon OS. Just like the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, it would offer familiar features, menus and even VR games. Think of it like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally bringing Microsoft's own gaming UI to a third-party handheld, but this time with Meta's VR space.

According to the leak from notable tipster Luna on X, the Asus ROG "Tarius" headset will feature eye-tracking and face-tracking, with either QD-LCD or micro-OLED displays. That, and local dimming to automatically adjust brightness in specific areas to improve picture quality.

That's not all, as Meta has detailed what Asus and Lenovo are planning. The Asus ROG is expected to be an "all-new performance gaming headset," while Lenovo aims to develop "mixed reality devices for productivity, learning, and entertainment."

Interestingly, as noted by Meta, these devices will "benefit" from the tech giant's collaboration with Qualcomm, suggesting these headsets will be powered by Snapdragon processors. While the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S use a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, perhaps these third-party headsets are waiting for rumored chips to be announced during Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon Summit this September — such as the Snapdragon X2 Series.

Hopefully, it won't be much longer until we see Meta's partnership with Asus and Lenovo pay off.

Meta Quest 4: Worth the wait?

Reports that the Meta Quest 4 won't arrive until 2027 make sense, seeing as the Quest 3S only launched in October 2024. With the Quest 2 launching in 2020 and the Quest 3 in 2023, the Quest 4 lines up with a 2027 release date after the tech giant has finally put its stamp on the AR glasses market.

But there's a lot to look forward to once the Quest 4 arrives, if recent successes are anything to go by. We've seen impressive games such as Batman: Arkham Shadows, Meta's partnership with James Cameron for upcoming exclusive mixed-reality content and a pairing between the Quest 3/3S with Windows 11 to offer three virtual displays. With these perks in mind, Meta could continue to offer more advanced features such as these on its Quest 4.

I've noted that Meta Quest saw its best year yet in 2024. Here's hoping the company continues that trend with its rumored upcoming devices.

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Leave it to Kiwi Design to deliver another valuable upgrade to Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, this time bringing immersive audio to VR in a comfortable battery head strap.

The company behind the quintessential VR accessory that I won't use my Quest 3 without, the H4 Boost Halo Battery Strap, now has the Kiwi Design K4 Duo. It's an all-in-one audio head strap with battery, and it solves an issue I've had with Meta's headsets: loud audio.

Yes, the Quest 3 and 3S offer great 3D spatial audio, but when I'm playing games, watching movies or even listening to tunes while connected to Windows 11 in VR, sound leaks out for all to hear. That's no longer the case when the K4 Duo is strapped on, as its adjustable, cushioned earphones deliver isolated, clear audio — just like what the best gaming headsets do.

Throw in the nearly 3-hour battery life to extend VR sessions (like the H4 Boost), 45W dual-port fast charging and comfortable, flexible design, and you've got yourself a head strap that adds premium trimmings to any Quest 3 headset.

It's not without some flaws, but it's one of the best Meta Quest 3 accessories you can get to upgrade your VR sessions. Read on to find out why.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: Cheat Sheet

• What is it? An all-in-one audio head strap with battery for Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S VR headsets.
• Who is it for? Quest 3 and 3S owners after extended battery life (without being connected to a cable) and headphones in a secure, comfortable head strap.
• What does it cost? The Kiwi Design K4 Duo is priced at $159 at Amazon in the U.S. and £139 at Amazon in the U.K. However, you'll often find it for $139/£129, and even less (down to $109/£109).
• What do we like? Its adjustable, lightweight fit, the clear surround sound audio from its cushioned earphones, additional battery life and fast dual-charging system.
• What don’t we like? At full price, it's on the expensive side, and ears can get hot after longer VR sessions due to the sponge foam pads.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: Specs

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: The ups

Kiwi Design's K4 Duo isn't too different from its H4 Boost Halo head strap, especially when it comes to its core principles like its comfort and extra battery life. That's no bad thing, but this has the addition of fine-tuned audio from its attached earphones.

What VR should sound like

Finding out the K4 Duo comes with its own audio put me in two minds: having a head strap deliver a set of headphones is a smart move, but would it be just a cheap add-on, especially considering they kind of look like the sponge-foam headsets you'd get on a flight?

Rest assured, they aren't. As soon as I attached the head strap and plugged in the well-sized USB-C cable to my Meta Quest 3, I could immediately hear the difference in soundscape compared to the VR headset's speakers. Even on the homescreen, where I have the gushing noise of a fountain and birds chirping every once in a while, the audio was finely tuned.

Even at full volume, sound didn't leak from the earphones when I took off the headset. That's great news for VR owners who need to game quietly or those who want to be fully absorbed by the best Quest 3 games out there. And that's especially true of all the music-based rhythm games like Beat Saber, Pistol Whip or Smash Drums.

Thanks to the switch on the right earphone, I could switch between the earphone audio and the Quest 3's own speakers easily, too.

Speaking of, I decided to dive back into Batman: Arkham Shadow, and as I was preying on thugs and grappling between ledges, I could hear the "zip" and "ting" of the clasp attaching to a point and pulling me in. I also heard each "thud" of my fist connecting to foes while beating them up, which was satisfying, indeed.

For a more immersive, spooky feel, I put on Metro: Awakening. As with the spatial audio of the Quest 3's speakers, I could clearly hear the disturbing whispers of ghosts crying for help around me, along with chats from enemies in the distance as I slowly crept my way around them. I was also freaked out by the fast pitter-patter of a mutated spider crawling on me (shudder-inducing stuff).

It also makes for more isolated listening when watching shows on streaming apps like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, which was great when watching the final episodes of "Squid Game" season 3. While not quite the all-encompassing cinema-sounding levels, it's still nice to get the big-screen treatment with loud audio with clarity.

With the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition now out, it also means the head strap can deliver this excellent audio to the latest Xbox Game Pass titles, and that includes AAA games like Doom: The Dark Ages. Now, I wouldn't say it matches the audio quality of the best headsets for gaming around, as there aren't any customizable EQ settings or high-end drivers, but it's fully immersive nevertheless.

Overall, for completely inclusive sounds for your VR sessions, the K4 Duo's earphones will do the trick.

Find your fit

As with the H4 Boost Halo, the K4 Duo matches its comfort and easy adjustability but takes it a step further with its simple padded top strap, flexible earphones and lightweight feel.

That last one is surprising, as the K4 Duo weighs 16.1 ounces compared to the H4 Boost's 15.7-ounce weight. This is more due to the K4 Duo's lack of a front facial headpad, which I noticed felt heavier on the head. It trades it for a silicone-added top strap instead, which I found to be very comfortable on my scalp.

The audio head strap is also supremely easy to put on and adjust, thanks to the rear dial that can change the tightness.

It's also flexible to adjust the angle when putting it on or taking it off, all so I could easily slip my head into the strap and get into VR. That customizable fit is also easier on the face, so the Quest 3's facial interface isn't squashing to the areas around my eyes that can irritate the skin.

Finally, the earphones themselves are also flexible, so they can be folded in and out, swivel to the sides and adjust for length. That makes it a head strap size for all.

More time in VR

I've said it before, but the Quest 3 and Quest 3S' 2-hour battery life just isn't long enough for the many VR games and apps that demand more time to use. That's what the H4 Boost solved, and the K4 Duo does exactly the same.

Using the same 20.4 Whr / 5,300 mAh battery capacity, my Meta Quest 3 could last nearly 3 hours longer with the head strap plugged in. That's a boon to anyone who wants to play in VR for that much longer, or actually watch a full-length movie without the headset dying on you.

It also comes with the same dual-port fast charging, which simultaneously charges the K4 Duo and Quest 3/3S. So, with a 45W charger, both devices get 22.5W each. It takes a little over 2 hours to charge them from 0% to 100%, which is just as long as Meta's VR headsets. Again, you're getting up to 5 hours of battery life in a single charge instead of just a measly 2 hours.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: The downs

The Kiwi Design K4 Duo does a lot right, but you'll be paying more for this VR upgrade over other head straps out there, including the companies own H4 Boost Halo battery strap. That, and its earphones can be a tad irritating during long VR sessions.

More than most

Priced at $159 / £139, the K4 Duo is Kiwi Design's most expensive head strap to date. It makes sense, considering it comes with earphones, padding and that extra battery capacity, but it's more costly than the H4 Boost ($99 / £79) and BoboVR S3 Pro ($89 /£76). Even the Meta Quest Elite Strap with battery ($129/£129) is more affordable.

Again, these don't come with their own headphones, and the thing is, Kiwi Design often offers significant discounts on its head straps. As of writing, the K4 Duo is down to $109/£109, which is far more enticing.

That's all to say that if you're looking to grab the K4 Duo, it's best to wait until it drops to its lowest price, especially during big sales events.

A tad toasty on the ears

With its sponge-foam padding on the earphones, the K4 Duo was immediately comfortable on my ears. It doesn't press too firmly on them either, giving my ears a nice cushion while I move around frantically in games like Batman: Arkham Shadow or Pistol Whip.

However, I noticed that after a few hours in a VR session, my ears were getting hot and irritated. Not majorly, mind you, but enough for me to fold the earphones out to give my ears a break. That's expected with this kind of material, but I wouldn't say it's a deal-breaker. But it would have been nice to see memory foam cups used instead, similar to the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3.

Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap: Verdict

The Kiwi Design K4 Duo Audio Head Strap with Battery may only apply to a niche group of VR users that want more VR time on their Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S with personal audio, but it does a fine job of executing its advantages.

Not only does it make the Quest 3 supremely more comfortable and secure to wear, but it also extends the Meta Quest 3's battery life to a more suitable time and delivers fantastic audio straight to your ears.

For those that already have a head strap and audio solution, such as the Final VR3000 wireless earbuds (£89) or Final VR500 wired earbuds ($35), then the K4 Duo's all-in-one perk won't be worth its price. Let it be known that its otherwise comfy sponge-foam earphone padding can irritate your ears after a long session, but that's only a small nuisance.

But for those who want to give their Quest 3 or 3S an upgrade that covers battery, comfort and audio, then make sure the K4 duo is at the top of your list of VR accessories to pick up.

A leaked image may have given us our first look at a new Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR headset, and it's reportedly set to arrive as soon as this week.

According to gaming news outlet Game Sandwich, Meta is set to shadow drop a Quest 3S Xbox Edition this week (expected to be Tuesday, June 24), with the headset coming in green and black, along with Xbox design accents. However, an image of its box has leaked, giving us a closer look at what it may look like.

As posted by a now-deleted X thread from VR developer RJ White, the leaked photo was reposted by user @bmfshow on X, showing an all-black Meta Quest 3S with a green outline on its face plate. What's more, it appears to come with an Xbox controller.

Meta previously announced its partnership with Microsoft to bring a limited edition Quest VR headset (via UploadVR), and it appears it's fulfilling that promise in the form of an Xbox-inspired Meta Quest 3S. Games are expected to be available through Game Pass via Xbox Cloud Gaming, so expect titles such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Clair Obscure: Expedition 33.

There's no word on a Quest 3 version, so this may be exclusive to the more affordable 3S headset.

Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: What we know

As noted in the report, the limited edition Quest 3S is expected to be a bumped-up version of the base model, coming with 128GB memory, an Elite Strap, Xbox wireless gamepad and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

It will reportedly be priced at $399, which is $100 more than the 128GB Quest 3S. However, with the extra add-ons like the Elite Strap and controller, the limited edition bundle still offers more value than buying all these separately.

If all accurate, this appears to be a further push from Microsoft's "This is an Xbox" campaign, and further expands Meta's partnership with the tech giant as it was announced last year, with the full Windows 11 experience arriving on the Quest 3 and 3S.

A few years back, Xbox cloud gaming came to Meta Quest headsets, so the feature is already available for VR users who already have a Quest headset. However, this limited edition Xbox model looks to hammer in that the app is available.

We may not have to wait long until we see a Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition land on shelves, but it looks to be more of an Xbox-driven reskin of the Meta Quest 3S more than anything else. This isn't too unlike the upcoming ROG Xbox Ally, which focuses on Microsoft's new Xbox user interface coming to gaming handhelds.

With the rumored Meta Quest 4 reportedly delayed until 2027, it looks like the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition will tide us over instead. But there are more VR headsets to look forward to, and potentially soon, including the Valve Deckard and the Asus ROG VR gaming headset.

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As much as I enjoy using my Meta Quest 3, it's far from perfect. Any VR user will know that the Quest 3 and Quest 3S aren't exactly the most comfortable headsets, nor do they have the longest battery life. But a few add-ons can sort that out.

I've been using Meta's VR headset to try out a bunch of its unique features lately, including setting up 3 virtual monitors through a Windows PC and learning how to draw using its mixed-reality capabilities. Oh, and satisfyingly beating up some thugs in Batman: Arkham Shadow.

But I wouldn't have nearly enjoyed any of that as much if I didn't have the VR accessories to give the Quest 3 (or Quest 3S) the upgrades it deserves. From head straps with battery packs that offer hours of extra playtime while giving your head miles more comfort, to cables that give you lag-free access to PC VR, these aren't just handy add-ons — many are downright essential.

Whether you're looking to give your Quest 3 or Quest 3S new life or are just about to grab the best VR headsets you can get today (I highly recommend it), I've rounded up the VR accessories that you won't want to miss — and some even come with a discount.

Now, onto the the accessories that will make using your Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S shine.

Meta Quest accessories you don't want to miss

The Meta Quest 4 is being pushed back until 2027, according to a recent leak, but we may be seeing an all-new lightweight VR device in 2026 instead — and it comes with an external puck.

Meta appears to be shifting focus for its upcoming VR headset plans, with notable leakers Brad Lynch and Luna on X stating that the company may switch the release of the Quest 4 from next year to 2027.

This is apparently due to two planned prototype headsets, codenamed "Pismo Low" (a budget model similar to the Quest 3S) and "Pismo High" (a high-end headset akin to the Quest 3), being canceled.

According to the leaks, a "high-end device" is looking to arrive in 2026 instead, and it's set to be a lightweight headset that runs Horizon OS with an external compute puck, codenamed "Puffin."

We've heard that Meta was developing a Quest Pro "successor" instead of a Quest Pro 2, and it appears Puffin could fit into that slot. According to RoadtoVR, this ultralight device would resemble VR goggles rather than a headset, and will be less focused on gaming than Meta's usual headsets.

Instead, Puffin is rumored to be all about virtual screens, offering users a multi-screen setup for entertainment and productivity purposes. This isn't unlike some of the best AR glasses, including the upcoming Viture XR smart glasses.

However, it stands out as the Horizon OS-based device is tipped to come with that compute puck — small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. This would be tethered to the device and deliver processing power, making it lighter to wear. It isn't unlike the Apple Vision Pro, although that headset's external device is a battery.

