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[yet_another_alt]

I feel conflicted about this statement. Because while it's very true that VR is much more successful from an adoption / business perspective, which is actually necessary to keep it from dying, I can't help but feel that the progression of the hardware and the general experience across most games has stagnated in terms of approach true VR. Quest 3 games are mostly corny, glorified mobile games with cartoonish graphics, and there doesn't seem to be anyone really pushing hard for hardware progression the same way oculus was in the beginning.

People are crying about the Switch 2 price already. VR with the tech that enthusiasts want will be DOA unless they're willing to essentially fund R&D.

 

[Romulus]

We have this same thread every year. then by the end of the year we see this .,,

Meta Quest 3S failed to boost holiday demand for VR in 2024

Analysis of the latest app store and Amazon product page data suggests that sales of Meta’s latest entry-level VR headset have underperformed.

www.gamedeveloper.com

VR is not main stream and will not be mainstream anytime soon. VR is a chore. It's too limited, it's not relaxing. Most people hate it over traditional gaming.

That's already been addressed a million times. They're using "app downloads" as the metric.

The Quest 3 was brand new, the Quest 2 sold 20+ million so a huge % were Quest 2 owners upgrading. You don't need to redownload the app.

So yeah, data is meaningless unless its accurate. This is inaccurate clickbait.


From the article you posted:

Factors like second-hand sales, upgrades, headset sharing, and non-owners downloading the app to explore the app store muddy the data

 

[RoboFu]

That's already been addressed a million times. They're using "app downloads" as the metric.

The Quest 3 was brand new, the Quest 2 sold 20+ million so a huge % were Quest 2 owners upgrading. You don't need to redownload the app.

So yeah, data is meaningless unless its accurate. This is inaccurate clickbate.


From the article you posted:

Replace meta 3s with any version or VR headset. It's all the same.

 

[Romulus]

Replace meta 3s with any version or VR headset. It's all the same.

What are you talking about? Quest 2 is literally the only VR headset those big numbers. Nothing else came close. You're just consistently filled with bs talking points on the subject. You've never provided any substance to the subject.

 

[Danknugz]

Most PCVR games were also relatively simple in terms of visuals.
Meta's push to standardize pancake lenses in the Quest 3 and improve pass through also counts as pushing hardware improvement.

The truth is that mass market PCVR adoption is so slow that if the Quest line didn't exist, we'd have the same type of low budget games on PCVR. Nobody can justify AAA development budgets on such a niche userbase.

it might count as hardware improvement but it's nowhere near as good as they could be doing it given all the cash and resources they have. the pancake lenses are good tech i still just can't stand the narrow FoV / googles effect. i would happily have a quest 3 were it not for the narrow FoV. that's why i still prefer index. meta has always decided to sacrifice fov for performance reasons and I can't stand that.

there was footage of zuck using special VR tactile gloves like 8 years ago and we never see this tech come to fruition, you know three are working on other hardware but they don't push it to consumers.

 

[Romulus]

it might count as hardware improvement but it's nowhere near as good as they could be doing it given all the cash and resources they have. the pancake lenses are good tech i still just can't stand the narrow FoV / googles effect. i would happily have a quest 3 were it not for the narrow FoV. that's why i still prefer index. meta has always decided to sacrifice fov for performance reasons and I can't stand that.

there was footage of zuck using special VR tactile gloves like 8 years ago and we never see this tech come to fruition, you know three are working on other hardware but they don't push it to consumers.

Do you mean quest 2? Quest 3 got an upgrade to fov. I've never heard anyone say its narrow. I've used an index and own psvr2. They're all very similar. The only one that really pushes fov is pimax, now that was a massive difference worth mentioning.

I felt like quest 3 was way better than index, just the lenses clarity alone fells like 2 full generations ahead. Wireless is also a massive bonus.

And don't forget meta has to make $250-500 VR headsets vs $1000, so at that price they're boxing above their weight.

