Meta Quest 3

Meta Quest 3 is a standalone VR headset developed by Reality Labs, a division of Meta Platforms. Announced on June 1, 2023, and released on October 10, 2023, it serves as the successor to the Meta Quest 2 and represents the third generation of the Meta Quest product line. The headset features significant hardware improvements including the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, higher resolution displays with pancake lens optics, and enhanced mixed reality capabilities through color passthrough cameras and a depth sensor.

Meta Quest 3
Basic Info
VR/AR	Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality
Type	head-mounted display
Subtype	Standalone VR
Platform	Meta Quest
Creator	Reality Labs
Developer	Reality Labs
Manufacturer	Meta Platforms
Announcement Date	June 1, 2023
Release Date	October 10, 2023
Price	$499.99 (128GB), $649.99 (512GB, now $499.99)
Website	meta.com/quest/quest-3
Versions	128GB, 512GB
Requires	None (standalone)
Predecessor	Meta Quest 2
Successor	Meta Quest 4
System
Operating System	Meta Horizon OS
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
CPU	Octa-core Kryo (1 x 3.19 GHz, 4 x 2.8 GHz, 3 x 2.0 GHz)
GPU	Adreno 740
HPU	None
Storage
Storage	128 GB, 512 GB
Memory	8 GB RAM
SD Card Slot	No
Display
Display	2 x LCD ("4K+ Infinite Display")
Subpixel Layout	RGB stripe
Peak Brightness	Not specified
Resolution	2064×2208 per-eye
Pixel Density	1218 PPI per eye
Refresh Rate	72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
Persistence	Low persistence
Precision	Not specified
Image
Field of View	110° (horizontal), 96° (vertical)
Horizontal FoV	110°
Vertical FoV	96°
Visible FoV	110° (horizontal), 96° (vertical)
Rendered FoV	Not specified
Binocular Overlap	Not specified
Average Pixel Density	25 PPD (pixels per degree)
Peak Pixel Density	25 PPD
Foveated Rendering	Dynamic foveated rendering supported
Optics
Optics	Pancake lenses
Ocularity	Binocular
IPD Range	58-71 mm (continuous adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter	No
Passthrough	Dual 4MP RGB color passthrough cameras (18 PPD)
Tracking
Tracking	6 DoF Inside-out via 4 integrated IR cameras
Tracking Frequency	Not specified
Base Stations	No
Eye Tracking	No
Face Tracking	No
Hand Tracking	Yes
Body Tracking	Upper body tracking via API (December 2023)
Rotational Tracking	Yes (IMU-based)
Positional Tracking	Yes (SLAM-based)
Update Rate	Not specified
Tracking Volume	Roomscale (minimum 6.5ft x 6.5ft recommended)
Play Space	Stationary or Roomscale
Latency	Not specified
Audio
Audio	Integrated stereo speakers (40% louder than Quest 2)
Microphone	Yes
3.5mm Audio Jack	Yes
Camera	2x 4MP RGB cameras, 2x IR cameras, depth sensor
Connectivity
Connectivity	WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C
Ports	USB Type-C (USB 3.2), 3.5mm audio jack, charging contacts
Wired Video	USB Type-C (Quest Link)
Wireless Video	WiFi streaming (Air Link)
WiFi	WiFi 6E (802.11ax with 6GHz support)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2 LE
Power	Lithium-ion battery
Battery Capacity	5060 mAh
Battery Life	2-2.5 hours
Charge Time	2.5 hours
Device
Dimensions	184mm x 160mm x 98mm
Weight	515g (with headstrap)
Material	Plastic, foam facial interface
Headstrap	Flexible fabric strap (Y-shaped)
Haptics	No (headset), Yes (controllers)
Color	White
Sensors	Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, depth sensor
Input	2 x Meta Quest Touch Plus Controllers
Compliance	FCC certified
Size	Not specified
Cable Length	1 meter (included cable)

Overview

The Meta Quest 3 is a standalone virtual reality system that operates independently without requiring a personal computer or external tracking system. Running on Meta Horizon OS, a derivative of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the device can run VR applications natively or stream PC VR content via USB-C or Wi-Fi. The headset incorporates design elements from the Meta Quest Pro, including a slimmer profile achieved through the use of pancake lenses, which reduce the device's thickness by 40% compared to its predecessor.