Rumors also indicate Meta's Puffin device won't arrive with any controllers, instead using hand-tracking to navigate around menus. That's what we've seen in the Quest 3 and Vision Pro already, but it could mean it won't offer any gaming-centric features.

The VR headset race heats up

Interestingly, Lynch indicates Valve's Deckard headset will be available in 2026, with previous details suggesting it could launch in Fall 2025. Along with an upcoming Asus ROG VR headset (set to be the first third-party headset to use Horizon OS) in the works, there are a few VR devices coming our way.

While the Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027 now, Meta's upcoming Puffin is still looking to be at the forefront of next-gen VR devices — and Apple may be scrambling to beat it to the punch.

According to 9to5Mac, the Cupertino tech giant wants to launch its Apple Glasses ahead of Meta's offerings, but with Meta's changed plans, we could see its AR glasses get pushed up. What's more, rumor has it that the next Apple Vision Pro headset could drop sooner than we think.

So 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for VR and AR devices, and while we'll have to wait and see what Meta ends up delivering, along with other headsets from major competitors, it's clear we have a lot to look forward to.

That's not all we have coming our way, as we may see Meta's $1,000 smart glasses with a built-in screen arriving this year.

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• I have no artistic bone in my body, but this Meta Quest VR app just taught me how to draw
• I can't put my Meta Quest 3 down thanks to this VR accessory — and now I can't imagine playing without it

There's no use sugar-coating it: I'm absolutely atrocious when it comes to creating art. There's always a way to improve, though, but I didn't expect a helping hand to come from a Meta Quest 3 VR app that can teach you how to draw in a very creative way.

I've always shunned away from drawing ever since I was a little one, and it's mainly because I couldn't put on paper what I saw in my mind. I was the kind of kid that blew off any sort of artistic venture; you know those coloring books with the numbers showing what colors to use in an area? Well, I just colored in the numbers — nothing else.

For context, here's the state of my drawing abilities:

It's a horse, by the way. For some reason, it always has to be circular. And yes, I was genuinely trying.

It frustrated me, and to this day, I've never been able to hack it. But then I stumbled across Pencil - Learn to Draw!, a Meta Quest mixed reality app that does what it says on the tin. Perhaps it's my past trying to prove that I can actually draw if I put some effort in, or maybe I just wanted to see what else Meta Quest headsets can do, but I decided to give it a whirl.

To my surprise, it's been an absolute blast creating everything from cartoons to still-life objects, and even realistic facial features. For me to say that I drew a human eye, with clear outlines, shading, reflections and tear duct included, is a satisfying accomplishment.

With guided tutorials, step-by-step lessons, tips and tricks on all things drawing and more, Pencil explores what mixed-reality apps can do for education — specifically in art. It's still in early access, and there are more lessons to come, but for $10/£8, it's done wonders for my nonexistent drawing skills.

Anyway, check out how good my drawings have come out so far while using this app.

Drawing made fun

If you've got a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, all you need is paper and a pencil. Cleverly using the headsets' pass-through feature, you're able to see what you're drawing in real life while seeing an overlay of drawing guides. And, thanks to hand-tracking, you won't need to use Quest's controllers to interact with menus or buttons either.

Right from the get-go, you can learn how to draw all sorts of images, from cartoons to animals to more themed arts like ones for Halloween (randomly) and even more realistic images.

I went straight into cartoons first, believing this would be the easiest starting point for my, er, limited abilities. Lessons can take between 10 to 20 minutes, and you can, of course, retry them as many times as you'd like.

Leo was my animated teacher throughout my learning. My first lesson wasn't a complicated drawing in the slightest, but it was a very accessible way to kick off learning for beginners. It's also a tutorial on how the app works, using an overlay of lines over a piece of paper as a reference for users to follow.

The overlay was extremely helpful for me, as it gave me a point-perfect guide of not only where I should be drawing, but also if I needed to shade in anywhere to emphasize a particular feature. There's also always a reference to the complete drawing to make sure I was on track.

I found that this overlay can make it hard to see if your drawing is coming out the way you want it to, but the app knows this. It tells you in the first lesson to hide the overlay to track what you're putting on paper, and there's an easy "Hide Overlay" button to turn it on and off.

After just 5 simple steps, my masterpiece was complete. And I have to say, as my first attempt, Leo is looking mighty fine on paper.

I did find the very AI-like voice of Leo a little on the nose, with Leo literally stating, "Let's learn how to draw 'dot dot dot' me" when pronouncing the periods. But hey, the app is still in early access, and I'm here to draw, not get distracted by a cartoon instructor.

What I enjoyed the most was drawing the cat being cheeky with its paw in the fish bowl. It's here that the Pencil app sneakily gave me the freedom to get creative while still giving me the outline to learn.

When drawing its fur, it was up to me what pattern I wanted to give it, even though I automatically preferred it to be exactly the same as the picture shown. However, once Leo asked, "do you want it to have socks?" I was like, "heck yeah I do."

And it gives suggestions on how to draw certain patterns, like patches or stripes, and gives you the direction of drawing different fur strokes.

While the drawing guidelines make it very easy to draw a replica of what's being shown, it's exactly what a beginner like me needs. Already, it was letting me go rogue without having the overlay in place, which is a great way to learn rather than just copy.

A guide for beginners and beyond

The Pencil app is great for beginners, but it also has lessons to build your skills even further. It isn't just about drawing lines; there are different methods of utilizing a pencil to shade, smudge, outline and more, and it teaches you how to do it in more complicated sketches without holding your hand too tightly.

I decided to take things up a notch: drawing an eye. To me, these are the most complex things I can think of putting on paper, from the way the pupil looks to the eyelashes covering it. But as a beginner, the Pencil app gave me the outlines I needed and instructions on how to apply my pencil, whether it be "faintly" or "traced."

It also introduced me to smudging correctly. For example, when shading in the darker areas around the eye, I was told to smudge in the direction of how the area of the eye falls. It offers more of a realistic look, and it made sense as I was putting in the final touches.

Plus, at this point, I wasn't getting the same overlay guidelines as I did with the cartoon drawings, as it gave me an outline of where to shade or smudge rather than give me precise lines.

That's not all, as it also pointed out putting light strokes around the pupil to showcase the reflection of eyelashes. It's the little things like this that I would never think of, and that's learning at its finest.

Finally, my eye was complete. My outlines and shading could be better, and while the app recommends using an eraser to fine-tune smudges and to get rid of traces, I didn't have one at hand. Still, I'm impressed that in the space of over 20 minutes, I drew a natural-looking eye.

It could be better, as I'm still getting to grips with different drawing techniques. But the Academy section can help out with that, offering a proper tour of the basics. For now, that includes drawing and lighting fundamentals, but more are set to arrive soon, as the app is still in the making.

It's here where you can figure out directional shading, erasing techniques, blending, the value of a line and more, which are hugely beneficial when drawing those lifelike, complicated sketches.

Once you've gone through the beginner lessons and nailed the fundamentals, there are also more advanced lessons to perfect each drawing and further improve your artistic mastery. I'm not at that stage just yet, but there is something here for those who already have a gauge of the basics.

What's more, with Free Draw mode, you can use different objects as a point of reference and put your skills to the test.

A stellar way to use mixed reality

I've mainly used a Meta Quest 3 for gaming (titles like Batman: Arkham Shadows are why), and I've only really used the headset's mixed reality for watching shows while cooking every once in a while. With Pencil, though, I now have another reason to put its MR capabilities to good use.

Will art ever be my forte? Hardly, but Pencil has paved the road for me to build on my skills. As you can see, the results speak for themselves, and that's a lot coming from someone who can barely draw a horse.

The creativity app is only going to get better once it comes out of early access (hopefully), with more lessons and guides on how to draw different objects in different ways. For beginners, it's an inventive way to throw yourself into creating art, so if you're keen on finding a new way to draw, Pencil on Meta Quest is a good shout.

Now to decide if my drawings are worth sticking on my fridge.

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• I just used a Meta Quest VR headset to get 3 virtual monitors on a Windows 11 PC — and I was blown away
• I can't put my Meta Quest 3 down thanks to this VR accessory — and now I can't imagine playing without it

I am utterly obsessed with all things “Alien.” Ever since watching the 1979 horror classic in my youth — at a far too young age considering its hard R-rating — I’ve been eager to consume every single ounce of this iconic dark sci-fi universe I can find. I’ve watched all the movies countless times, I’ve read the Extended Universe books, and I’ve played just about every Alien video game.

But much as I adore titles like 2014’s Alien: Isolation (it’s a top 10 game of all time for me), I’ve always longed to truly step into the world of Alien via the means of virtual reality. For ages, this felt like a pipedream, but last year when Alien: Rogue Incursion was announced, it looked like my dreams were set to be realized. And after an agonizingly extended wait to play, this week I finally stepped into my favorite cinematic world thanks to Alien: Rogue Incursion on Meta Quest 3 (PSVR 2 and SteamVR versions debuted back in December).

After playing a handful of hours across several play sessions, I’ve come away a little conflicted. On the one hand, Alien: Rogue Incursion truly is the VR game I’ve wanted pretty much my entire life, allowing me to fulfill my dream of coming face-to-face with a Xenomorph (quite a deadly dream, I know). But on the other hand, the Meta Quest 3 port is disappointingly downgraded.

Rogue Incursion is the stuff of dreams for Alien fans

As noted, I’ve had to wait a couple extra months to get access to Alien: Rogue Incursion on Meta Quest 3 (my current VR platform of choice), and during that time, I’ve worked hard to avoid pretty much all spoilers from PSVR 2 and SteamVR players. This instantly paid off when I booted up Rogue Incursion as even the opening took me by complete surprise.

When you launch the game for the first time, Rogue Incursion recreates the ultra-iconic title sequence from the first “Alien” movie (my favorite film of all time). You know, the part where the title is slowly etched into the screen while Jerry Goldsmith’s pitch-perfect score sets the mood in a way that sends a shiver down your spine.

This fantastic recreation almost had me tearing up inside my Quest 3 headset. It was a memorable moment years in the making.

And that was just the flippin' title screen. Actually settling in to play the proper game was a series of “pinch me” moments. From picking up the beeping motion tracker for the first time to firing off a volley of bullets using my trusty plasma rifle, it was heaven for an Alien fanboy like myself. Even a moment when a Xenomorph leaped from the shadows with its claws ready to cut me to ribbons had me at first yelling in fear and then positively cackling with delight.

To set the stage, in Alien: Rogue Incursion play as Zula Hendricks, an experienced colonial marine answering a distress call on the planet Purdan (also known as LV-354). Naturally, your arrival isn’t a smooth one, and you soon end up stranded on the frozen surface, exploring a facility overrun by xenomorphs. It’s a predictable setup for the franchise, but even this routine narrative feels surprisingly fresh when experienced through virtual reality.

Developers Survios really deserve huge credit for bringing the Alien universe to life in the VR space. While Rogue Incursion lacks the meticulous attention to detail of Alien: Isolation (the gold standard in this area), its environments are undeniably Alien in nature, and all the sights and sounds franchise fans could want are present. Plus, much as the Xenomorph is a known quantity at this point, seeing a lifesized one charging towards you will spike your heart rate.

As a VR shooter, Alien: Rogue Incursion doesn’t appear to be bringing a whole lot new to the table (at least based on the few hours I’ve played so far), but just the Alien trappings are enough for it to be among the standout VR titles I’ve played. Granted, I’m hardly objective when rating Alien products, but even if you only have a loose familiarity with the franchise, I still think you’ll find joy in Alien: Rogue Incursion's thrilling sci-fi action and well-worked jump scares.

If there’s one distracting weakness I’ve spotted so far, it’s the ill-judged save system. Much like in Alien: Isolation, you can only save your progress at pre-determined spots (you need to unlock panic rooms). But this system means it’s possible to lose several minutes of progress if you get overwhelmed by Xenos. For a VR title, where many players prefer to play in shorter sessions to avoid the ill effects of playing in virtual reality, it’s too limiting a system. A “save anywhere” option or even just regular autosaves would have been useful.

Nevertheless, my grips with the save system are small fry when stacked against everything Alien: Rogue Incursion gets right. Being part of the Alien universe — but being safe from a grisly fate — is a dream come true, and I’m having a complete blast slowly making my way through the game’s cinematic campaign. It’s just a shame I’m doing so on the Meta Quest 3 headset…

Quest 3 isn’t the place to play Alien: Rogue Incursion

For as much as I’m enjoying Alien: Rogue Incursion, I’m a little too aware that I’m currently experiencing the very worst version of the game via Quest 3.

As you can see in the below comparison video (courtesy of UploadVR), the Quest 3 port is quite significantly downgraded compared to the experience currently available on PSVR 2 and SteamVR platforms.

Granted, the Quest 3 is the least powerful headset of the bunch, and unlike the other two doesn’t have the horsepower of a current-generation console, or a beefy PC setup, to help it out. However, I’ve enjoyed VR experiences like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Arizona Sunshine 2 on Quest 3 without feeling like my enjoyment was being impacted by the unit’s less powerful components. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about Rogue Incursion.

The sense of unnerving atmosphere that I can tell Survios was attempting to craft has been significantly dented by the Quest 3’s significantly poor lighting effects. Several interiors near pitch-black on PSVR 2 are instead bathed in harsh blue lighting on Quest 3, which drains the tension from the scene.

Blurry textures are another frequent problem. In fact, texture quality is often so low, that it feels like the walls of the facility you’re exploring have been coated in a thick layer of vaseline. Rogue Incursion is a great VR game, but if you have the option of playing it anywhere else, you really should.

To Survio's credit, they do seem willing to acknowledge the graphical downgrades on Quest 3 and have told UploadVR that a patch to "address performance and visual issues" is in the works. It remains to be seen how much of an impact this will have, again Quest 3 is the least powerful platform so some sacrifices are likely necessary, but I really hope a few post-launch patches can get the Quest 3 version a bit closer to parity with PSVR 2.

If you only have access to a Meta Quest 3 headset then I would still highly recommend Alien: Rogue Incursion, but perhaps with the caveat that it may be worth waiting to see if the promised post-launch patches can smooth out some of the technical blemishes. Either way, even in its current state, it’s an essential title for Alien fans, and I’m personally enjoying every moment.

More from Tom's Guide

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• 'Alien: Earth' series for FX — everything we know so far
• Batman on Meta Quest 3 is my favorite VR game of the year

Looking for more screens to use on your Windows 11 PC? The best monitors are a great option, but there's another way to expand your PC's viewing capabilities: use a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset.

Thanks to Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app, you can easily connect your Meta Quest headset to a Windows 11 PC wirelessly. I used my Quest 3 to get three virtual monitors on a laptop, and was amazed by the big-screen treatment it offers. Think of it as a multi-monitor workstation just for your eyes.

You can place these displays anywhere in your field of view and scroll through websites, stream your favorite shows and even play games — just as you normally would on your PC. It's a blast to use, but in my experience setting it up can be tricky.

