5 things I wish I knew before buying Meta Quest 3

TechVR5 things I wish I knew before buying Meta Quest 3Extra considerations that might not be obvious before buying Meta’s new MR/VR headsetWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Extra considerations that might not be obvious before buying Meta’s new MR/VR headset

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Meta)

Using the Meta Quest 3 to play a sports game

(Image credit: Meta)

I’ve reviewed theMeta Quest 3and been living with it for a over a week now – and if you’re considering buying the mixed/virtual reality headset that I described as “major upgrade over the Quest 2” and the device that could be a tipping point for these digital experiences, then I’ve got some more advice.

There are certainly realisations you get about a gadget that only comes after you’ve spent a substantial amount of time with it, way after you’ve got past the unboxing, the setup, and the first impressions. Take it from me, as someone who’s used the Quest 3 extensively, that you need to bear all of these points in mind.

1. Go for the bigger storage option

(Image credit: Future)

The Meta Quest 3 being held up

(Image credit: Future)

2. Budget for some accessories

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Meta Quest 3 512GB$499.99ViewSee all prices

Meta Quest 3 512GB—…

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Amazon

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Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery$69.99ViewSee all prices

RGB Head Strap with Battery…

Meta Quest 3 Elite Strap with Battery

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It’s still early days for the Meta Quest 3, but there are already some very appealing accessories available for the headset. I’m aware that I’ve just recommended that you spend extra on the 512GB version of the Meta Quest 3, but it’s also worth putting some money aside for a few essential accessory upgrades too.

3. You don’t need to clear your room

(Image credit: Meta)

The Meta Quest 3 on a sofa

(Image credit: Meta)

Don’t worry about spending ages clearing room in your living room or bedroom or study – the Quest 3 is fantastic at mapping out the space that it has available to it, picking out where items of furniture are and working around them. It’s all done automatically through the on-board cameras, and you can then tweak the boundaries manually if needed.

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Some mixed reality games actually make use of boundaries with irregular shapes (think aliens hiding behind the sofa, and so on). It’s incredibly flexible, and if the boundaries in a room change, updating the space only takes seconds. Alternatively, you can also use the Quest 3 while staying where you are, in either a sitting or standing position.

4. The visual upgrades are substantial

(Image credit: Meta)

Meta Quest 3 worn by woman

(Image credit: Meta)

As we were sent a Meta Quest 3 unit to review, we didn’t have to weigh up whether theQuest 3 or the Quest 2was a better buy: theMeta Quest 2 (previously known as the Oculus Quest 2)remains on sale, and is substantially cheaper at £299.99 / $299.99 (and often comes with special offers on accessories too).

If you are in the position of having to choose between these two headsets for your next VR purchase however, you should know that the visual upgrades on the Quest 3 are substantial – with more pixels per eye and more graphical oomph as well. Everything from menu crispness to shadow rendering looks better on the newer headset.

5. You’ll be waiting for some of the games

(Image credit: nDreams)

Ghostbusters Rise of the Ghost Lord

(Image credit: nDreams)

There are now more than 500 apps and games available for the Quest 2, and that means for the Quest 3 as well. Some key titles – includingRed Matter 2– have been upgraded to take advantage of the newer headset’s extra GPU capabilities, and there are a handful of games and apps that make use of the upgraded passthrough technologies too.

However, don’t expect to play a huge number of mixed reality games right away. There are more on the way – we’re still waiting forLego BricktalesandGhostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lordto launch at the time of writing, for example – but for the time being you’re limited to the same software selection as there is on the Quest 2.

Today’s best Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3 512GB dealsMeta Quest 3$538ViewSee all pricesMeta Quest 3 512GB$499.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3 512GB deals

Meta Quest 3$538ViewSee all pricesMeta Quest 3 512GB$499.99ViewSee all prices

Meta Quest 3$538ViewSee all prices

Meta Quest 3 128GB—…

Meta Quest 3

Amazon

$538View

$538

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Meta Quest 3 512GB$499.99ViewSee all prices

Meta Quest 3 512GB—…

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Amazon

$499.99View

$499.99

See all prices

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1. Go for the bigger storage option#

2. Budget for some accessories#

3. You don’t need to clear your room#

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4. The visual upgrades are substantial#

5. You’ll be waiting for some of the games#

1. Go for the bigger storage option

2. Budget for some accessories

3. You don’t need to clear your room

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

4. The visual upgrades are substantial

5. You’ll be waiting for some of the games