How to get your hands on Meta Quest 3

The next generation of virtual reality is here with the Meta Quest 3 now on sale. Before you enter the digital world, here is everything you need to know.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Meta Quest 3 is a VR gaming headset from Meta with prices starting at $719.99 with the 128GB model now 21 per cent off.
There are two consoles available: the 128GB and 512GB. It is also available in several bundle packs that include headset straps, carry cases and more. 
Included in the deal is the Batman: Arkham Shadow game to play right away.
Meta Quest 3 is one of the first mass-market mixed-reality headsets available to gamers, allowing players to transition between the virtual reality of the games and the real world just with the tap of a button – no need to take the headset off.
The headset maps out the layout of your gaming space using two built-in RGB cameras and six camera sensors and can include aspects of your space into gameplay – got an enemy throwing something at you? Duck behind the coffee table inside your actual living space.
In 2024, Meta added ‘augments’ to Meta Quest 3 – including artwork hanging in your room added to the digital world or even a clock to tell you the time as you game.
Does the brand ‘Meta’ sound familiar? It is the overarching company run by CEO Mark Zuckerberg that also operates Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. 
To play your Meta Quest device will need to be linked to the Meta smartphone app as well as a Facebook account and have an internet connection. 
If you don’t want to link the VR headset to an app or to Facebook, an alternative is to connect the Meta Quest 3 to a gaming computer via a link cable.
READ MORE: Enter the realm of virtual reality with the Meta Quest 2
The Meta Quest 3 VR headset has been slimmed down thanks to a new lens-stacking technique that makes the profile 40 per cent slimmer compared to the Meta Quest 2. The thinner fit also makes it easier to wear with its 515g weight distributed and balanced more evenly. 
The headset strap is softer for comfort. There is also a lens adjust wheel to ensure you have the perfect fit and can see all the visuals clearly from every angle. 
Included with the Meta Quest 3 are two wireless Touch Plus controllers. Immersing you into the game, these controllers are built with TruTouch haptic feedback and detailed sensations in the triggers and thumbs.
It also features Direct Touch hand tracking to interact with the console and its features without using the controllers but just the player’s hands. Direct Touch will enable you to change settings, select games, use a virtual keyboard, and more all without the controllers.
You can also buy VR Controller Extensions to support games like Golf+, Beat Saber, Gorilla Tag, Supernatural and Golf Club.
The Meta Quest 3 is built with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor with 8GB of RAM. It is the first device to utilise the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, with the Meta brand collaborating with Qualcomm to create a faster gaming experience. 
You will be viewing and gaming in a whole new world with a 15 per cent larger field of view and a 4K infinite display in the headset. 
This is built with two pancake optic LCD screens with 1,218 pixels per inch and 2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye resolution – that’s over 10 times more pixels than the previous model. It also has 90Hz native and 120Hz experimental refresh rates and improves the resolution by 30 per cent. 
The spatial audio has been enhanced for the Meta Quest 3 by improving the clarity, bass performance and audio range by a massive 40 per cent. You can hear the difference from the built-in stereo speakers or through your earphones plugged in through the 3.5mm headphone jack.
It will take approximately two hours for the Meta Quest 3 to charge from 0 to 100. This will be enough power to play games for up to 2.2 hours or use other apps for up to 2.9 hours. 
The all-in-one charging dock can charge the headset and controllers all at one time.
While you can get the carry case for the Meta Quest 3 in a bundle, you can also buy it separately, or buy another that’s a little more budget-friendly.
The Meta Quest 3 will have over 100 new and upgraded gaming titles by the end of 2023 added to the Meta Quest Store on top of the 500 apps and games already accessible. If you’re worried about losing your progress from gaming with the Meta Quest 2, you can rest easy as everything you have saved from the Meta Quest 2 is compatible with the new model. 
Some of the games available on the Meta Quest 3 include:
Not just for gaming, it also has apps for fitness, socialising, work collaborations, travel and more.
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