So grab your Meta Quest headset, boot up your PC and prepare for more virtual screens by following the steps below.

Connect your Meta Quest to your Windows 11 PC: Requirements

To connect your Meta Quest to your Windows 11 PC, you'll first need the following:

• Have a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S headset
• Use Windows 11 (22H2 or newer) on your PC
• Run Horizon OS v72 or newer on your headset
• Be on the same Wi-Fi network on your PC and Quest headset (5Ghz or 6Ghz)
• Have at least a Radeon RX 5000 series, GTX 1000 or Ryzen 3000 series GPU or newer

If you've met the minimum requirements, you'll be ready to set up the connection.

How to connect your Meta Quest to your Windows 11 PC

Since the app is still an experimental feature, some functions may not work properly. This includes video calls and audio not transferring to your intended device. Otherwise, use your PC as usual but now with with bigger virtual displays!

Yes, we all know that watching the Super Bowl is an inherently social activity — it's a lot more fun to cheer on your favorite team with your friends and family, or have a shoulder to cry on if they don't pull through at the end.

But, if you can't — or don't — want to watch the game in a group setting, and you happen to have one of the best VR headsets, you can also enjoy the game in a virtual setting.

Among the ways to stream the Super Bowl, you can use one of several apps: you can watch it on Fox via Sling or Fubo (both of which require subscriptions), or you can stream it for free via the Tubi app.

However, none of those apps are available on the Meta Quest 3, but there is a workaround, and it's pretty simple. Here's how you can watch Super Bowl LIX on your Meta Quest 3.

If you're not using your Meta Quest 3 to watch the game, you'll want to make sure you scoop up a Super Bowl TV deal, so you can watch the Super Bowl in 4K. You can also watch the Super Bowl in 4K on your PS5, watch in 4K on your Xbox, or watch it on your Fire TV device.

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The future of Meta and its push for mixed-reality products to become the norm is hanging in the balance, as Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth claims 2025 will be Reality Lab's "most critical year" — and it could be all to do with Android XR.

In a leaked post spotted by Business Insider, Bosworth states Meta needs to focus on sales in its portfolio of products this year, especially in MR (mixed reality), if its long-term plans are to succeed. In fact, the CTO claims 2025 will be so crucial that it will determine if the company's efforts "will go down as the work of visionaries or a legendary misadventure."

Bosworth also claims that "Horizon Worlds on mobile absolutely has to break out," despite fears of the metaverse never being viable. The leaked memo was sent to Meta employees, aiming to drive urgency to Meta's future plans. It's clearly a critical point for the company, as the CTO even says: "If you don't feel the weight of history on you then you aren't paying attention."

As noted in the post, Meta is set to launch six AI-powered wearables down the pipeline. This is likely referring to the company's rumored first "real" AR glasses in 2027, along with higher-end AR glasses similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that could arrive this year.

Recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reported on the state of its AI smart glasses in a leaked all-hands meeting, with the company selling over one million units in 2024. While he states it's a "great start," it will still see an "intense year."

Meta has a big year ahead, and while it's seen plenty of success, including its Reality Labs division posting a record $1.08 billion in revenue, there's clearly more work to be done, seeing as the mixed-reality department saw a quarterly operating loss of $4.97 billion.

Has Android XR spooked Meta?

With the announcement of Android XR, Google's new operating system bringing Android to extended reality (XR) headsets, Meta is set to see fierce competition. Bosworth's comments appear to be signaling that Meta is at risk of losing dominance in the mixed-reality space, hence the apparent push to drive sales for its MR devices.

The first Android XR device, Samsung's Project Moohan, is set to arrive in 2025. We've seen what it's capable of thanks to a Project Moohan hands-on from YouTuber MKBHD, and while it's still in the prototype stage, it impressed with its Gemini AI features. That includes Gemini Live, Circle to Search and more.

There will be more Android XR devices coming down the line, and even Apple AR glasses using custom visionOS has been rumored. With the number of products expected to be in development from competitors, this may have made Meta nervous about its own lineup of devices.

Does this mean that Meta will stop making Quest headsets, smart glasses or mixed-reality devices if 2025 doesn't play out as planned? I doubt it, but if competition is tough, it may have to rethink what devices it will work on in the future.

However, if the past year is anything to go by, I'm not worried about the fate of Meta's plans.

Here's why I'm not worried

Meta may have had some bumps on the road, with its Meta Quest Pro being a fine example, but it's already seeing an uptick in its products, features and overall usability for the masses. And this has been reflected in what Bosworth claims:

"On paper 2024 was our most successful year to date but we aren't sitting around celebrating because know it isn't enough. We haven't actually made a dent in the world yet. The prize for good work is the opportunity to do great work."

Last year, the company made strides with what is possible on its Meta Quest VR headsets, and made it more accessible to everyone with its Meta Quest 3S. I went as far as to say that Meta Quest VR has seen its best year yet, and that's due to the added range of excellent games and apps that will make users want to keep putting on the headset.

From Batman: Arkham Shadow proving that exclusive VR games can shine to productivity apps that allow three virtual monitors on a Meta Quest when linked to a Windows 11 PC, Meta appears to be heading in the right direction. Plus, even James Cameron is getting in on the action with exclusive mixed reality content around live sports and concerts, feature films and TV series featuring big-name IPs.

Then there's the success of Ray-Ban Meta, being one of the best AI smart glasses around. With more AR wearables in the works, with the upcoming products looking promising thanks to our Meta Orion AR glasses hands-on, the company looks to be on the right track.

With rumors of a Meta Quest 4 and even a Meta Quest Pro successor coming up, I hope Meta's plans don't fall flat this year. If it continues to deliver and nail what makes people actually want to use a headset (and add more battery life), then its MR and AR devices should see themselves become the norm.

More from Tom's Guide

• Meta acknowledges 'critical risk' AI systems that are too dangerous to develop — here's what that means
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Ever since hearing about Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app that allows Meta Quest VR headsets to connect to a Windows 11 PC, I've been stoked about trying it out. I mean, being able to see three virtual monitors in mixed reality? That's a big ol' upgrade to my PC setup.

I've been burned by Meta in the past, though. From trying to play PCVR via the Quest 2 but never managing to get a decent connection on my gaming laptop to trying to set up work meetings in the Metaverse (I wouldn't recommend that), using Meta's VR headset for anything other than gaming was a struggle.

But that changed with the Meta Quest 3. With its mixed-reality capabilities, faster Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and smoother visuals, this headset paved the way for Meta to deliver more worthwhile experiences. Even better, the Quest 3S made it all more accessible to consumers.

Case and point: Meta Quest VR headsets linking up to a Windows 11 PC. I finally tried out the Mixed Reality Link app and couldn't believe how easy it was to expand my PC setup with three huge virtual displays that I could move and resize at will — all with a wireless connection to a Quest 3.

There are still some quirks to iron out (the app is still in preview), but anyone with a Quest 3 or Quest 3S and a Windows 11 PC should give this new feature a whirl.

A (semi) easy setup

Since the Mixed Reality Link app is still in preview, setting up the link with a Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset to a Windows 11 PC may not be as straightforward. As an example, when following the steps to get it working via Meta's support page, I found it fell short in a couple of steps.

For one, when it states that I should see a "prompt to pair your PC" above my keyboard, there was none in sight. Secondly, when told to scan the QR code on my laptop's display using my Meta Quest 3 to pair the device via the Mixed Reality Link app, the headset wouldn't recognize it (although this is apparently still an experimental "Advanced" feature on the Quest).

Luckily, this was quickly remedied with another step noted in the setup guide. Simply pair the device by opening Quick Settings (the clock on the universal menu) on the Quest, selecting Remote Desktop and then Add new device.

From there, I followed the prompts to connect the Quest to my Windows 11 PC and Huzzah! I was up and running. Even better, I was greeted by a massive virtual screen of my PC.

You can give this a whirl yourself if you meet the following requirements:

• Have a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S headset
• Use Windows 11 (22H2 or newer) on your PC
• Run Horizon OS v72 or newer on your headset
• Be on the same Wi-Fi network on your PC and Quest headset (5Ghz or 6Ghz)
• Have at least a Radeon RX 5000 series, GTX 1000 or Ryzen 3000 series GPU or newer

For more, check out Microsoft's requirements. To note, you'll need to switch on the Pair to PC with Mixed Reality Link feature in Advanced settings on your Meta Quest in order for this to work.

3 virtual monitors at your whim

Remember Tank in "The Matrix" sitting in front of an array of stacked displays? Well, I didn't. I completely forgot about him until now, but that's who I felt like once I had full control of the virtual monitors available on the Quest 3.

Despite having a full-blown display that could have easily measured over 50 inches right in front of my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the lack of lag. Latency felt virtually seamless even with a wireless connection; I moved my cursor and it reacted immediately on my headset's virtual monitor.

Quite honestly, this caught me off guard, as I thought, "wait, I can actually really use this." Not to say that I went in thinking the feature would be a dud, but I didn't think I would want to use it on a regular basis.

Using the Quest's Touch plus controller or just my hands via hand-tracking (which can be sketchy at times), I was able to move the virtual display wherever I wanted: right up to my face, far off in the distance, to the side, over my head; anywhere.

What made this better was being able to easily resize the screen to whatever I saw fit. It could be a super-sized 16:9 display, a vertical-type monitor for scrolling, more of an ultra-wide look and more. That said, this could only go so far, as my gaming laptop's display couldn't mimic these differently sized monitor sizes.

Then I added the other virtual monitors. This was as simple as selecting that "add" option at the bottom right corner of the Quest headset. A total of three virtual monitors can be used at once, and you can mix and match how they're placed. All spaced horizontally? Sure. Stacked vertically? No problem. Spaced in an L shape so I could see them all at once? You know it.

I was scrolling through websites while watching a YouTube video and writing in a document all at once. And if one monitor was too far out of sight, I could easily pick it up and rearrange its placement. I believe this is what Meta should have had in mind when trying to bring the workforce over to virtual reality through the Meta Quest Pro.

Now, this isn't a bad deal for anyone looking for a multi-monitor setup. It sure beats buying three whole displays, even if they are the best monitors around. It's a more affordable way to build upon your PC setup. Of course, it's not without its caveats.

Not a complete game-changer

While it's a blast to use my Quest 3 to expand on how I use my laptop, it's unlikely I'd be using this feature as an everyday essential. Especially for work, as Meta is still working out how to get video calls, like in Microsoft Teams, while the connection is active.

More importantly, it isn't as if I don't notice I'm wearing a VR headset while using my PC as I normally would. Meta made strides with the design of the Quest 3, making it more comfortable to wear over longer periods of time. But yes, my face still feels like it's been pressed against after an hour or two, and the imprints are evidence.

Then there's the battery. Unless you're using one of the best Quest 3 accessories, such as the Elite Strap with battery, you'll only get about two hours of juice before the headset needs a charge. A wireless connection is great and all, but my Quest 3 will need to be plugged in if I were to use it for extended sessions on my laptop.

Finally, the VR headset's full-color passthrough isn't quite sharp enough for me to see my keyboard. I know, not everyone needs to actually see their keyboard while typing, but I'm the kind of typist who has a gander every once in a while to find specific keys. Quest's pass-through to the real world doesn't make that easy, especially in low-light settings.

In the grand scheme of what the Mixed Reality Link app offers, these are only minor snags. But with rumors of a Meta Quest 4 swirling, another VR headset down the line could fix these issues, and dare I say, bring even more virtual monitors. In the meantime, though, there's another way this feature came in handy.

Large-screen gaming

Anything I do on my laptop will be seen through the virtual monitors on my Quest 3. So, I decided to give my PC games the real big-screen treatment and booted up Steam and Xbox Game Pass — and it was a mixed treat.

I first tried Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and everything looked on point. With the gorgeous graphics my RTX 3080-equipped laptop could push out, I was thrilled seeing the lush landscapes of the Vatican City over a moonlit sky on a massive virtual display. However, I noticed slight stutters when moving around, despite my inputs registering near-instantly. It may be because my laptop can't keep up with the connectivity, but it's still not the ideal way to play.

While not unplayable, I wondered if a less demanding game would fare better. I started playing Carrion, the pixel-like horror game where you play a "The Thing"-type monster, and had a far better time. Gameplay was smooth, and I enjoyed having a large screen to cruelly crawl around stalking unsuspecting scientists.

The link was better at offering solid streams of games that didn't require intense processing power, for me at least. Still, will I continue to play such games through a Quest 3 headset? You better believe it.

Final thoughts

There are other apps on the Meta Store that let you use your PC as a remote display, such as the popular Virtual Desktop app. But that costs $24/£18, and with Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link, it's free. It's a major step in the company's push to make its VR headsets more than just a gaming outlet for many, even if it still has a few faults in the tank.

Still, I'll be using my Quest 3 with a PC far more often thanks to the Mixed Reality Link app, and once it's fully out of preview, it will be far more viable. Plus, who wouldn't want adjustable monitors for a more affordable price? While using a VR headset for general tasks on my laptop is still far away, it's much closer than I think it is — even if I'll mainly use it for big-screen gaming.

If you're looking to see how virtual reality has progressed yourself, try out one of the best VR headsets (spolier: you'll want the Meta Quest 3).

More from Tom's Guide

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• Meta Quest VR has seen its best year yet — and it's only getting better in 2025
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If you own either the Apple Vision Pro or the Meta Quest 3 then you are in luck, as Nvidia has brought access to some of the biggest names in gaming.

There is a lot to love about VR headsets, but it all depends on the available software for them. For instance, the Apple Vision Pro is an impressive machine but it never really stood out as a gaming rig. However, a recent article from Yahoo has revealed that both the Vision Pro and the Meta Quest are now compatible with Nvidia's GeForce Now streaming service. This means you have access to titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Baldur's Gate 3, alongside thousands more.

Originally released in 2020, GeForce Now offers a full range of streaming games and can connect with other accounts for the service, including Game Pass, Steam and even Epic Games. Once connected users will have access to their owned games and any others they have access to, on top of the 100 free games accessible through the Vision Pro. However, it isn't all perfect as there are some issues when it comes to using Apple's headset.

Now it is important to note one thing, these aren't VR games so you won't have that same level of immersion. As such, you'll be playing them through a browser window and you'll need to use a Bluetooth controller to play them. As such, it would be a mistake to think of this as a reason to buy Apple's $3,500 headset, instead, it's more like added content if you already have one.

As stated, the first thing you'll need is a compatible controller. The Apple Vision Pro supports the Xbox One, Xbox Series and Sony's DualShock 4 controllers. Meanwhile, MetaQuest currently only supports Microsoft controllers. Once you have those connected you'll need to head to the browser and go to play.geforcenow.com to sign in. Nvidia recommends that you connect your headset using a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection with at least 15Mbps to play HD quality, and up to 40mbps for 4K/60fps.