Technical Specifications

Display and Optics

Specification	Details
Display Type	Dual LCD panels ("4K+ Infinite Display")
Resolution per Eye	2064×2208 pixels
Total Resolution	4128×2208 pixels (approximately 9.11 million pixels)
Pixel Density	1218 PPI (pixels per inch)
Angular Resolution	25 PPD (pixels per degree)
Field of View	110° horizontal, 96° vertical
Refresh Rate Options	72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz
Lens Type	Pancake lenses
IPD Range	58-71mm (continuous adjustment)

The Meta Quest 3 utilizes advanced pancake lens technology, which provides superior optical clarity compared to traditional Fresnel lenses while significantly reducing the headset's form factor. The display system delivers a 30% increase in resolution compared to the Quest 2's 1832×1920 per-eye resolution.

Performance Hardware

The headset is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 system-on-chip, manufactured using a 4nm process and based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. This chipset provides:

• CPU: Octa-core Kryo processor configuration
  • 1x Cortex-X3 core at 3.19 GHz
  • 4x Cortex-A715/A710 cores at 2.8 GHz
  • 3x Cortex-A510 cores at 2.0 GHz
• GPU: Adreno 740, delivering 2.5x the graphics performance of the Quest 2's XR2 Gen 1
• Memory: 8 GB RAM (33% more than Quest 2)
• Storage Options: 128 GB or 512 GB internal storage

Battery and Power

Feature	Specification
Battery Type	Lithium-ion
Battery Capacity	5060 mAh
Battery Life	2-2.5 hours (standard use), 1.25-1.5 hours (mixed reality/intensive games)
Charging Time	~2.5 hours (0-100%)
Charging Port	USB Type-C
Power Adapter	18W included

Battery life varies significantly based on usage patterns, with mixed reality applications and graphically intensive games consuming power more rapidly.

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 184mm × 160mm × 98mm (including facial interface)
• Weight: 515 grams (with standard strap)
• Materials: Plastic housing with foam facial interface
• Color: White
• Head Strap: Y-shaped flexible fabric strap design

Tracking and Input Systems

Inside-Out Tracking

The Meta Quest 3 employs inside-out tracking through a sophisticated array of cameras and sensors:

• 4 infrared tracking cameras: Two front-facing and two side-facing cameras for 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) positional tracking
• Optical SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for headset positioning
• IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) with accelerometer and gyroscope for rotational tracking
• Tracking volume: Optimized for front and lower areas, with reduced coverage above the head compared to Quest 2

Touch Plus Controllers

The Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers represent a significant design departure from previous generations:

Feature	Description
Design Change	Removed tracking rings, more compact form factor
Dimensions	126mm × 67mm × 43mm
Tracking Method	IR LEDs on controller face + IMU sensors
Power Source	1x AA battery per controller
Haptics	TruTouch haptic feedback (voice coil actuator)
Buttons	A/B/X/Y buttons, analog thumbsticks, triggers, grip buttons

The controllers utilize a hybrid tracking system that combines infrared LED tracking with continuous hand tracking data fusion when the LEDs are occluded.

Hand Tracking

Meta Quest 3 features advanced hand tracking capabilities that allow controller-free interaction. The system uses computer vision algorithms to track hand and finger movements in real-time. As of December 2023, the headset also supports inside-out body tracking using the side cameras to track upper body and arm motions, combined with a "generative legs" API that estimates lower body movement.

Mixed Reality Features

Color Passthrough

The Quest 3 features dual 4MP RGB cameras providing full-color passthrough with:

• 18 PPD (pixels per degree) resolution
• 10x the resolution of Quest 2's grayscale passthrough
• Sufficient clarity to read smartphone screens and monitor text
• Real-time processing with minimal latency

Depth Sensor and Room Mapping

The center "pill" on the headset's face contains an infrared patterned light projector that functions as a depth sensor. This enables:

• Automatic 3D mesh generation of the environment
• Smart Guardian: Intelligent boundary detection that recognizes furniture and obstacles
• Depth API for developers to create occlusion effects in mixed reality
• Scene understanding with semantic labeling of objects

Guardian Boundary System

The Guardian system has been significantly enhanced from previous Quest headsets:

• Automatic room scanning: Uses depth sensor to map space without manual drawing
• Two boundary modes:

 * Stationary: 3ft × 3ft (1m × 1m) default area for seated/standing use
 * Roomscale: Minimum 6.5ft × 6.5ft (2m × 2m) for room-scale experiences

