Is Meta Quest 3 Worth The Upgrade From Quest 2?

The Meta Quest made waves in the VR world by changing how people experience virtual reality at an affordable price. With its new technology, modern design, and easy-to-use features, it quickly became a popular choice for gaming, creativity, and even work. Users can explore virtual worlds and collaborate with others in virtual spaces, all from the comfort of their own homes. The Meta Quest offers accessibility in its wireless design and range of apps, allowing beginners and experienced VR users to dive into immersive experiences.

It all started with the first Meta Quest, introduced in 2019. Then came its successor, the Meta Quest 2 in 2020. The original Meta Quest, then known as the Oculus, and the Meta Quest 2 were only a year apart in release, but the Meta Quest 3 took more time to arrive and wasn't released until late in 2023. While the Meta Quest 2 has been and is still a prominent VR device, the Meta Quest 3 brings several improvements that might make it worth the upgrade for some users.

Meta Quest 3 Biggest Differences From Quest 2

Improved Graphics, Processor, And More In Quest 3

When the Meta Quest 2 came out as the successor to the Oculus Quest, the biggest differences were the improved screen resolution and the improved processor. However, with the release of Meta Quest 3, which took three years from the release of Meta Quest 2, many other improvements have been made.

Related 10 Best Free Meta Quest 3 Games You Can Play Right Now Many immersive and engaging virtual reality gaming experiences of sports, shooters, and more can be had for no money at all on the Meta Quest 3.

Again, the screen resolution and processor have both been upgraded. The Meta Quest 2 has a resolution of 1832x1920 per eye and a Snapdragon XR2 processor. The Meta Quest 3 has a +30% resolution increase at 2064x2208 per eye and uses the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. Plus, the Meta Quest 3 has a 4K+ infinite display. It's quite an upgrade between the two, but there's still more.

Some players may experience motion sickness when playing VR titles. If this happens to you, take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, and get some fresh air.

The Meta Quest 3 is slimmer than its predecessor and more comfortable to wear, which makes it easier to use for longer periods. It also has 8GB of RAM compared to the Meta Quest 2's 6GB. Another significant upgrade is that the Meta Quest 3 has separate displays per eye, whereas the Meta Quest 2 uses a single display panel. With a better resolution and separate displays, the Meta Quest 3 gives users a better field of view that makes virtual worlds look clearer.

Related 10 Best Meta Quest 2 & 3 Games Of 2024 The Meta Quest 2 & 3 have a large library of games, with more titles continuously being released. Find out the 10 best Meta games of 2024 to play now.

The final significant upgrade is that the Meta Quest 3 features a full-color passthrough, while the Meta Quest 2 has a limited black-and-white passthrough. This means users can see their surroundings in full color while wearing the Meta Quest 3, making it easier to navigate the real world without removing the device. While that might not be a deciding factor for some about whether to upgrade, it's worth mentioning.

Cost Comparison Of Quest 3 & Quest 2

Significant Price Increase From Quest 2 To Quest 3

Another significant change between the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 is the cost. The Quest 2 has long been hailed as an affordable VR option. Unfortunately, the Meta Quest 3 isn't as budget-friendly. Because the Quest 3 upgraded so many of its components and uses pricier technology, it comes with a higher price tag.

The Quest 2 varies in price. For the 128GB version from the Meta store, the cost is $199.99 USD​​​​. The price increases to $299.99 USD for the 256GB version. The Quest 3 has an even more significant price increase, costing $499.99. However, the price is reasonable considering the improvements and the fact that the Meta Quest 3 has 512GB of storage.

Which New Games Are Only On Quest 3

Exclusive Games Available On Quest 3 Only

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With Meta Quest 3 out, Meta is determined to entice players to upgrade. Like any new gaming console, the Meta Quest 3 has exclusive titles that won't be available on its predecessor to help draw people in. For example, the excellent Batman: Arkham Shadow is a Meta Quest 3 exclusive that comes with the purchase of the Meta Quest 3. Hitman 3 VR: Reloaded is also available only on the Meta Quest 3.

Other exclusive titles include:

Pencil!

Townsmen VR

Alien: Rogue Incursion

Laser Dance

Starship Home

Alo Moves XR

Hello, Dot

Mecha Party

There are various titles exclusive to the Meta Quest 3, from action-packed superhero games to educational tools, town-building games, fitness and exercise apps, platformers, and more. With Meta now focusing on the Quest 3, the company is making sure that the latest titles and updates are designed to take full advantage of the new hardware and features.

Meta Quest 3 Is Worth The Upgrade

A Huge Leap Forward For Meta VR

For those who have yet to purchase a Meta Quest, the answer to whether you should buy the Quest 2 or Quest 3 is easy. If your budget allows, the Meta Quest 3 will give you a better bang for your buck.

The improved graphics alone make it worth investing in a Meta Quest 3 over a Quest 2, but the exclusive gaming titles and other features like the full-color passthrough make it an even more compelling choice. The Meta Quest 3 will give you a more immersive VR experience, and it's better to buy the upgraded version rather than the older model, especially if you want to future-proof your VR setup.

Related 10 Best Relaxing Games On Meta Quest 2 From the beautiful vistas of Nature Treks VR to the calming backdrop of Real Fishing VR, these Meta Quest 2 games will relax every gamer out there.

Even for those who already have the Meta Quest 2, the upgrade to the Meta Quest 3 might be worth it. While it will depend on your individual needs and what your budget will allow, the Quest 3 is far superior to the Quest 2. The Quest 3 has improved performance with its higher resolution and upgraded processor – but there's also the fact that the Quest 3 has exclusive titles and features not available on the Quest 2.

The added comfort, better display quality, and full-color passthrough provide a more immersive VR experience throughout various content forms. From gaming to mixed-reality experiences, you'll be experiencing the best of the best in VR technology. Upgrading to the Quest 3 is a smart move for anyone who thrives on superior VR experiences. While the Meta Quest 3 offers a next-level experience compared to the Quest 2, if it's not in your budget, the Quest 2 is still a viable option.