The ability to play more games on your headset is obviously appreciated, and it will help you to get a lot more use out of your device. However, if you are looking for a more dedicated VR experience we have a list of some of the best VR headsets that might help.

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Meta looks to be busy with new products, with its first "real" AR glasses by 2027 and and even higher-end AR glasses similar to its Ray-Ban Meta tipped to arrive this year. Now, there are two other headsets said to be in development: the Meta Quest 4 and a Quest Pro "successor."

As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via Road to VR), Meta is already working on a new Quest 4. With the success of the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, a next-gen VR headset sounds likely. However, what's surprising is Gurman stating it is "Quest 4 VR goggles," rather than a headset. Of course, this could just be a related term, as not much else is said about next Meta Quest.

The report also indicates that Meta may have "a new high-end model that could eventually become a successor to the Quest Pro mixed-reality headset.” This would be an all-new headset as opposed to a Quest Pro 2, which was reportedly canceled.

This new mixed-reality headset would likely take some cues from the Meta Quest 3, including its more affordable $500 price compared to the $1,500 Quest Pro. Being a "high-end" MR device, we may even see facial and eye tracking, similar to leaks for the upcoming Asus ROG VR gaming headset.

While details on the Quest 4 and Quest Pro successor are still up in the air, we're getting a good idea of what Meta may have coming down the pipeline.

Moving on from Meta Quest Pro

The Meta Quest Pro is a powerful VR headset for prosumers, but it fell flat due to its initial $1,500 price (now down to $999) and being unintuitive when working in VR. However, Meta's new mixed-reality headset could utilize what works best for Meta: gaming, entertainment and connectivity.

We've seen games such as Batman: Arkham Shadows impress, Meta partner with James Cameron for upcoming exclusive mixed-reality content, along with the Quest 3 and 3S pair up with Windows 11 to offer three virtual displays. With these perks in mind, Meta could continue to offer more advanced features such as these on its higher-end headset (or Quest 4).

A previous rumor claimed Meta had abandoned a headset codenamed “La Jolla," which was apparently the Quest Pro 2. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth noted this cancellation, but there was no word of whether the Quest Pro lineup would be abandoned. Possibly, it is, and we'll see this "successor" Gurman mentioned instead.

It will likely be a while until we see a Meta Quest 4 or high-end mixed reality headset, seeing as the Quest 3S only launched in October 2024. With Meta Quest seeing its best year yet for its VR headset lineup, here's hoping the company continues that trend with its rumored upcoming devices.

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Starting with the Roto VR chair, I’ve been on the hunt for VR accessories I never knew I needed, but am immediately hooked on using. The Woojer Vest 3 absolutely falls into this category — unlocking new levels of haptic immersion I’d never felt before.

Do you look like you’re wearing the kind of vest that you feel would be underneath a Storm Trooper’s uniform? Yes. But it’s comfortable with its even weight distribution and breathable fabric, and whether it’s entering the world of Batman: Arkham Shadow, or slashing my way through Beat Saber, this is an incredible experience.

Yes, that $499 price will leave a mark, but if you’re serious about your VR gaming setup, this is an essential part of it.

How the Woojer Vest 3 works

So you charge it up, clip it around yourself, turn it on and pair via Bluetooth to your Quest 3S headset. How does the Woojer Vest 3 work exactly?

Put simply, audio signals from your games, movies or music are turned into physical vibrations. Using the audio signals you have means that no software is required to run this and technically, you could use this with any device with a headphone jack or bluetooth connection (more on that later).

Handling those vibrations are a set of 6 Osci TRX2 oscillators. and they pack a wide haptic feedback range from gentle rumbles for gentler tones, to those big thumps for bassy stomps. On the Vest 3, these are placed strategically across the body to mimic the haptics of a surround sound impact.

Quick heads up: for the most minimal latency, use the headphone jack to connect to the vest. Over Bluetooth, there is an ever so slight delay — nothing that will overtly impact your playtime, but if you really pay attention, you can feel it.

I felt every detail

I’ve seen different companies take different approaches to haptics. All of them normally do one of two things: sending electrical signals to trick your nerves or pumping vibration motors. The former is still very much a concept we see every year at the likes of CES with no real future (yet), so we’re stuck with the latter for now.

But the Woojer Vest 3 easily stands out as one of the best in terms of not just the experience, but the ease of setting up too. Clipping in and turning on is a cinch, and with a battery life of up to 8 hours with USB-C fast charging, you can keep going for a good long while.

My favorite two experiences really tell the story of the versatility of this vest. First, using the PSVR 2, I dipped into Kayak VR: Mirage (available via PS Plus right now). The gentle swirls of the water around your oars as you move through the world splash up around your lower sides as you wade through the beautiful vistas.

And sure, the soundtrack gets turned into haptic feedback too, but Woojer’s figured out how to highlight the sound effects over any background music.

Meanwhile, Beat Saber just transcends into an entirely different dimension with Woojer Vest. Those oscillators work overtime to really provide the oomph of the bass — making you feel like you’re throwing shapes at a rave. Meanwhile, the detailed mids and highs move across your body with the stereo sound production of these tracks.

In most haptic VR vests, you get some good feedback on the bigger impacts. Woojer has nailed picking out the finer details of everything.

Not just for VR…

But here’s the other fun part. Since it’s Bluetooth and 3.5mm headphone jack, you can connect the Woojer Vest 3 to a whole lot of systems. Want to plug it into your MacBook Pro M4 and watch ‘Severance’? Go right ahead. Connect it to your phone and feel every bass drum kick of the ferocity of Knocked Loose? Sure thing!

Have I used it any more than these one-off moments? No, but I’m not going to lie, it’s rather fun! Being able to feel everything you listen to, watch or play is a rather interesting experience.

Pricey, but worth it for VR immersion

So let’s get back to the core use for this — VR. The Woojer Vest 3 is easily one of the best Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S accessories you can buy for taking your immersion to the next level. Seriously, it’s that good.

The Woojer Vest 3 can even give you a gameplay advantage thanks to the surround sound support allowing you to feel sounds behind you (great for any particularly creepy horror games that rely on audio).

It’s not an essential purchase. Just like the Roto VR chair, you’ll still have a lot of fun gaming without it. But if your budget can stretch to it, this has been quite the evolution in VR gameplay for me.

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Meta, you've finally gone and done it: you've made me put on my Meta Quest 3 more than once a week — and I can't seem to put it down.

This comes from someone who was fully committed to making the most of the Meta Quest 2, but realized it ended up collecting dust instead. And I fully believe I wasn't the only one this happened to.

Despite this, Meta's Quest 3 headset pulled me in (after trading in my Quest 2 to get a neat discount). Honestly, I wasn't expecting much; I was still keen on better visuals, access to more upscaled games and apps, and a chance to try mixed-reality features with its impressive full-color passthrough.

What I got instead, however, was some of the best VR experiences I've had to date. Kicking off with the behemoth that is Asgard's Wrath 2, an action RPG with over 60 hours of amazing gameplay, then stepping into the visual delight that is Red Matter 2 and having a blast popping some zombie heads in Arizona Sunshine 2 (I realize that sequels may be the secret sauce here).

That was barely even this year, and it only got better as 2024 hit its stride. Not only has the arrival of the fantastic Meta Quest 3S made VR more accessible to the masses, but the amount of updates Meta has given has changed the way I view and use VR headsets. As yes, I even use my Quest 3 to watch movies while I cook.

I've always had a fiery passion for VR, with the hopes that VR gaming would finally kick off. This year, Meta Quest proved that it can deliver on these expectations, and there's even more to come down the line.

VR gaming at its finest

Remember when Meta announced GTA San Andreas VR? Well, that's been delayed indefinitely. In truth, I wasn't massively excited about this road the tech giant was going down. Sure, Resident Evil 4 VR on Quest was done masterfully, but were we just going to get VR remakes of the classics for the foreseeable future?

Thankfully, that is now far from the case. In 2024, we got several well-recognized IPs make their VR debut, and these were all-new, standalone titles. I'm talking about Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice, Assassin's Creed Nexus VR and recently, Metro Awakening.

These weren't just gimmicky instalments in each franchise. They were fleshed-out, unique VR experiences that added to their respective worlds. Were they a tad janky? Sure, but that's part of the fun with VR gaming, and it's refreshing to play familiar games in an all-new format.

Then, of course, the Meta-exclusive Batman: Arkham Shadow came along and blew me away. From the immersive story and thrilling like-to-like combat to the haunting atmosphere, this is a full-fledged Arkhamverse game picked straight from the original titles. It's not as if the aforementioned titles didn't do this either, but developers Camouflaj (the team behind Iron Man VR) did something special.

Best said by Tom's Guide's own entertainment editor, Rory Mellon: "Batman: Arkham Shadow doesn’t shrink down, or strip away key elements, of the traditional Arkham experience, it’s all here." That says a lot about how far Meta Quest has come, and I agree that Batman on Quest 3 delivered a knockout blow to PSVR 2.

The good news is the highbrow IPs don't stop there. Alien: Rogue Incursion is set to arrive on Meta Quest headsets in February 2025, and while it may be on other VR platforms first, I'm all for playing a VR action-horror game without being tethered to a PC or console.

I haven't even taken into account all the other VR games made for Meta Quest that aren't attached to existing franchises, including the ones that take advantage of the pure fun of virtual reality, such as Pistol Whip, Walkabout Mini Golf, Waltz of the Wizard and, my personal favorite, Smash Drums.

With the launch of the Meta Quest 3, the VR headset has seen a new wave of top-notch experiences, and that's just in VR gaming.

Broadening Meta Quest VR's horizon

To be clear, this isn't about Meta Horizon Worlds — a virtual sandbox that is a tad underwhelming. What really makes the Quest 3 and 3S shine is its full-color passthrough, which allowed me to expand how I use the headset.

You may have seen many of Meta's advertisements showcasing people using it while waiting in line, building furniture or on a flight. I thought it was a load of boloney, so I tried one of these many instances out myself.

After putting on the headset, leaving the controllers behind thanks to hand tracking and turning on a movie via the Amazon Prime Video app, I was ready to cook up a storm in my kitchen through the lens of my Meta Quest 3. Wouldn't you know it? It was a splendid experience that I continue to do to this day.

From the way hand tracking seamlessly lets me control what's happening on display to watching a whole movie while I chopped some onions, it was a new way of going about my usual routines. Granted, the Quest 3's battery life only lasts around two hours before needing a charge, so these experiences aren't long-lived.

Still, it shows how Meta Quest headsets can be used beyond gaming. While I have yet to take out my headset in public, Tom's Guide's Jason England tested the Quest 3's Travel mode on a 15-hour flight, and unfortunately for Apple, it put the Vison Pro to shame.

Thanks to continued updates from Meta, there are now more ways to fully utilize Meta's headsets in different ways. For instance, Quest 3 and 3S headsets can now connect to a Windows 11 PC, with Microsoft's Mixed Reality Link app allowing up to three virtual displays so you can work, watch and play away on your PC through a virtual reality lens.

Plenty more on its way

It may have slipped under the radar, but it's clear Meta has steered VR headsets down the right path over the past year. After putting on my Quest 3 time after time, whether it be for VR gaming, watching shows as I do everyday tasks or checking out random events like seeing Sabrina Carpenter: A VR Concert (why not?), I'm glad to see Meta pull away from other ventures, like its unfortunate Meta Quest Pro.

I'm excited to see what's ahead, and it's already looking up. In case you missed it, James Cameron is partnering up with Meta to bring his Lightstorm Vision to the headset. That's the same tech behind "Avatar," and we'll soon be seeing exclusive mixed-reality content around live sports and concerts, feature films and TV series featuring big-name IPs.

Based on what Cameron has worked on, that could mean anything from Terminator, Alien and Avatar franchises. That's great news for Meta Quest owners, but more impressively, the stereoscopic technology behind Lightstorm Vision will also be available to developers and other content creators on the platform.

It's already been an impressive year for Meta Quest VR, and we can already see its trajectory is heading in the right direction. How it will all play out? Who knows, but at the very least, I'm thrilled with where it is.

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Microsoft has teamed up with Meta to bring Windows 11 to Meta Quest headsets, allowing users to bring their PC setups to mixed reality — and it's available to try out right now.

After announcing Mixed Reality Link last month, Microsoft's first preview of the app is ready to download over at the store. It aims to seamlessly connect to a Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, allowing users to view their Windows 11 PC with up to three virtual monitors.

Currently, the app is only available for the Quest 3 and 3S, so those with a Quest 2 won't be able to try it out (yet). Still, it delivers the full Windows 11 experience right to the headset, and all it takes is a simple scan of a QR code for a secure connection.

"Microsoft is partnering with Meta to make this experience available today in public preview, and we’re excited to get feedback from the community, the company states on its support page. "Access to your local Windows PC from a Quest headset is seamless and it takes only seconds to connect to a private, high-quality, multiple-monitor workstation."

While other apps on the Meta Quest Store let you connect to your PC via a virtual desktop, Microsoft's is free to use. Since it takes advantage of the Quest's mixed reality feature, you can still see the space around you (including your keyboard) so your surroundings aren't completely in the dark.

Being the first preview, there are still a few issues under the hood. As Microsoft points out, a few of the known problems include the following:

• On a Teams call, a call comes in, but the option to accept the call does not appear.
• Audio may not transfer properly to an expected device or may play on a PC and headset simultaneously after establishing a connection.
• Pressing Ctrl-Alt-Delete will end your connection so you can quickly get back to your PC.
• Existing connections may show as available when they are not.
• Three active displays may restrict the quality if the PC doesn't meet the PC graphics requirements above. 

Microsoft says it aims to resolve these issues over the coming months, along with ironing out any other feedback it gets from those who use it.

Meta has been on a roll with its Quest VR headsets, with the success of its budget Quest 3S, bringing in big gaming IPs such as Batman: Arkham Shadows, and even partnering up with James Cameron for further mixed reality projects. With the ability to seamlessly connect to your Windows 11 PC, there's now even more reason to jump on the VR bandwagon.

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Meta is offering another reason to join the Quest VR bandwagon, as it's officially partnering with James Cameron to bring exclusive mixed-reality experiences using the filmmaker's Lightstorm Vision — the same tech behind "Avatar."

In the announcement, Meta details a multi-year deal with Cameron's Lightstorm Vision, stating that the partnership will bring 3D entertainment experiences on Meta Quest headsets, including "live sports and concerts, feature films, and TV series featuring big-name IP."

The stereoscopic technology behind Lightstorm Vision will also be available to other content creators on the platform, helping them create "high-quality" 3D content by using advanced tools and AI. The aim is to improve access to 3D production tools, whether it be for creators or those watching it on their Quest headsets.

Cameron met with Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, Meta CTO and head of Meta Reality Labs division, to try out Meta's advanced tech, and was impressed on what was on offer.