 

[Ozriel]

it might count as hardware improvement but it's nowhere near as good as they could be doing it given all the cash and resources they have. the pancake lenses are good tech i still just can't stand the narrow FoV / googles effect. i would happily have a quest 3 were it not for the narrow FoV. that's why i still prefer index. meta has always decided to sacrifice fov for performance reasons and I can't stand that.

Surely you jest?
Meta is losing money on these headsets or barely breaking even, and you want them to make even more high end stuff for $400?

Valve index launched at $999. Didn't have to take on the cost of a battery and a chipset for standalone gaming. Quest 3 launched at $499 and had to carry the cost of a battery and a snapdragon chipset.

there was footage of zuck using special VR tactile gloves like 8 years ago and we never see this tech come to fruition, you know three are working on other hardware but they don't push it to consumers.

Why would they push R&D stuff that's still in development to consumers? especially stuff that's still at a price point that isn't mass market friendly?

 

[IDKFA]

I was thinking of getting a Quest 3. Not for gaming, but to watch films while travelling.

Gaming would just be an added bonus.

 

[Romulus]

Another bonus alot of people don't realize is portable VR emulator. There are so many retro games that you can play in full VR or on a 2d screen. I have everything from nes to ps2.

There are so many full fledge mods like Castlevania etc that run on the Doom engine that offer basically unlimited gameplay.

Just a few of my favorites but there's everything from Jedi knight with full motion controls to Quake 4 coming a couple months. Probably the low key goat for emulation because you can play these old games in super high resolution and VR + mods.

 

[Grildon Tundy]

I've got a Quest 2. How is the Quest 3 (any version) in comparison? I'd really like wider FOV, better resolution, and deeper blacks/more vibrant color, but not sure if the Q3 is a significant upgrade worth the price.

For context, I go through a VR phase maybe once per year, where I play it as my main nightly entertainment for a week or two.

 

[poppabk]

I've got a Quest 2. How is the Quest 3 (any version) in comparison? I'd really like wider FOV, better resolution, and deeper blacks/more vibrant color, but not sure if the Q3 is a significant upgrade worth the price.

For context, I go through a VR phase maybe once per year, where I play it as my main nightly entertainment for a week or two.

I have a Quest 2 and finally got to try the Quest 3 out at Best Buy (seriously the demo station was broken for at least a year). It is a massive upgrade in clarity and I really want one but sadly the current level trajectory of consumer electronics means I don't think we will see a decrease in price on it ever.

 

[Romulus]

I've got a Quest 2. How is the Quest 3 (any version) in comparison? I'd really like wider FOV, better resolution, and deeper blacks/more vibrant color, but not sure if the Q3 is a significant upgrade worth the price.

For context, I go through a VR phase maybe once per year, where I play it as my main nightly entertainment for a week or two.

Probably not worth it if your one of those people that breaks out VR a couple times a year. I don't think a big boost in clarity/fov will push you much more than that. Maybe it will. I already liked Quest 2 despite the limitations.

 

[Ozriel]

I've got a Quest 2. How is the Quest 3 (any version) in comparison? I'd really like wider FOV, better resolution, and deeper blacks/more vibrant color, but not sure if the Q3 is a significant upgrade worth the price.

For context, I go through a VR phase maybe once per year, where I play it as my main nightly entertainment for a week or two.

I have a Quest 2 and finally got to try the Quest 3 out at Best Buy (seriously the demo station was broken for at least a year). It is a massive upgrade in clarity and I really want one but sadly the current level trajectory of consumer electronics means I don't think we will see a decrease in price on it ever.

Facebook marketplace is your best bet for getting the Quest 3 at a discount.

Lots of folks who got it as a gift and realize they aren't really interested in VR.

 

[poppabk]

Facebook marketplace is your best bet for getting the Quest 3 at a discount.

Lots of folks who got it as a gift and realize they aren't really interested in VR.

Only a couple within 50 miles of me and $100 is not enough of a sale for me for something you stick on your face.

 

[Codes 208]

I have a Quest 2 and finally got to try the Quest 3 out at Best Buy (seriously the demo station was broken for at least a year). It is a massive upgrade in clarity and I really want one but sadly the current level trajectory of consumer electronics means I don't think we will see a decrease in price on it ever.

