I’ve avoided virtual reality (VR) at home for a long time. Being constantly being inside of a headset at work I didn’t want to feel like I was living in The Matrix. But have finally decided to get one for home, the Meta Quest 3, it felt like the right time as this is as close to how I see VR will be widely used.
Here’s why I decided to bring it home.
A Familiar Playbook: The Gameboy
When Nintendo’s Gameboy launched, it wasn’t the best in terms of technology. Other consoles had better graphics, sound, and colour. Yet, the Gameboy was a success because it struck a balance between price and quality content. It was affordable, easy to use, and had games like Tetris that kept people engaged.
The Meta Quest 3 is following the same path. It doesn’t have the power of high-end PC-based VR systems, but it’s good enough. More importantly, it’s self-contained, simple to use, and has a growing library of games and experiences. You don’t need a powerful computer or a mess of cables to enjoy it.
Quality Over Technical Perfection
Although the Quest 3 can’t compete with high-end VR setups in terms of performance, it offers a high-quality experience where it matters. The library of content is growing, making it a great choice for anyone wanting to explore VR. The focus isn’t on having the best specs, but on offering something that’s fun, affordable, and convenient.
Its self-contained design also removes many obstacles that might turn people away from VR. There’s no need to upgrade your PC or spend hours on setup. You simply put on the headset, and you’re ready to go. It’s this ease of use that makes the Quest 3 feel like the original Gameboy—a game-changer because of its practicality, not because of its raw power.
Development Potential: Accessible SDKs
Another reason the Meta Quest 3 stands out is its easy-to-use software development kits (SDKs). This makes it simpler for developers to create new experiences. This accessibility encourages more developers to experiment with VR, leading to new and exciting content.
However, VR is still evolving, and the Quest 3 is just one step forward. Its price is still a bit high for many, and early adopters are needed to help build the groundwork for the future of VR. This means exploring VR not just for games, but for social interactions, creativity, and even productivity.
Looking Ahead
While the Quest 3 and recently released 3s is impressive, it’s not the final version of what a VR or Mixed reality headset can be. A future Quest 4 and 4s with features like
- Face and eye tracking
- An external peripheral to track body motion
- low resolution Peripheral vision
- Being able to upload and “carry” a personal library of .glb assets to Meta Horizon and other experiences (MH beta can import .fbx now :))
- Connecting to a variety of software and internet of things
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) cameras
These could dramatically improve the VR experience, however there is so many applications that this theoretical device could achieve outside of entertainment. Being developed some time in the future the cost of tech would be reduced following Moore’s law making a approachable, cost effective, compact wireless system for extended reality applications.
personally having access to something that can track body motion in real-time along side the hands, face and eye tracking would be a mocap dream, alongside being able to author 3D environments in VR. however being an all in one device for XR interaction.
These improvements could push VR from being a niche gadget into a versatile tool for things beyond entertainment. Imagine using a compact, affordable headset for remote work meetings that feel almost like being there in person or for immersive education that makes learning fun and interactive.
What Now
The Meta Quest 3 marks a key moment in VR’s journey. Not because it’s the most powerful headset, but because it’s easy to use, good enough, and full of potential. Like the original Gameboy, it’s finding success through accessibility, affordability, and quality content, even if it’s not perfect.
VR is still in its early days, but with early adopters helping to shape the future, the possibilities are endless. I’m excited to be part of this journey, knowing that what comes next could revolutionise the way we interact with the world.
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