"I was amazed by its transformational potential and power, and what it means for content creators globally," Cameron stated in a Threads post. "I’m convinced we’re at a true, historic inflection point. Navigating that future with Meta will ensure ALL of us have the tools to create, experience and enjoy new and mind-blowing forms of media."

While there's no word on the MR content and more to expect, a Meta representative (via Variety) states upcoming projects will be shared "in the coming months."

With Cameron being behind all-time classics, such as "Titanic, "Terminator 2: Judgement Day," "Aliens," and more, these IPs could be used in the promised TV series and films that are set to arrive on Meta Quest. Plus, with Lightstorm Vision being used to create "Avatar: The Way of Water" and the upcoming "Avatar: Fire and Ice," it's safe to say we can expect some amazing visuals.

The Meta Quest has been pumping out major releases recently, including the launch of the more affordable (and worthwhile) Meta Quest 3S and sought-after games such as Batman: Arkham Shadow. Now, with James Cameron onboard, we could see a big leap in VR and MR content the Meta Quest has to offer.

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I feel like I’ve been in denial about the PSVR 2 for a while now. Back in March, I pondered if the PS5 virtual reality headset was the next PS Vita before declaring two months later my fears had been assuaged, but after playing Batman: Arkham Shadow on Meta Quest 3 that looks like a false dawn. It’s become increasingly clear that the VR war has been won, but not by Sony.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is the exact gaming experience I want from a VR headset. It takes an existing property that I love, in this case, the Batman: Arkham series, and allows me to step into that world, fully immersing myself and becoming the Dark Knight in my own living room. Plus, it has me flailing my arms around wildly as I punch virtual thugs, which makes me look like a complete dork, and I’m pretty sure my partner has greatly enjoyed that aspect.

But playing Arkham Shadow also has me reflecting on the state of the VR gaming space, and especially the PSVR 2's position in the market. As a day one adopter of Sony's second-generation VR peripheral it’s sad that while my Meta Quest 3 is getting plenty of use, my PlayStation headset is collecting dust as Sony refuses to give me a reason to regularly strap it to my face. Instead, Meta is the one working hard to earn my VR playtime.

Batman: Arkham Shadow is seriously special

Sorry in advance for using the most predictable cliche imaginable when discussing this superhero VR game, but I’ve just got to say it: Batman: Arkham Shadow really does make you feel like Batman.

The first moment I stepped into the iconic Batsuit and saw my pointy-eared shadow cast onto the floor, I was practically grinning to myself like the Joker. And that was before I got access to my gadget belt and could start throwing Batarangs at crooks with reckless abandon. At that point, I genuinely did start laughing out loud with sheer glee. It's childhood wish-fulfillment stuff.

If you’re unaware, Batman: Arkham Shadow is a Meta Quest 3 exclusive developed by VR veterans Camouflaj (they also made the very fun Iron Man VR), and set within the world of Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham games. It tells an original story set shortly after Batman: Origins, as the Caped Crusader takes on a new villain known as the Rat King who is terrorizing Gotham City and promising an impending Day of Reckoning.

Unlike some VR adaptations of existing games (for example, PSVR 2 exclusive Horizon Call of the Mountain), Batman: Arkham Shadow doesn’t shrink down, or strip away key elements, of the traditional Arkham experience, it’s all here. You can brawl with enemies in intense fist-to-fist combat (yes, the trademark counter system has been retained too), skulk through the shadows and swing between rooftop vantage points all while dispatching enemies in Silent Predator sections, and you'll spend 80% of the time looking at everything through Detective Vision.

This is a full-fat Arkham game completed with all the loving nods to Bat’s storied history you’d expect. While the narrative writing isn’t as slick as what Rocksteady managed in the main trilogy, the voice acting is strong featuring the likes of Roger Craig Smith (as Batman), Mark Rolston (as Jim Gordon), Elijah Wood (as Dr. Jonathan Crane) and Troy Baker (as Harvey Dent and the Rat King). These recognizable voices bring a pleasing cinematic quality to Arkham Shadow even when the writing is stiff. Plus, the production values are remarkably high.

With its clever adaptation of the classic Batman: Arkham formula — everything has been retained just remixed to suit VR where needed — its blockbuster production values, and its largely enjoyable story (despite some weak writing), Batman: Arkham Shadow isn’t just the very best VR game I’ve played in 2024 it’s one of the most impressive virtual reality experiences I’ve had. Period.

Meta Quest 3 is delivering what PSVR 2 doesn't

As I’ve been greatly enjoying my time with Batman: Arkham Shadow it also has me lamenting that Sony is seemingly uninterested in giving one of its numerous beloved IPs the same VR treatment. Imagine a VR game of similar quality set in the world of God of War or The Last of Us or Uncharted. That could be a true system-seller for PSVR 2, and boy does it need one at the 18-month mark.

Since the PSVR 2 launched with the aforementioned Horizon VR game in tow, exclusives have been almost nonexistent. Aside from the fun (but disposable) Synapse, and the Dark Pictures: Switchback, alongside VR modes for Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 4, PSVR 2 owners have had to exist on a diet of third-party titles that can also be played on the Quest platform. And while some of these multiplatform titles are excellent, a system's true lifeblood is exclusives and PSVR 2 has seemingly given up in this key area.

Meanwhile, over on Meta Quest 3, you can enjoy the likes of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, Asgard’s Wrath 2, and now Batman: Arkham Shadow. These are blockbuster VR titles that don’t feel limited by the platform they’re housed on, instead, they have been carefully crafted to take full advantage of VR gaming's biggest strengths. The PSVR 2 just doesn’t stack up in comparison.

The PSVR 2 certainly isn’t a dead platform. It’s still well-supported with third-party releases such as the upcoming Alien: Rogue Incursion, but that’s also on the Quest 3. And a Quest 3 is not only cheaper than the PSVR 2 ($499 vs $549) but it doesn’t require a $499 console to function (and it’s also wireless to boot). The support level from Sony just isn’t there to sell the PlayStation device when you consider that you can buy a Quest 3 and enjoy top-tier exclusives and the vast majority of the PSVR 2’s library too. Yes, Resi VR is good, but not that good.

I prefer the hardware of the PSVR 2 (even with its wire), but even so, I just can't advise anybody curious about stepping into the virtual world to opt for anything but a Meta Quest 3 at this point in time. Missing out on a game like Batman: Arkham Shadow would be too great an injustice to recommend PSVR 2.

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During today's Microsoft Ignite 2024 event, the company announced that Windows 11 is coming to the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S VR headsets. The company said it's bringing the "full capabilities" of the operating system to the headsets.

This means that you can access Windows via a local PC or a cloud version of Windows (using Windows 365) while using a Quest headset. Microsoft claims that it will take "seconds" to connect.

During the conference, Microsoft said using Windows on a Meta Quest is like a "private, high-quality, large, multi-monitor workstation." You can see a sample of that in the teaser video Microsoft released.

Apps will be supported to show up in the headset via a program Microsoft dubs Volumetric Apps. Back in May, Microsoft showed off how these apps would work during Build 2024. A demo from the time shows a person reviewing a 3D diagram of an Xbox controller.

The company announced that developers can sign up to access the API that enables them to build plug-ins for new and existing 3D Windows apps.

Meta has been aggressively promoting the open-source capabilities of its operating system and devices. And Microsoft teased the Meta partnership in May.

Previously, as far back as 2022, the Meta Quest Pro began supporting Xbox Cloud gaming, which essentially "put an Xbox on your face." Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hinted at an Xbox-themed Meta Quest, although it's not clear when that device will actually debut.

Windows on Quest will be available starting in December as part of a public preview.

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Samsung has recommitted to launching its Apple Vision Pro rival at some point next year. During a recent earnings call, the South Korean tech giant said its plan for 2025 is to "improve connectivity among products, including upcoming XR devices.”

The company's plans for an XR headset aren't exactly a secret. We reported on it throughout 2023 and the rumors have kept trickling through over the last twelve months. The only question left is: what's taking so long?

The South Korean tech giant partners with Qualcomm on the best Samsung phones, so it's reasonable to assume the chipmaker will provide the power for the headset. Meanwhile, the platform it runs on will likely be provided by Google. Back in July, at the end of Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked Summer 2024, Google's Rick Osterloh reaffirmed the two companies' partnership when he announced "a new XR platform is coming later this year."

Earlier this week a report emerged on Android Authority that Google's Play Store will start hosting apps designed for extended reality (XR) headsets. Since there aren't any other big Android-based hardware makers building headsets right now, this feels like a clue. Industry sources have speculated an "Android XR" platform will be Google's answer to visionOS.

Unfortunately, we're still no clearer on what Samsung's device could actually look like or how it'll compete with the likes of Apple Vision Pro or the Meta Quest 3. A report in June 2023 suggested the company wants to produce a headset that'll cost between $1,000 and $1,500 while still outperforming Apple's device. That's no small task.

An early report suggested an image sensor Samsung unveiled in December 2023 called the ISOCELL Version 931 would be the basis for the headset. The sensor works like the human eye — using a rolling shutter to exposes all pixels to light at the same time.

When it does arrive, there will be a lot of expectation riding on what Samsung can produce. Both Meta and Apple have a head start on hardware with rapidly-maturing software platforms to support them. But there's three ways Samsung's mixed reality headset could beat Apple Vision Pro.

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The new Meta Quest 3S (starting at $299) delivers a premium VR experience at an affordable cost. Like the Meta Quest 3, this device has excellent AR capabilities that overlay virtual elements over your surroundings. It also gives you access to the hundreds of games and apps available for the Quest 3. For what it offers, it’s one of the best VR headsets you can buy.

The Quest 3S packs several Quest 3 components, most notably, a Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor and 8GB of RAM. Because of that, the new headset has excellent performance when playing video games. And thanks to the variable 90 to 120Hz refresh rate, everything you see runs buttery smooth. Performance-wise, there’s no apparent difference between the Quest 3S and Quest 3.

So what makes the Quest 3S different from the Quest 3? It has the same fresnel lenses as the Meta Quest 2 instead of the Quest 3’s pancake lenses. Because of that, the new headset has a smaller field of view and a lower resolution. It’s also bulkier and heavier than the Quest 3.

While the Meta Quest 3S isn’t as comfortable and its resolution isn’t as sharp, it’s a fantastic low-cost alternative to the Quest 3. If you’re interested in trying VR for the first time but don’t want to buy something like the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro, the Meta Quest 3S is the headset to get. Find out more in my full review.

Meta Quest 3S review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? The Meta Quest 3S is a lower-cost Meta headset containing features found in the Meta Quest 3S.
• Who is it for? For folks curious about VR/AR who are intimidated by higher-priced units.
• What does it cost? The Meta Quest 3S starts at $299 for the 128GB model and $399 for the 256GB version. It's available from Amazon and other retailers. A digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow comes free with every purchase.
• What do we like? The lower cost, immersive AR, compact design and large app and game library.
• What don’t we like? It can become uncomfortable after a while and the battery life isn’t the best.

Meta Quest 3S review: Specs

Meta Quest 3S review: The ups

The Meta Quest 3S is a relatively compact VR headset that allows you to play games or work in virtual environments. Though it lacks some of the Quest 3’s premium features, it borrows many elements from that device, including color passthrough, speedy performance and the Touch Plus controllers.

Portable design 

The Meta Quest 3S is slightly larger than the Meta Quest 3, but it’s still a compact device at 7.5 x 5.6 x 4.0 inches. Thanks to its light 1.1-pound weight, I had no trouble carrying it around in my backpack. This is great if you want to take this headset with you on a 15-hour flight, for example.

Instead of three front cameras located in the center like the Quest 3, the Quest 3S has its cameras situated on the lower and right-hand sides. The front of the headset is thicker than the Quest 3, giving it a similar appearance to the Quest 2. There is no IPD wheel to let you finely adjust how the headset fits, but adjusting the straps to better accommodate the device to your head isn’t difficult. The new headset also lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which I'll discuss later on.

The Quest 3S has the same 3-point lens adjustment as the Quest 2, which I found restrictive compared to the two black buttons inside the Quest 3 that allowed for finer precision. Also, if you wear glasses, you’ll likely need to use the included spacer to make wearing the headset more comfortable.

Sharp resolution 

The Meta Quest 3S utilizes fresnel instead of pancake lenses like the Quest 3. That means a lower field of view: 96 horizontal / 90 vertical compared to 110 horizontal / 96 vertical. As said in our initial Meta Quest 3S hands-on article, I also noticed some distortion around the display’s periphery because of the lower field of view. However, since you’re mostly looking at things in front of you, I didn’t notice the distortion unless I purposely gazed at the sides.

The 1,832 x 1,920 on the Quest 3S isn’t as sharp as the 2,064 x 2,208 on the Quest 3. However, I found the resolution sharp enough to let me see everything clearly, even small text on web pages. The variable 90 to 120Hz refresh rate also ensures that things move smoothly across the screen. Yes, you’re basically getting the same viewing experience as the Quest 2, but this didn’t bother me.

Comfortable controllers

The Meta Quest 3S uses the same Touch Plus controllers as the Quest 3 and Meta Quest Pro. The controllers are great to hold and using them feels intuitive. When you’re deep in a game, you’re not thinking about how to use the controllers since they effectively become an extension of your hand, which is exactly what you want from any game controller.

TruTouch Haptics lets you feel resistance when using the controllers, which provides better feedback and immersion. The haptics are strong enough that you’re aware of them but not strong enough to become annoying.

Naturally, the controllers are great for navigating through menus or moving screens around. And if you want, you can perform the same functions with just your hands by pinching objects with your forefinger and thumb.

I’ve used many VR controllers over the years and can tell you that Meta’s Touch Plus controllers are the best.

Easy set up 

Like with the Quest 3 and Quest Pro, setting up the Meta Quest 3 is easy. After turning the VR headset on, you’re guided through the process, such as selecting your language and Wi-Fi network. You’ll also have to pair the device with the Meta Horizon app on your phone, which is also relatively straightforward. And yes, you can do all this without taking off your headset thanks to the passthrough view.

Speaking of passthrough, the feature is especially useful when you’re setting up your play or workspace since you’re able to see your surroundings. As before, you’re given two options for operating in VR: Roomscale and Stationary. Roomscale asks you to scan the room so the headset can create a virtual representation of your workspace, while Stationary gives you a circle to work within if you’re sitting. You’ll see a virtual mesh of polygons covering your surroundings during all of this, which is pretty cool-looking.

If you need to, you can use the controllers to make finer adjustments like adding walls or furniture. Again, all of this is super easy.

Solid performance 

Thanks to the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Quest 3S delivers awesome performance. Though I don’t have benchmark testing to back up my anecdotal experience, I found the device very responsive.

In the game Red Matter, which has you exploring one of Saturn’s moons, I was impressed by how smoothly everything ran. Because there was no lag or stuttering, I felt as if I was truly on this extraterrestrial world. Fruit Ninja, which requires fast controller swipes to simulate sword strikes also performs wonderfully.