The pancake lenses are worth the upgrade alone, and then you have the performance boost and color passthrough

 

[longrainwater]

I love VR, but as someone with a Mac (currently) does the meta quest make sense?

 

[Ozriel]

Only a couple within 50 miles of me and $100 is not enough of a sale for me for something you stick on your face.

You're drawing the line at buying an open box or used model because it's "something you stick on your face" but had no issues using the public demo units at Best Buy?

 

[simpatico]

This unit has always tracked well on Amazon, but it's misleading.

Meta Quest isn't available at most retailers, so these are always going to be inflated.

For example, if I look at my local GameStop, there's nothing within 100 miles of me. I can't even get it shipped to my house from Gamestop.

There are 2 units available at my local Walmart. There are 3 at my local Target.

It's definitely something that favors online sales.

Did you check Circuit City?

 

[Clintizzle]

Bought one (Quest 3) at the start of the year and have zero regrets.

Its my first experience with VR and the fact that i didnt need to set up an area with trackers is the main benefit. I have done a mix of gaming and productivity and even workout apps and its honest such great value for the price.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

Did you check Circuit City?

Yeah, no units.

 

[Tams]

I was thinking of getting a Quest 3. Not for gaming, but to watch films while travelling.

Gaming would just be an added bonus.

It is a good experience, but the LCD panels aren't great even by LCD standards. Blacks really are dark grey.

Also, it's quite easy to notice pixels. There's quite a bit of aliasing.

 

[IDKFA]

It is a good experience, but the LCD panels aren't great even by LCD standards. Blacks really are dark grey.

Also, it's quite easy to notice pixels. There's quite a bit of aliasing.

That doesn't sound as good as I expected.

What I want is a clear as day picture that covers my whole field of view. I want to be inside the movie.

 

[poppabk]

You're drawing the line at buying an open box or used model because it's "something you stick on your face" but had no issues using the public demo units at Best Buy?

In terms of price yes, stuff that touches your body nearly always has a big discount.

With the game most likely used or unusable on a second hand unit, we're talking $50 saving - having to meet up with someone, take the risk that the unit is fucked up in someway, possible inability to use the warranty if it gets fucked later etc it just isn't worth it. The fact that it also could have been sweated on a lot is just an extra kicker.

 

[EverydayBeast]

I purchased PSVR, along with RE7, and Firewall just to quite down the VR nerds and it's unbelievable.

 

[simpatico]

Yeah, no units.

Doesn't bode well. Home consoles and Circuit City are from the same technological rung.

 

[Ozriel]

In terms of price yes, stuff that touches your body nearly always has a big discount.

With the game most likely used or unusable on a second hand unit, we're talking $50 saving - having to meet up with someone, take the risk that the unit is fucked up in someway, possible inability to use the warranty if it gets fucked later etc it just isn't worth it. The fact that it also could have been sweated on a lot is just an extra kicker.

I think about 20% of the listings I see (Canada) are brand new.

But even if it's used, you can pretty much buy a brand new facial foam and snap off the old one.

But yeah, there are definitely risks in picking up a used unit.

 

[Romulus]

It is a good experience, but the LCD panels aren't great even by LCD standards. Blacks really are dark grey.

Also, it's quite easy to notice pixels. There's quite a bit of aliasing.

Are you talking about Quest 3 or Quest 3s? Because I've never noticed pixels on Quest 3.

 

[FoxMcChief]

I love my quest 3. Now that I'm a stay at home dad/husband and the wife is the breadwinner, I have time to play my quest 3 more.

The platform is incredible, especially if you have access to at least a POS computer. You can make it an emulator and even use a modern controller. 3DS with real 3D is incredible. Every gaming enthusiast should really have one.

 

[Tams]

Are you talking about Quest 3 or Quest 3s? Because I've never noticed pixels on Quest 3.

Quest 3.

It's not usually noticeable, but if I make the effort to focus I can see them, especially around text (hence the aliasing).

In games it's not really an issue, but doing more static stuff it is.

 

[Tams]

That doesn't sound as good as I expected.

