This Meta Quest 3 leak is bad news if you have a Quest 2 — here’s why

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Plus, the first leaked Quest 3 accessories are revealed

Meta Quest 3
(Image credit: Meta)

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

An image of the Meta Quest 3 in use

(Image credit: Meta)

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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Malcolm McMillan
Malcolm McMillan
Streaming Editor

Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made.