While you won’t enjoy PS5-like visual experiences, the Quest 3S’ simpler graphics work well enough in VR, and no doubt help the headset deliver smooth performance. While this is certainly a budget headset, you won’t get budget gaming experiences. But if you want to play graphically demanding games, you can also stream games from Xbox Game Pass, which you can download to the headset.

I should note that you'll get a free digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow when you buy the Meta Quest 3S. The game drops on October 22, which is why I wasn't able to test it. However, check out our Meta Quest 3S hands-on preview linked above for a quick preview of this VR title.

Robust app and game library 

The Meta Quest 3S has the same robust library as the Quest 3. Out of the box, you get access to hundreds of games and apps. And thanks to the new headset’s excellent performance, you likely won’t experience any difference between it and the Quest 3. I sure didn’t!

I mentioned games, so let’s talk about productivity apps like Virtual Desktop. This $25 app is pricey but is worthwhile if you want to use the headset to create a virtual workspace around you. For instance, you can have multiple screens floating before you to simulate a multi-monitor setup. This is great if you can’t afford multiple monitors or don’t have enough physical space for them.

I also enjoy watching YouTube on the Meta Quest 3S. You can view standard YouTube videos inside a floating screen or have the screen take up almost all of your view as if you were in a movie theater. Meta also has more immersive YouTube videos with a 360-degree view of environments. I especially like the travel videos since they’re a nice (and cheaper) alternative to visiting places in real life.

Meta Quest 3S review: The downs

For its price, the Meta Quest 3S is one of the best VR headsets you can buy. However, it has some flaws that could make you consider getting the Quest 3 instead.

Uncomfortable to wear for long 

While the Quest 3S is a relatively small headset, it’s not the most comfortable to wear for long stretches. It’s heavier than the Quest 3, which means you won’t forget you’re wearing a headset.

I also found that it presses on your face more. While loosening the straps helps alleviate this issue, it can begin sagging because of its weight. This might not be a problem, depending on the shape of your face and head, but it’s worth noting.

Short battery life 

The Quest 3S can become uncomfortable to wear for long periods. However, due to its relatively short battery life, this might not be a major problem.

In my testing, I found that the VR headset’s battery life generally lasts around two hours. You won’t get caught unaware, as you’ll receive a warning message when it’s at 33% battery life. Still, if you need to use the Quest 3S for work or when you’re on a trip, make sure to keep it plugged into a power source.

Meta Quest 3S review: Verdict

The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent alternative to the Quest 3 for those new to VR. Though I wish it was more comfortable to wear and lasted longer on a single charge, its fast performance, immersive spatial audio, robust app library and overall portability make it an enticing budget-friendly product. Like the Quest 2 before it, I expect this device will sell many units during the holidays since it makes a great present for kids.

If you want a more premium VR experience, the Meta Quest 3 is now $499 (down from $649) and packs 512GB of storage. I’d recommend the Apple Vision Pro, but that $3,599 price makes it difficult to justify, despite its excellent features. For everyone else, the Meta Quest 3S is the ideal choice and the best VR headset for the money.

If you want to practice yoga at home, you can stream a class on YouTube or download a dedicated app like Alo Moves. These can be a great alternative to in-person classes and mean you can practice when you have a spare moment. 

But even the best workout apps have a potential flaw; the videos and demonstrations on your phone screen make it hard to see small posture changes that can make a big difference to your training, especially in yoga. 

Alo Moves think it may have found a way around this problem for at-home classes with the launch of Alo Moves XR, a mixed-reality yoga app for Meta Quest headsets. The new app is available from today (Oct 10) and costs $9.99 per month. 

There are 32 yoga classes and meditations created in partnership with the virtual reality studio Magnopus. You can either immersive yourself in one of the class locations, or drop the instructor into your home for a mixed-reality experience. 

Of course, if you practice regularly, 32 sessions isn't a lot, especially compared to the over 3,000 currently available on the standard Alo Moves app. Fortunately, Alo aims to add at least four sessions per month to build up its library. 

The brand actually announced the app earlier in the year, with several months of beta testing to tweak the experience. But Alo also makes the quite bold claim that the experience is "like IRL, but better" so I wanted to put that to the test. 

I tried virtual reality yoga — here's what happened

My colleague Kate Kozuch tried a demo of the Alo Moves XR app back in May and liked how there were multiple versions of the instructor in your field of view so that you could see the pose or flow no matter where you're looking.

So I had a vague idea of what to expect when I strapped on one of the best VR headsets. But having practiced yoga at least three times a week at a local studio before the pandemic, I was curious how it'd compare to the real-world experience. 

The current library has classes from 5 to 20 minutes, so I went for a 10-minute session. The app maps out your room so that it can overlay the immersive class with enough space for you to practice without bumping into things. 

You don't need the Quest's controllers either, as the app uses Meta's hand-tracking tech instead. I chose the immersive version of the classes so I could be 'transported' to a more aspirational space than my office room. 

I was a bit skeptical but found that I eased into it pretty quickly, despite the unusual feeling of a headset attached to my face. I'm sure it'd get easier over time, but I found I'd occasionally hit the Quest on the floor during moves like downward dog. 

The class was well-led, as I've always found Alo Moves' classes to be, and it felt good to get some movement into my day when I'm often sitting working at my desk. But did it really live up to Alo's claim that it's better than real-world classes?

It was certainly different, and it was a lot easier to follow the instructor's demonstrations than when streaming a class on your phone. But the 'immersive' experience actually seemed counter to the way I'd practiced before.

To me, yoga is an extension of mindfulness, helping you connect with your body and focus on the present moment. Pretending you're somewhere other than where you are made me constantly aware that it was all a digital construction.

But from a technical perspective, it's impressive. The videos are high-quality, though there's a slight 'unrealness' about the instructor's avatar as if they're being beamed into your room. And being able to see the poses from any angle was really helpful.

Based on my initial impressions, I think Alo Moves XR can help augment your practice, and if you find that drifting into a pleasing digital environment works for you, great! But it won't be for everyone, and I still prefer real-life classes.

Technology is great, but to me, yoga, or any physical activity, is about more than just ticking a task off your to-do list. And building community, learning to be present and developing an awareness of your body are the essentials for me.

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The Meta Quest 3S is here as a more affordable alternative to the Meta Quest 3. Though cheaper, it packs many of the same features as its counterpart—giving you full access to all the games and apps available for the virtual reality headset. At $299, it could be a smash hit like the Quest 2 was at the same price point.

During Meta Connect 2024, Mark Zuckerberg detailed what the Meta Quest 3S is all about. Like the Quest 3, the Quest 3S delivers high-res VR and mixed reality experiences, advanced hand-tracking, controller support, sharp and colorful passthrough, and more. And though marketed as a gaming headset, the device is also good for productivity since you can have multiple screens open at once.

If you're in the market for a VR headset for both work and play, the Meta Quest 3S should be a great (and much cheaper) alternative to the Apple Vision Pro. If it's as good as expected, it could find a spot in our best VR headsets list.

Here's everything we know about the Meta Quest 3S.

Meta Quest 3S: Quick news

• Starts at $299 and releases on October 15.
• A $399 model with 256GB of storage will also be available.
• Packs the same features as the Meta Quest 3, including hi-res VR and mixed reality, passthrough, hand-tracking, and compatibility with all Quest apps.
• The Quest 3S will let you have multiple open windows for work, similar to the Apple Vision Pro.
• "Portals" feature will let you "step" from one app to another.
• Batman: Arkham Shadow will be bundled with every Meta Quest 3S at launch.

Meta Quest 3S: Price and release date

The Meta Quest 3S releases on October 15 and comes in two flavors.

The entry-level model with 128GB of storage costs $299, which is the same price as the Quest 2 when it launched. If you want more storage, you can opt for the $399 version with 256GB of storage.

Both Meta Quest 3S models cost less than the $499 Meta Quest 3, making the new headset a great alternative for budget-conscious folks.

You can pre-order the Meta Quest 3S right now on Meta's website.

Meta Quest 3S: Design and display

The Meta Quest 3S bears the same basic shape as the Meta Quest 3 but has some tweaks that help distinguish it.

The main difference is that the Quest 3S has front cameras on its lower right and left sides instead of in the middle like the Quest 3. Other than that, the straps (which you can get in either soft or hard variants) and everything else appear almost identical.

Display resolution is 1832 x 1920 (773 PPI) and features a variable refresh rate of 90-120Hz. The headset has a FOV of 96 degrees horizontal and 90 vertical. Meta says the display covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut. The resolution isn't as high as the Quest 3's 2064 x 2208 (1218 PPI) and the FOV is slightly limited, but the headset should still provide an overall solid image quality.

One drawback is that the device is reverting to fresnel lenses. One of the Quest 3’s best upgrades on the Quest 2 was the introduction of “pancake lenses” which help make graphics in your peripheral vision look sharper, making the whole experience more immersive.

Meta Quest 3S: Specs

Specs-wise, the Meta Quest 3S is identical to the Quest 3.

The headset packs the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor and 8GB of DRAM. Interestingly, this could actually give the Quest 3S an advantage over its better-specced sibling: with a lower native resolution, more demanding games may end up performing better (albeit with less visual fidelity).

Meta Quest 3S has 3-position IPD/IAD adjustment for configuring things for your eyes — which is a a downgrade from the IPD wheel that offered a more granular fine-tuned approach on the Quest 3. That’s no issue if you sit fine with one of the three presets, but could be problematic if you don’t.

We should note that the Meta Quest 3S can only be configured with up to 256GB of storage, whereas the Meta Quest 3 can top out at 512GB.

Meta Quest 3S: Features

The Meta Quest 3S is very much a gaming headset like its counterpart. However, you can also use it for work or for watching videos.

You'll be able to open screens, put them anywhere and have as many as you want. Thanks to the passthrough feature that allows you to see your environment, the windows will appear to hover in front of you. Mark Zuckerberg claims that the headset will feel like a natural extension of your PC.

One interesting feature mentioned during Meta Connect is called "Portals," which will let your avatar seamlessly "step" from one app to another. Speaking of avatars, Meta plans to launch photo-realistic avatars sometime in the future.

On the subject of photo-realism, you'll be able to take photos of your room or any environment and recreate it in VR. If you, for instance, want to revisit a unique spot, you can supposedly do so.

Meta Quest 3S: Outlook

The Meta Quest 3S seems like a great option for those who want a feature-rich but affordable VR headset. Not only is this device ideal for VR gaming, but it's also suitable for work and watching movies. New upcoming features like realistic avatars and seamlessly jumping between apps also make this an enticing product.

We'll update this page with more Meta Quest 3S news as we hear it. Expect a review from us soon!

The long-running Batman: Arkham series is getting a new game, not on a platform you would expect. Today, Meta announced that it is bringing a new exclusive game in Batman: Arkham Shadow to the Meta Quest 3.

Spotted at The Verge, the VR game is being developed by Camouflaj and Oculus Studios, previously behind Iron Man VR, which was previously only available on the PlayStation VR. Iron Man VR is a blast and one of the best VR games you can get right now.

Meta's announcement doesn't provide much information. The post shared a short trailer that mostly follows a horde of rats, and then Batman arrives to smoke bomb them. Sure, okay.

The company did say that more would be revealed during Summer Game Fest 2024 on June 7. Summer Game Fest is Geoff Keighley's E3 successor. It seems to have the buy-in of most major publishers, including Microsoft, Sony and Meta. 

This will be the second time that Batman: Arkham has received the VR treatment. Rocksteady Studios, the original stewards of the franchise, released Batman: Arkham VR for the PSVR in 2016. It wasn't great, so hopefully, this one will be better.

Other than mobile games and last year's terrible Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the Arkham series hasn't received a new mainline game since 2015's Batman: Arkham Knight. 

Sadly, the Suicide Squad was the iconic Kevin Conroy's last performance as Batman. Meta's announcement does not state who will lend their voice to the caped crusader. 

If we were to speculate, ubiquitous actor Troy Baker has tried his hand at Batman in several different series, including Batman: The Telltale Series and Lego Batman. Roger Craig Smith (known for Regular Show and as the most recent Sonic the Hedgehog) played the titular character in Batman: Arkham Origins, the third mainline game in the franchise, opposite Troy Baker's version of the Joker.

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• I finally watched Batman (1989) for the first time
• The Batman has one very big problem — here's how I'd fix it

Announced today, Meta is opening up the Meta Quest operating system to third-party hardware manufacturers. Meta is starting with Asus and Lenovo who are currently developing new Meta Quest devices according to the announcement. The company is also teaming up with Xbox to create a limited-edition Meta Quest that is supposed to be inspired by the Xbox console.

Meta seems dedicated to opening the Meta Horizon OS as the company is streamlining how apps get on to the Meta Horizon store from App Lab, a service that checks for basic technical and content requirements. They appear to also be creating a “spatial app framework” to help mobile developers port their apps into the OS with the goal of creating mixed reality apps. 

The blog post from Meta mentions that users can access outside app stores such as Xbox Game Pass and the Steam store via Steam Link. They even “encourage” Google to add the Play Store to Meta Horizon OS. 

Speaking of Xbox, Meta says that they are teaming up with Xbox to create a limited edition that's inspired by Microsoft's consoles. A render showed off what an Xbox-inspired Quest might look like. It’s black with green accents. Between Xbox and the licensing with Asus, there does seem to be a gaming focus. 

Nothing physical was revealed by Meta, Asus, Lenovo or Xbox. More just ideas, but Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg provided a bit of a hint in an Instagram video.

He suggested that different kinds of Quest could be released including the Xbox inspired one with Game Pass and an Xbox controller. Likewise, Zuckerberg suggested there could be exercise focused Quest sets with “sweat-wicking materials.”

Very specifically, Zuckerberg appears interested in ensuring that the Meta Horizon OS is open. “Phones you’re locked in,” he said in the video. “In the PC era the open model won out… Our goal is that the open model defines the next generation.”

Lenovo CEO Yuanqing Yang said in the announcement, “Building from our past successful partnership, Lenovo is bringing together Meta Horizon OS with our leadership and innovation in personal computing to accelerate adoption of new user scenarios in mixed reality like virtual screens, remote presence, content consumption, and immersive training.”

Meta is still pushing forward with their metaverse that runs on the Horizon OS. The social world is a 3D layer with avatars. We aren’t exactly excited by the metaverse. However, Meta has brought it down to more of a 2D level that can be used on the web.

With third-party manufacturers, depending on how they utilize the OS, it could expand the reach of the Horizon metaverse layer, which we’re certain Meta wants to monetize with ads and content.

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• Meta Quest 3 is stealing Apple Vision Pro's best features
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It's time for anyone with an Oculus account to finally make the move to Meta. Because if you don't migrate to a Meta account by the end of the month you risk losing your data.