What I want is a clear as day picture that covers my whole field of view. I want to be inside the movie.

Then you'll be disappointed.

With a good LCD, I can accept the worse contrast, but for watching films and shows I've switched back to my monitor or XR glasses.

I had hopes to watch more videos on mine, but I never do now.

For me it hasn't been a waste as the downsides are much less noticeable in dynamic situations (gaming and 'experiences').

I also reckon that Meta went for LCD panels that are good for standalone VR in general, so were prepared to have worse constrast and lower resolution.

 

[IDKFA]

Then you'll be disappointed.

With a good LCD, I can accept the worse contrast, but for watching films and shows I've switched back to my monitor or XR glasses.

I had hopes to watch more videos on mine, but I never do now.

For me it hasn't been a waste as the downsides are much less noticeable in dynamic situations (gaming and 'experiences').

I also reckon that Meta went for LCD panels that are good for standalone VR in general, so were prepared to have worse constrast and lower resolution.

]Thanks for the info.

Looks like I'm waiting for the Quest 4 or Samsung's Project Moohan then.

Probably go with the Samsung. It plays games and Android XR looks very cool. However, it depends on price. If they price it like the Apple Vision then it's DOA. At least I know the Quest 4 will be affordable.

 

[Tams]

]Thanks for the info.

Looks like I'm waiting for the Quest 4 or Samsung's Project Moohan then.

Probably go with the Samsung. It plays games and Android XR looks very cool. However, it depends on price. If they price it like the Apple Vision then it's DOA. At least I know the Quest 4 will be affordable.

I'm looking forward to Project Moohan too, though the latest rumours are that they're going to target a higher price range.

There are doubts Meta will use OLEDs in a Quest 4 due to cost.

 

[Romulus]

]Thanks for the info.

Looks like I'm waiting for the Quest 4 or Samsung's Project Moohan then.

Probably go with the Samsung. It plays games and Android XR looks very cool. However, it depends on price. If they price it like the Apple Vision then it's DOA. At least I know the Quest 4 will be affordable.

I would say try one in person first. I know people that use Quest 3 as mostly a media device so everyone's opinion varies on it.

 

[IDKFA]

I'm looking forward to Project Moohan too, though the latest rumours are that they're going to target a higher price range.

There are doubts Meta will use OLEDs in a Quest 4 due to cost.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Samsung PM was north of a £1000, but they should try and keep it under 1500. Samsung do like to charge a premium, so I'm expecting it to be expensive anyway. I wonder if Google will do their own Pixel version?

Did you see the demo at TED? Looks amazing.

I would say try one in person first. I know people that use Quest 3 as mostly a media device so everyone's opinion varies on it.

I might cave in. Quest 4 is over a year away at least. Depends on how Samsung price Project Moohan.

 

[Yamisan]

Are you talking about Quest 3 or Quest 3s? Because I've never noticed pixels on Quest 3.

Yeah, I've had a quest 3 for awhile and I don't have this issue. Either he is 1. Seeing things that aren't there. 2 Didn't it up right, including using an app to measure eye distance. 3. Has a defective unit.

 

[Guardian Monkey]

I can see them on mine. Coming up from where we were with the the cv1 to now, they are barely notable. Its a non issue for me.

 

[Tams]

Yeah, I've had a quest 3 for awhile and I don't have this issue. Either he is 1. Seeing things that aren't there. 2 Didn't it up right, including using an app to measure eye distance. 3. Has a defective unit.

1. Nope. Once I noticed them, I couldn't not. And it's not something I usually notice easily.
2. I set it up right and have measured my IPD innumerable times.
3. Nope. That's how the displays are. It turns out that when you put displays so close to the eyes, the pixels are more obvious.

As I said, it's fine for games and interactive stuff. But when you are passive, your brain has more capacity spare to notice the aliasing and poor contrast.

Also, I tried watching some episodes of Skeleton Crew from a HDR source, and due to the poor contrast was looking at pretty much just black (well, very dark grey).

 

[Bungie]

I have both & I'm definitely using my console 100% more.

