A recent disclosure from an internal document at Meta indicates a new addition to their VR lineup, the Meta Quest 3 Lite, which might be marketed as the Meta Quest 3s. This upcoming model distinguishes itself with an innovative camera setup on the front and shares aesthetic cues with the Oculus Go, emphasizing affordability and familiarity.
Slated for release later this year with a price tag of $299, the Quest 3s aims to offer a cost-effective VR experience. It reportedly merges the advanced processor of the Quest 3 with the Quest 2’s existing lens technology to maintain an accessible price point while delivering enhanced performance.
Speculation about the Meta Quest 3s gained momentum following a leak on a Reddit thread (later reposted on X), suggesting a strategic rebranding to position this device as the go-to budget VR headset, superseding the Meta Quest 2.
Despite its lower price, the headset’s design appears bulkier than its predecessor, presumably to accommodate the older Fresnel lenses from the Quest 2 as a cost-saving measure. This design philosophy seems to nod toward the Oculus Go, offering a nostalgic yet functional appeal.
Images leaked from the presentation show the headset’s simplified controls, featuring only a power button and a volume rocker, hinting at a focus on utilizing previous-generation lenses without the need for an adjustment mechanism.
The legitimacy of this leak has been debated, especially considering the removal of the original post and the accidental inclusion of the leaker’s reflection in the presentation slides. This skepticism follows a recent deceptive announcement about a Valve Prism VR device, which was later unveiled as a hoax.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the leak’s authenticity, confidence remains high that Meta plans to introduce a budget-friendly Quest 3 variant this year. Originally intended for a China-exclusive release in collaboration with Tencent, the strategy was revised due to partnership setbacks, prompting Meta to target a global audience as a successor to the Quest 2 in the affordable VR segment.