Meta bought Oculus back in 2014 when the former company was still known as Facebook and in recent years has stepped up efforts to sunset the Oculus brand. Back in 2020, the company required Oculus users to sign up for a Facebook account to use their headsets and quickly switched that to a Meta account in 2022, so users could access their Meta Quest headsets. That same year, Meta warned that Oculus accounts would no longer be accessible at a future date.

That date has come, as Meta plans to start deleting Oculus accounts on March 29. The company has warned Oculus accountholders via email that they'll need to have a Meta account set up by March 28. Otherwise, the email posted at The Verge, says "you won't be able to reactivate or retrieve anything from the account," including apps and in-app purchases, app store credits, achievements, friend lists and any content created with an Oculus account.

Luckily, moving to the Meta account and keeping access to apps and all the other data is quite easy. Here's what you need to do if you've got an Oculus account.

How to create a Meta account

If you previously had an Oculus account but now need to migrate to a Meta account, simply go to the page at Meta for creating a Meta account. Instead of using your Facebook or Instagram login, instead choose the option that says “Continue with email.”

Once there, input the email address you used for your Oculus account. Be sure it’s the same email address — if you use a different email, Meta won’t be able to match your accounts. From there, simply input a password (note: this doesn’t need to match the password on your Oculus account) and confirm your email.

Now, simply log in to your new Meta account with your email address and you should see all of your Oculus data, apps, and other content right there.

More from Tom's Guide

• I ditched the PSVR 2 for the Meta Quest 3 — here’s what happened
• 7 ways Meta Quest 3 beats Apple Vision Pro
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Having your Facebook hacked can be a real headache due to just how hard it can be to recover your account. But now, users of the social media platform are having their accounts suspended even when they’ve done nothing wrong and have the right security safeguards like two-factor authentication (2FA) in place.

As reported by Cybernews, Vietnamese hackers have begun creating fake Oculus Meta accounts which they then link to real Facebook profiles. However, doing so is registered as unauthorized access — likely since the email addresses don’t match — which then leads to a victim’s Facebook account being suspended. 

In a post on X, Dan Astin-Gregory (whose own account was suspended) explains that more than 1,000 individuals have been affected by this campaign so far and that this issue has yet to be addressed by either Meta or its Facebook social networking service. However, this campaign could expand further and the hackers behind it could even hold suspended Facebook profiles hostage by refusing to unlink these fake Oculus Meta accounts.

Here’s what you need to know about this new campaign and why it’s particularly hard to defend against.

Even 2FA can’t help you

The reason social media sites and security writers like myself encourage you to enable two-factor authentication in the first place is to help protect you from account takeover attempts. This is because once 2FA is enabled, a hacker would need access to your email or phone in order to login to your accounts.

Surprisingly in this case, though, 2FA fails to protect Facebook users from unauthorized account linking. Normally, you would need to verify that you are really you before you could link one account to another.

While a Facebook account used to be required to use the Meta Quest 2, this was scrapped back in 2022. Instead, Facebook’s parent company created brand new Meta Accounts so that users of its VR headset wouldn’t be required to sign up for its social media platforms.

If 2FA not working wasn’t bad enough, Astin-Gregory also points out that both Facebook and Meta’s help centers have been slow to respond when it comes to users having their Facebook suspended due to unauthorized account linking. 

Outlook: Meta needs to take action

Although this issue is plaguing a small number of Facebook users, it still needs to be addressed as the hackers behind this campaign are abusing Meta’s platform to cause chaos or quite possibly for their own gain.

As for protecting your own Facebook account, it seems there isn’t much you can do since even enabling 2FA won’t keep your account safe. That said, the best antivirus software can keep you safe from malware and other cyberthreats that could occur as a result of having a fake Oculus Meta account linked to your Facebook. For instance, the hackers may try to send you malicious documents in a phishing email about unlinking your Facebook from one of these fake accounts.

While there have been plenty of Reddit posts about this issue, now that the news is officially out, let’s hope that Meta takes action soon, especially since doing so will lead to far less support tickets on the company’s end.

More from Tom's Guide

• Hackers are using Facebook Messenger to spread password-stealing malware
• This Facebook scam locks users out of their accounts
• Fake Facebook job ads are using malware to steal credit card data and passwords

One of the standout features of the Apple Vision Pro is the realistic avatars that represent you on a FaceTime call. They allow you to appear on a phone or laptop as yourself, despite calling while wearing a visor. Meta is now close to launching its own version for the Quest.

“Codec Avatars” have been in development by Meta’s research team for some time, designed to provide a photorealistic version of the user while they are in a fully immersive environment.

A recent investigation of the Quest firmware by a user called Luna revealed the potential for a rollout of the new realistic avatar system — replacing the cartoonish avatars in use today.

In March 2023 CTO Andrew Bosworth warned during an Instagram AMA that despite making progress they were "still years away" from being able to launch them. While the appearance in the firmware doesn’t mean the launch is imminent, it does suggest a more rushed timeline.

What are ‘Codec Avatars’?

Meta first announced plans for more realistic avatars in 2019 with the launch of a research and development project aimed at improving remote communication. 

Over the past four years, the company has gradually revealed fidelity updates and new features, but so far user representation in the virtual world has been largely cartoony or game-like.

Version 62 of the Meta Quest firmware, only available in the public test channel and not as a default option, points to new features—including a line mentioning codec avatars for the first time.

It is likely the initial release will work on head and shoulder shots, similar to what might appear on a FaceTime or Zoom call. This is similar to the way Apple's Vision Pro personas appear.

Unlike Personas, which use front display and depth sensors, the Codec Avatars are fully rounded virtual characters depicted as fully photorealistic. They are encoded virtual 3D models using data captured by a smartphone and processed using AI models in the cloud.

This would allow for them to fully integrate into a virtual world, rather than simply appear on a virtual screen on the headset or on a third-party device. An example of the technology has already been shown publicly at Meta Connect.

For future Quest headsets

Bosworth said in a video in March: "The challenge is how we get the capture from a cellphone in a short period of time i mixed lighting. How do we get the sensors to pick up enough data to animate the avatar. Lots of engineering challenges as well as research challenges."

This suggests Codec Avatars are likely going to require better hardware than is available on current Quest headsets and may be reserved for a future Quest Pro 2.

More from Tom's Guide

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Meta Quest 3 finally launched at Meta Connect 2023 this week, and with it came our first serious look at Meta’s new VR headset.

Of course, this isn’t just a VR headset. The Quest 3 is actually a mixed reality headset, which allows you to drop augmented reality holographics into the physical world as well as play immersive VR games. And you can swap back and forth between these worlds digitally, all without taking your headset off.

Aside from the Apple Vision Pro, which won’t come out until early next year, we haven’t really seen anything like this before. So I went through everything we’ve learned about the Quest 3, including our early hands-on Meta Quest 3 review, and compiled a list of the five features you can experience in mixed reality once you get Meta's new headset. There’s even a bonus feature at the end that’s coming soon. 

Learn to piano in mixed reality 

One of the mixed reality features Meta showed off at Meta Connect was the ability to learn to play the piano in mixed reality. Whether you’re at your coffee table, at your desk at work or on the go, simply throw on the headset and you can start practicing. As a musician myself, I’m actually really looking forward to this one.

You may want to opt for some headphones too though. The Quest 3 speakers produce rich, immersive audio, and impressed me in my demo at Connect. But others around you might hear that rich immersive sound so either plug in a pair of headphones via the 3.5 mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, you cannot connect most wireless earbuds despite Bluetooth 5.2 support due to latency issues. Instead, you'd need to pick up earbuds like the Soundcore VR P10 wireless earbuds which use a USB-C dongle to ensure latency isn't an issue.

Switch realities with just a tap 

When you put on the Quest 3, it starts out giving you the view of your surroundings thanks to the headset’s full-color video passthrough. But with a simple double-tap on the side of the headset, you can swap back and forth between the physical world around you and the virtual world.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get to test this feature in my time with the headset but will definitely be testing it for our full Quest 3 review. Additionally, while you can switch realities from the Home screen and some apps, other apps and games will keep you either in immersive virtual reality or mixed reality video passthrough. So don’t expect to be able to put Ezio in the physical world if you’re playing Assassin’s Creed Nexus.

Play games in mixed reality  

Speaking of games, there are tons of Meta Quest 3 games thanks to its backward-compatibility with the Quest library, not to mention several upcoming new releases.

At Connect, I got to try a few of these and was largely impressed with what I saw. First Encounters is a fun shooter that has you capturing cute aliens before they overwhelm you. There’s also Lego Bricktales, which is a Lego puzzle game that operates on a floating adjustable tabletop. And for those who had the Meta Quest Pro, Demeo should be a familiar mixed reality game. It's a Dungeons and Dragons-like dungeon-crawling tabletop game that you can literally play on your table in mixed reality.

My only complaint? There are currently not enough mixed reality games that I’ve seen to convince me to pre-order the Quest 3. In fact, that's my biggest reason to skip buying the Quest 3 for now. 

Watch shows and movies in a mixed reality cinema 

Your favorite shows and movies from the best streaming services can now appear larger than life in your room on a virtual screen thanks to Quest 3’s mixed reality. You can even drop a video screen right in your room. We saw this feature teased in the Apple Vision Pro announcement at WWDC, so it’s great to see that Meta is replicating it on a much more affordable headset.

And for console gamers, Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming in December. You won’t even need a console and TV anymore if you want to game in your living room — though you will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. 

Quest 3 better understands your playspace 

Quest 3’s updated boundary feature can automatically scan your space to determine your playspace boundary, which means you don’t need to do it manually. And it can automatically scan your room in 3D sot it understands where walls, floors, furniture, etc. are so that games and apps can seamlessly interact with your playspace. 

Admittedly, this feature didn’t go great for me in my demo. But, in our early hands-on testing, my colleague Tony Polanco seemed to have a better time with it, coming away impressed. I will need to fully test this feature in review, but I’m willing to give it a second chance.

Bonus: Microsoft Office coming next year

For those hoping to work in mixed reality, productivity apps are coming. The biggest headline? Microsoft Office apps should be coming to Meta Quest devices next year. We obviously haven’t gotten a chance to test this out, but it could be a big win for those who want to get some work done while wearing the Quest 3. 

Of course, the headset’s battery life is only 2 to 3 hours, so you can’t spend a whole work day there without plugging in. But ultimately, it’s still a nice feature to have in theory.

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Meta officially launched the Quest 3 headset at Meta Connect yesterday (September 27). And while my colleague Tony Polanco got some hands-on time with the Quest 3 prior to Connect — check out his early Quest 3 review — I wanted to check it out for myself since I was in Menlo Park, Calif., at Meta headquarters for the event.

After having spent a demo session with the Meta Quest 3, my reaction is much like the reality the new headset dabbles in... mixed. On the one hand, you can definitely see the steps forward Meta took with the Quest 3. The controllers are so good. And the full-color RGB passthrough is pretty impressive. 

Unfortunately, though, I didn't leave the demo thinking about how groundbreaking the Quest 3 was, but rather concluding “This could be great, but…” In the end, there are 3 reasons to buy the Meta Quest 3 — and 1 big reason to skip this mixed reality headset when it goes on sale October 10 with a $499 starting price.

Reasons to buy the Meta Quest 3

The Touch Plus controllers are incredible

I honestly cannot say enough good things about the Meta Quest 3’s new Touch Plus controllers. I went into testing expecting them to be a slight upgrade but after using them, I’m not looking forward to having to use my Quest 2 controllers going forward. The Touch Plus controllers are just that good.

And it all comes down to how the controller feels in your hand. Yes, no tracking ring is nice, and that probably allowed Meta to design the Touch Plus controllers with fewer physical constraints. The haptic feedback is also good, but not earth-shattering. I found that some experiences didn’t produce haptic feedback that added much to the experience.

But the controller literally fits perfectly in your hand. The ergonomics are spot on. As shocking as it may be, the Touch Plus controllers are probably my favorite thing about the Quest 3 so far.

Impressive full-color passthrough 

I only got to try out one mixed reality game: First Encounters. In it, I got to fight a bunch of bouncy little aliens. It was fun.

But what really impressed me was the quality of the passthrough and the AR holographic overlays. The overlays looked just as good as anything I typically see in VR, though admittedly the cartoonish aesthetic of the game helped with this. The video passthrough also looked great, and I noticed only slight juddering in my hand.

Again, I didn’t get a ton of time in mixed reality, so it’s tough to definitively say that the Quest 3 nailed it. But, at least in my first encounter with it, I was impressed with the results.

Prepare for a mixed reality future

Speaking of mixed reality, after spending some time in it, I could tell that this is the future. Virtual reality won't go away completely — the best VR games still have a lot of appeal. But the ability to bring in your surroundings through passthrough is a true game-changer when you get to experience it. And weirdly, it feels more comfortable.

So if you want to be an early adopter of mixed reality, you will need to get the Meta Quest 3 or wait for the Apple Vision Pro. And given the Apple Vision Pro costs, $3,499 the Quest 3’s starting price of $499 is a lot more appealing. 

Reason to skip the Meta Quest 3

The present is still virtual

Remember how I just spent all that time talking about how great mixed reality is? Here’s the problem — it’s not here yet. Or more accurately, not enough of it is here yet.

Case in point: At the Quest 3 demo, there were a fair amount of games to try and only two used mixed reality from what I saw. One of them didn’t even work for me, but I’m going to generously consider that a glitch and not hold it against the VR headset.

But the lack of options? That I am going to count as a negative mark. I know more are coming and that what Meta showed off at the keynote put plenty of mixed reality experiences front and center. In fact, it was clear that Meta is taking direct aim at the Apple Vision Pro and it’s “spatial computer” moniker. But the problem is I haven’t experienced much of those yet. 

I’m hoping once I get to review the Quest 3, my concerns will be alleviated and I’ll be able to wholeheartedly recommend the headset. But for now, there’s just not enough mixed reality content to make me go “You have to get this.” That’s why I’d honestly hold off on buying a Quest 3 until we see more.

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Today Meta officially launched Meta Quest 3, the company's new contender for the best VR headset. 

The headset, which was previously announced prior to the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase this summer, was finally revealed in full by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during his Meta Connect keynote address.

And while the Quest 3 may look similar to the Meta Quest 2, make no mistake — this is a major overhaul. Pancake optics allow for a better display and thinner design, and the headset is powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset for twice the graphical performance of the Quest 2.

Plus, the Quest 3 also adds two RGB cameras and a depth projector, which combine to create a true mixed reality device. That means you're no longer limited to VR, but can also experience the world around you with the addition of AR holographic overlays.

Here are the main things you need to know about Meta's announcement today. If you want a more in-depth look at what to expect, make sure to check out our early hands-on impressions.