 

[Romulus]

1. Nope. Once I noticed them, I couldn't not. And it's not something I usually notice easily.
2. I set it up right and have measured my IPD innumerable times.
3. Nope. That's how the displays are. It turns out that when you put displays so close to the eyes, the pixels are more obvious.

As I said, it's fine for games and interactive stuff. But when you are passive, your brain has more capacity spare to notice the aliasing and poor contrast.

Also, I tried watching some episodes of Skeleton Crew from a HDR source, and due to the poor contrast was looking at pretty much just black (well, very dark grey).

I've just never heard this anywhere, and I frequent forums and discords pretty much daily with countless user reviews. The blacks could be better, but I've never heard about pixels being visible. The image is super crisp for me.

 

[lmimmfn]

1. Nope. Once I noticed them, I couldn't not. And it's not something I usually notice easily.
2. I set it up right and have measured my IPD innumerable times.
3. Nope. That's how the displays are. It turns out that when you put displays so close to the eyes, the pixels are more obvious.

As I said, it's fine for games and interactive stuff. But when you are passive, your brain has more capacity spare to notice the aliasing and poor contrast.

Also, I tried watching some episodes of Skeleton Crew from a HDR source, and due to the poor contrast was looking at pretty much just black (well, very dark grey).

I cane from a CV1, the only issue I noticed and its because the screens are angled is that straight lines e.g. the horizon have aliasing but its minimal. The screens being slightly grey for blacks is acceptable simply because they're LCD panels. Don't get me wrong I'd much prefer OLED panels.

 

[VeganElduderino]

I fucking Love my Quest 3 , its beside at all times , I look at it and I keep telling it, Ill play you someday when I'm not fucking lazy ! I tell my psvr2 the same , but I love them both

 

[Tams]

I've just never heard this anywhere, and I frequent forums and discords pretty much daily with countless user reviews. The blacks could be better, but I've never heard about pixels being visible. The image is super crisp for me.

I cane from a CV1, the only issue I noticed and its because the screens are angled is that straight lines e.g. the horizon have aliasing but its minimal. The screens being slightly grey for blacks is acceptable simply because they're LCD panels. Don't get me wrong I'd much prefer OLED panels.

Well, all I can say is that I don't enjoy watching videos on the Quest 3, expecially considering the (to me) sub par experience requires you to wear a relatively heavy headset.

And I have LCDs with much better contrast. Even a cheapo ASUS one I have has less edge bloom.

 

[SportsFan581]

Another bonus alot of people don't realize is portable VR emulator. There are so many retro games that you can play in full VR or on a 2d screen. I have everything from nes to ps2.

There are so many full fledge mods like Castlevania etc that run on the Doom engine that offer basically unlimited gameplay.

Just a few of my favorites but there's everything from Jedi knight with full motion controls to Quake 4 coming a couple months. Probably the low key goat for emulation because you can play these old games in super high resolution and VR + mods.

I had no idea you could even do this. I'll have to try it out.

 

[Danknugz]

Surely you jest?
Meta is losing money on these headsets or barely breaking even, and you want them to make even more high end stuff for $400?

Valve index launched at $999. Didn't have to take on the cost of a battery and a chipset for standalone gaming. Quest 3 launched at $499 and had to carry the cost of a battery and a snapdragon chipset.



Why would they push R&D stuff that's still in development to consumers? especially stuff that's still at a price point that isn't mass market friendly?

again, confusing between business perspective and VR progression. i'm talking non business side of VR and purely from a progression standpoint. if meta is concerned about losing money then why are they churning out such similar SKUs and making dumb shit like quest pro and then abandoning it within a year? They clearly aren't concerned with money. But that's not my point, my point is they aren't pushing progressing VR hard enough. They seem perfectly happy pushing corny mobile games as long as it's making the suits happy. The gloves were shown 8 years ago iirc. That's almost a decade of R and D and nothing to show for it? Just another example of how they don't allow people at the consumer level to participate in any of the new emerging tech which is what makes VR so fun. I mean, they only changed the entire name of the company to imply a focus on VR. Oculus were a lot better in that regard, I still have my developers kit #2.