• Space Sense: Shows outlines of real-world objects and people up to 9 feet away

Audio and Communication

Audio System

• Speakers: Integrated stereo speakers with spatial audio support
• Volume: 40% louder than Quest 2 with improved bass response
• Audio Jack: 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening
• Microphone: Built-in microphone for voice chat and commands

Connectivity

Technology	Specification
WiFi	WiFi 6E (802.11ax) with 6GHz band support, 160MHz channels
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.2 LE
USB	USB Type-C 3.2 (minimum 5Gbps for Quest Link)
Ports	USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, charging contacts for dock

WiFi 6E support enables improved wireless streaming performance for PC VR content.

Software and Operating System

Meta Horizon OS

Meta Quest 3 runs on Meta Horizon OS (formerly Meta Quest Platform), an Android-based operating system optimized for extended reality. Key features include:

• User Interface: 3D spatial interface with hand, controller, and voice navigation
• Universal Menu: Persistent taskbar for quick access to settings and apps
• Passthrough Mode: Seamless switching between VR and mixed reality views
• Meta AI: Integrated virtual assistant (as of v68)
• WebXR Support: Browser-based VR/AR experiences

PC VR Compatibility

The Quest 3 supports multiple methods for PC VR gaming:

Quest Link (Wired)

• Requires USB 3.0 cable (5Gbps minimum)
• Official Meta Link Cable or compatible third-party cables
• Lowest latency option for PC VR

Air Link (Wireless)

• Streams PC VR content over WiFi
• Requires 5GHz or 6GHz WiFi network
• PC should be connected via Ethernet for best performance

Third-Party Solutions

• Virtual Desktop: Popular paid alternative with additional features
• Steam Link: Free app for direct SteamVR streaming
• ALVR: Open-source streaming solution

Backward Compatibility

The Quest 3 is fully backward compatible with all Quest 2 software, providing access to over 500 games and applications at launch. Many existing titles received Quest 3-specific enhancements including:

• Higher resolution textures
• Improved graphics settings
• Mixed reality features
• Reduced loading times

Games and Applications

Launch Titles

Major titles released alongside or optimized for Quest 3 include:

Game	Developer	Notes
Asgard's Wrath 2	Sanzaru Games	Free with Quest 3 purchase (until January 27, 2024)
Assassin's Creed Nexus VR	Ubisoft	First AAA Assassin's Creed built for VR
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord	nDreams	Mixed reality features
I Expect You to Die 3	Schell Games	Puzzle adventure
PowerWash Simulator VR	FuturLab	Relaxation simulator
Vampire: The Masquerade – Justice	Fast Travel Games	Stealth action RPG
Stranger Things VR	Tender Claws	Based on Netflix series

Asgard's Wrath 2

Asgard's Wrath 2, developed by Sanzaru Games and published by Oculus Studios, was bundled free with all Quest 3 purchases through January 27, 2024. The game is a massive action RPG featuring:

• 60+ hours of gameplay
• Multiple realms including Asgard and Egypt
• Physics-based combat system
• Full motion controller support

The game received universal acclaim, with IGN awarding it a perfect score and calling it a "new gold standard for VR."

Mixed Reality Games

First Encounters, a pack-in demo game, showcases the Quest 3's mixed reality capabilities by having alien creatures invade the player's physical space through portals that appear to break through real walls and ceilings.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

In December 2023, Meta released an Xbox Cloud Gaming app for Quest 3, allowing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to stream games to the headset.

Development and Release

Development History

According to a roadmap obtained by The Verge in February 2023, the Quest 3 was internally codenamed "Stinson." The device was developed to bridge the gap between the entry-level Quest 2 and the professional-focused Quest Pro, incorporating premium features at a more accessible price point.

A prototype codenamed "Eureka" was demonstrated at a private event in May 2023, where Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported significant improvements in passthrough quality compared to previous Meta products.

Announcement and Launch

• June 1, 2023: Official announcement via Mark Zuckerberg's Instagram, strategically timed four days before Apple's WWDC where the Apple Vision Pro was expected to be revealed
• September 28, 2023: Pre-orders opened
• October 10, 2023: Global release
• September 25, 2024: Introduction of Meta Quest 3S as new entry-level model; 128GB Quest 3 discontinued, 512GB model reduced to $499.99

Pricing Evolution

Model	Launch Price	Current Price (2024)
128GB	$499.99	Discontinued (was $429.99)
512GB	$649.99	$499.99

Pre-orders of the 512GB model included six months of Meta Quest+ subscription service.