Meta Quest 3 release date and price

The Meta Quest 3 is officially available for pre-order starting today, with orders shipping on October 10. In the U.S. the Quest 3 will start at $499 for a model with 128GB of storage, which is $100 more than the Quest 2 and its $299 price tag. There is also a larger storage size model — 512 GB — available for $649.

We also have pricing for a few other regions. In the U.K., the launch price is £479 for the 128GB model and £619 for the larger 512GB model and in the E.U. the price is €549 for the 128GB model and €699 for the 512GB model. In Australia, you can get the 128GB base model for AU$799 and the 512GB model will set you back AU$949.

Meta is offering a promotion for early adopters. If you purchase the 128GB model between now and January 27, 2024, you’ll get the game Asgard’s Wrath 2 for free. If you decide to get the 512GB model you'll also get a six-month Meta Quest Plus subscription in addition to the free VR game.

You can pre-order the Quest 3 from the Meta Store in 23 countries or from select retailers. In the U.S. you can pre-order from Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart in addition to Meta's site. U.K. customers can pre-order from Amazon, Curry's and Argos in addition to the Meta Store.

Key Meta Quest 3 specs

As mentioned, the Quest 3 is not strictly a VR headset. It can play all the best Meta Quest 2 games but it also can bring in the world around you thanks to the two RGB cameras and depth projector on the front of the headset visor. Because of this transition to mixed reality, the Quest 3 is getting over 100 new or upgraded apps by the end of the year.

And Meta has made sure that the specs of the Quest 3 are worthy of these new capabilities. In addition to the new Qualcomm processor providing a major boost, the display is now two LCD displays with 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye resolution. Meta calls this new display the 4K+ Infinite Display and at a 30% improvement over the Quest 2, the difference should literally be visible to the naked eye.

Meta didn't stop the overhaul at just the headset, either. The Quest 3 comes with new Touch Plus controllers, which ditch the Quest 2 Touch controller tracking ring and feature TruTouch haptic feedback. This should make using the Quest 3 feel more realistic and therefore also improve immersion. 

If you want to ditch the controllers altogether though, Meta says you can. The Quest 3 features Direct Touch hand tracking that should allow you to go controller-free in some games and apps.

Overall, the Quest 3 should pan out to be a major upgrade. The inclusion of mixed reality capabilities, a noticeably slimmer design that's more comfortable to wear and improved performance should make this a strong contender for the best VR headset you can buy. 

That's not to say it's perfect — it lacks eye tracking and foveated rendering and fails to improve on the Quest 2's battery life. And the $200 higher price tag may be too big a leap for some. But if you can afford it, the Quest 3 looks like it'll be the headset to get.

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Meta Connect 2023 will almost certainly serve as the official launch of the Meta Quest 3. While technically not official — yet — Meta has said that the Quest 3 will be in attendance at this year’s event. And once it’s announced, Meta’s mixed reality headset should immediately be a contender for the best VR headset available.

Want to tune in and watch Meta announce its successor to the Meta Quest 2? We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the Meta Quest 3 launch at Meta Connect, and see the video player below.

 Update: The Meta Connect Keynote is now starting at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT/6:30 p.m. BST/3:30 a.m. AEST (Sept. 28)

How to watch Meta Connect 2023

The Meta Quest 3, and possible new Meta smart glasses, will likely be announced during Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s keynote address at Meta Connect on September 27. To watch the event, head over to Meta’s Facebook page. The keynote starts at  1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT/6:30 p.m. BST/3:30 a.m. AEST (Sept. 28).

And if you want to keep watching after the big event, Meta also airs its Developer State of the Union for those who are VR-obsessed. To watch the Developer State of the Union, head over to the Meta for Developers Facebook page at 2:45 p.m. ET/11:45 a.m. PT/7:45 p.m. BST/4:45 a.m. AEST (Sept. 28). This page will also showcase developer sessions, feature launches and more. 

What to expect at Meta Connect 2023 

The big announcement at Meta Connect should be the Meta Quest 3. This headset is the direct successor to the Meta Quest 2 and a bit of a spiritual successor to the Meta Quest Pro. 

Thankfully, the price tag for Meta’s new headset is closer to the Quest 2 — with pricing starting at $499/£479.99/€549.99/AU$799 for the 128 GB model. A model with larger storage space is tipped to cost $649 in the U.S. and possibly feature 512GB of storage. 

While this is pricier than the Quest 2, it’s expected to come with some serious upgrades. Between official announcements from Meta and leaks about the headset, we know that it will be a mixed reality headset like the Quest Pro, allowing for full-color passthrough for augmented reality experiences in addition to traditional virtual reality.

In terms of what’s under the hood, the Quest 3 is tipped to come with a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (Gen 2) chipset, which Meta says will provide twice the graphics performance of the Quest 2 powered by the XR2 Gen 1. It also should get a boost in RAM, though reports are conflicting as to whether the Quest 3 will come with 8GB or 12GB of RAM.

Meta is also promising that the Quest 3 will get a serious display upgrade. Meta says that the Quest 3 will feature a “nearly 30% leap in resolution from Quest 2.” This should give the headset’s LCD display a resolution of 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, hopefully with a 120Hz refresh rate.

We will know more for sure once Meta Connect officially kicks off with Zuckerberg’s keynote, so make sure to watch and follow along with all our latest Meta Quest 3 coverage. We also may see a new pair of Meta smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, so if you’re looking for something a bit more subtle than a VR headset, keep an eye out for that potential announcement. 

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The Meta Quest 3 should launch later this month at Meta Connect. And we already have some indication of what to expect. But now, we might have nearly the full picture.

That’s because the spec sheet for the Quest 3 just leaked. The online store UnboundXR, which was also recently the source of some leaked Quest 3 accessories, has now also leaked the specs for the Quest 3 headset itself (h/t Phone Arena).

And for the most part, it’s good news, albeit mostly things we already knew. The leaked display resolution is 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye, which is what we expected after Meta announced that the Quest 3 display resolution would be a nearly 30% increase on the Meta Quest 2 resolution. The display is also tipped for a 120Hz refresh rate, which has yet to be confirmed by Meta but is what we have been expecting.

The processor and battery life specs also meet our expectations. The leaked specs indicate that the Quest 3 headset will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 (Gen 2), which falls in line with what Meta has officially announced — an unnamed next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon chip. The battery life is tipped for 3 hours, which fits with comments from Meta chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth, who said that the Quest 3 battery life will be "About the same as Quest 2, plus or minus."

Meta Quest 3 RAM leaked?

The only things that we didn’t know before that are now potentially revealed are the RAM and storage options for the new Meta VR headset. And the RAM spec is good news — this leak says that the Quest 3 will come with 12GB of RAM onboard, which is what we saw on the Meta Quest Pro but a significant improvement over the 6GB of RAM on the Quest 2.

Here’s the eyebrow-raiser though — there’s no 256GB storage option. Instead, you can choose between a 128GB storage model, which we know will cost $499 in the U.S. at launch, or a 512GB storage model.

To me, this is either a bummer or makes me question the validity of this leak. I’m leaning toward the former given that so much in this leak tracks with what we’ve been expecting and/or what Meta has officially announced already. Maybe Meta knows something I don’t but skipping over a Goldilocks storage size like the 256GB model we’ve seen for the Quest 2 and Quest Pro feels like a mistake. Especially since it will likely make upgrading your storage potentially prohibitively expensive.

Hopefully, the leak just missed something and we get a 256GB model of the Quest 3 after all. We should know for certain later this month when Meta likely releases the VR headset at Meta Connect on September 27. Stay tuned for our ongoing coverage so you know everything you need to about the Meta Quest 3 before you buy.

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The Meta Quest 3 should get its official launch at Meta Connect 2023 later this month. And it’s expected to be a major upgrade over the older Meta Quest 2. But this latest leak suggests there’s more bad news for Quest 2 owners looking to upgrade their VR headsets.

A new leak from ZGFTECH (h/t Mixed News) on Twitter (X) supposedly shows off the new Quest 3’s head strap alongside the Elite Strap for the Meta Quest 2. While the strap on the right of the image is undoubtedly the Quest 2 Elite Strap while the one on the left is an unknown strap. But given the cutout, the expectation is that this is the Quest 3’s strap and the cutout is for the Quest 3’s USB-C charging port. 

And if that’s the case, then it’s bad news for Quest 2 owners hoping to bring some of their old Quest 2 accessories over to the Quest 3. The connector on the supposed Quest 3 strap is likely too long for anything to be forward-compatible with the Quest 3.

While obviously, Meta will want to sell a whole new round of accessories for its latest VR headset, the hope was that maybe some accessories would work across generations. One that jumps to mind is the Logitech Chorus speakers. These speakers sit off your ear and add a serious sound upgrade to your Quest 2 headset. However, with this possible new Quest 3 strap connector, it’d likely be impossible to fit the Chorus speakers onto your new Quest 3. And that’s a real bummer if you spent $99 on that particular Quest 2 accessory. 

Meta Quest 3 accessories leaked

But the Meta Quest 3 strap connector isn't the only accessory-related leak we've seen. According to Mixed News online VR equipment store UnboundXR.eu listed several Quest 3 accessories on its site in advance of the Quest 3's expected release at Meta Connect. Reportedly, UnboundXR.eu has said that these prices came directly from Meta.

While the accessories appear to have since been delisted, the good news is that they were listed with their prices. Well, at least their European prices — for those in other regions we can only speculate on what the official pricing will be.

The biggest surprise? It seems that rumors of a wireless charging dock for the Quest 3 could prove true. The Meta Quest 3 charging dock was listed at €149.99 on UnboundXR.eu, but the convenience could end up worth the hefty price tag. One of the most popular Meta Quest Pro accessories was its charging dock, though at just $99 it feels relatively affordable in comparison to the rumored Quest 3 dock.

Aside from the charging dock, it looks likely that we can also expect the following:

• Meta Quest 3 Silicone Face Interface (Black): €49.99
• Meta Quest 3 Carrying Case: €79.99
• Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery: €149.99

One other accessory we can likely expect that isn't listed here is the Elite Strap without a battery. Both versions are currently offered for the Quest 2 and it would be surprising for Meta to change tact with the Quest 3. The Quest 2 Elite Strap is $60 cheaper than the version with the battery, so I expect that the Quest 3 will follow a similar pricing structure. 

We won't know for sure until the Quest 3 officially is released though, so stay tuned to our Meta Quest 3 coverage in the lead-up to Meta Connect for more details as we come across them. 

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The Meta Quest 3 VR headset was announced back in June just before the Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, and is almost certainly launching at Meta Connect on September 27. Now we're getting a potential first look at what the $499 contender for best VR headset looks like in the wild.

Twitter (X) user ZGFTECH dropped a surprise video tweet earlier today (noticed by our friends at Android Central) showing off the yet-to-be-released headset from every angle. And while it didn’t show off anything groundbreaking — Meta has already shown off the headset extensively — it’s still shocking to see how sleek this latest VR headset looks compared to the Meta Quest 2. 

Meta claims that the Quest 3’s headset has a 40% slimmer design than the Quest 2, and after seeing this video I certainly believe it. This thing looks svelte compared to the Quest 2 headset I’m staring at perched on the shelf above my monitor.

You can also see a couple of other changes in the headset design, from a slightly redesigned strap to the built-in speakers that have transitioned from inward-facing speakers at the rear of the strap connector to downward-facing speakers towards the front of the headset.

And the Touch Plus controllers are noticeably slimmer as well, thanks to the lack of the tracking ring on the Quest 2’s Touch controllers. It also looks like the angle of the interface where the controllers' buttons and triggers are located has shifted slightly from the Touch to the Touch Plus, which may be an ergonomic improvement. It’s tough to know for sure though until we actually get to test out the Quest 3.

Meta Quest 3 spec sheet so far

Despite having seen the Meta Quest 3 in official videos from Meta and now in a leaked video of it out in the wild, there’s still a lot we don’t know about Meta’s next VR headset. But let’s go over what we do know.

The Quest 3 will launch with a base storage option of 128 GB, on par with the current base model of the Meta Quest 2. A larger storage size model is expected, but it’s still unclear how much storage you’ll get for your extra dollars.

And while we don’t know which chipset will power the Quest 3, Meta has dropped some hints. The Quest 3 will use a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon chip that manages twice the graphics performance of the Quest 2. Similarly, Meta says that the LCD display will feature a “nearly 30% leap in resolution from Quest 2” and feature the best resolution of any Quest headset so far. But again, we don’t have any official numbers to back that up.

One thing we don’t expect to get an upgrade is the battery life. Meta chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth has stated that the battery life will be "About the same as Quest 2, plus or minus." There is a rumor that the Quest 3 and its controllers will get a wireless charging dock based on a recent FCC filing, but unfortunately, we didn’t get anything in this latest leak to confirm or deny that possibility. So follow along with our Meta Quest 3 coverage in the lead-up to Meta Connect, where we should finally get the answers to all these questions and more. 

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Meta already teased us with a reveal trailer for the Meta Quest 3 when it announced the new VR headset back in June. But now, we know when to officially expect the next-generation mixed reality headset.

Meta has announced that it will officially hold its Meta Connect 2023 conference on September 27-28 and the headliner will be a keynote with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on September 27. According to a tweet on Meta’s Twitter profile, that’s when we should expect a big Quest 3 announcement. 

The tweet came with a new sizzle reel, though, unfortunately, it didn’t give us any new details on the upcoming headset. 

Meta Quest 3: Known features and specs 

Luckily, we already know a fair amount of what to expect with the Quest 3: For example, we know what the headset will cost, which is $499 in the U.S. At the moment, U.K. and Australian pricing are still unknown, though we expect it will be £499 in the U.K. and somewhere between AU$629 and $700 for Australia. 

Aside from the price, we know a few other things of note regarding Meta’s follow-up to the Meta Quest 2.

First, this will be a mixed-reality headset, rather than a true virtual reality headset. This is thanks to the sensor and camera array we see prominently displayed in the trailer Meta dropped alongside the Meta Connect announcement. This trio of pill-shaped cameras/sensors sits on the front of the headset visor and will allow for full-color passthrough, reportedly better than what is currently possible on the Meta Quest Pro.

And that’s not all it’s taking from the Quest Pro. The Quest 3 will also be using pancake lenses, a feature that allowed the Quest Pro to slim down its visor noticeably compared to the Quest 2. The Quest 3 will also have a slimmer profile, with Meta claiming the headset is now 40% slimmer than the Quest 2.

Aside from this, expect some more details on teased upgrades to come at Meta Connect. The ones I’m most interested in are the new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, which Meta says will make the Quest 3 “Our most powerful headset yet.” They also claim that the Quest 3 display resolution will be Meta’s “highest resolution display” with a “nearly 30% leap in resolution from Quest 2.” 

I look forward to seeing if all these upgrades can combine to make the Quest 3 the best VR headset we’ve ever tested come September. 

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