Accessories

Official Accessories

• Elite Strap with Battery: Provides better weight distribution and doubles battery life ($130)
• Charging Dock: Contact charging for headset and controllers ($130)
• Link Cable: Official 5-meter USB-C cable for PC VR ($79.99)
• Carrying Case: Protective storage solution
• Silicone Face Cover: Washable hygiene accessory

Third-Party Ecosystem

A robust third-party accessory market has developed, offering:

• Battery straps from manufacturers like BoboVR and Kiwi
• Prescription lens adapters
• Controller grips and protectors
• Wireless earbuds optimized for VR

Reception

Critical Response

The Meta Quest 3 received generally positive reviews from technology publications. Critics praised:

• Improvements: Slimmer design, performance upgrades, superior lenses
• Mixed Reality: Color passthrough quality, though still limited compared to real vision
• Backward Compatibility: Full access to Quest 2 library

Common criticisms included:

• Limited mixed reality content at launch
• Relatively unchanged system software from Quest 2
• Battery life concerns
• Front-heavy weight distribution

Market Impact

The Quest 3 has maintained Meta's dominance in the standalone VR market. On SteamVR, Meta Quest headsets (primarily Quest 2 and 3) represent the largest share of users, demonstrating the importance of PC VR compatibility.

Comparison with Other Headsets

Quest 3 vs Quest 2

Feature	Quest 3	Quest 2
Resolution per eye	2064×2208	1832×1920
Chipset	XR2 Gen 2	XR2 Gen 1
RAM	8GB	6GB
Passthrough	Color (4MP)	Grayscale
Lenses	Pancake	Fresnel
Profile	40% thinner	Standard
Price (at launch)	$499.99	$299.99

Quest 3 vs Quest 3S

The Meta Quest 3S, introduced in September 2024, serves as a more affordable alternative:

Feature	Quest 3	Quest 3S
Resolution	2064×2208	1832×1920
Lenses	Pancake	Fresnel
FOV	110° × 96°	96° × 90°
Battery	5060 mAh	4324 mAh
Price	$499.99 (512GB)	$299.99 (128GB)

Technical Innovations

Pancake Lens Technology

The pancake lenses in Quest 3 represent a significant advancement over traditional Fresnel lenses:

• Reduced chromatic aberration
• Minimized lens flare and god rays
• Sharper edge-to-edge clarity
• 40% reduction in headset thickness

Depth Sensing and Scene Understanding

The depth sensor enables sophisticated environment mapping through:

• Mesh API: Provides geometric representation of the environment as triangle-based mesh
• Depth API: Real-time depth map for dynamic occlusion
• Scene API: Semantic understanding of room elements (walls, furniture, floors)

Known Issues and Limitations

Common Problems

• Guardian boundary issues: Floating or tilted boundaries sometimes caused by lying down mode
• Tracking loss: Can occur in low light conditions or with dirty sensors
• WiFi 6E compatibility: Some routers have negotiation issues with Quest 3
• Battery degradation: Lithium-ion battery capacity decreases over time

Limitations

• No eye tracking (unlike Quest Pro)
• No face tracking
• Limited battery life for extended sessions
• Front-heavy weight distribution
• Mixed reality passthrough still shows some distortion and limited dynamic range

Future Developments

Software Updates

Meta continues to improve Quest 3 through regular firmware updates, including:

• Enhanced hand tracking algorithms
• Improved passthrough warping correction
• New mixed reality features
• Performance optimizations

Ecosystem Expansion

In April 2024, Meta announced that Meta Horizon OS would be licensed to third-party manufacturers including Microsoft, ASUS, and Lenovo, potentially expanding the Quest ecosystem.

See Also

• Meta Quest 2
• Meta Quest Pro
• Meta Quest 3S
• Meta Horizon OS
• Virtual Reality
• Mixed Reality
• Apple Vision Pro
• Pico 4

Images

• 
  Meta Quest 3 front view
• 
  Meta Quest 3 side view
• 
  Touch Plus controllers
• 
  Meta Quest 3 with Elite Strap

External Links

• Official Meta Quest 3 Website
• Meta Horizon Developers Documentation
• Meta Quest 3 Subreddit
• iFixit Meta Quest 3 Teardown