Meta is phasing out the Meta Quest 2, marking the end of an era for mainstream virtual reality enthusiasts. This move suggests a significant shift in the VR landscape as the company redirects its focus.
The Original Quest Faces Obsolescence
In a parallel development, the original Quest headset is also nearing the end of its lifecycle. The dwindling availability of the Quest 2 in Meta’s online stores globally underscores this transition, with the UK being a notable exception, where the 128GB version is still available for £199.
Sales Milestones and Market Impact
The Meta Quest 2 has achieved remarkable success, with sales reportedly exceeding 20 million units, making it the most popular mainstream VR headset. For comparison, Sony’s original PlayStation VR sold approximately five million units, highlighting the Quest 2’s dominance.
Future Support Concerns for Meta Quest 2 Owners
For current Meta Quest 2 owners, the primary concern is the duration of continued support for the 2020 model. Support has already started to wane, with new game announcements such as Batman: Arkham Shadow and Alien: Rogue Incursion bypassing Quest 2 in favor of the upcoming Quest 3.
Anticipated End of Support
Meta is expected to impose a stringent support cut-off for the Meta Quest 2, similar to what happened with the first Quest. The original Quest’s support was terminated in 2023, and hardware support officially ended on August 31, 2024.
Ongoing Use and Security Risks
Despite the end of hardware support, Meta assures users they can still download and use apps as long as developers support them. However, as stated in their recent announcement, Meta has cautioned that future security vulnerabilities could put private data at risk.
Longevity Compared to Past Consoles
Modern VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 2, differ significantly from older gaming consoles regarding lifecycle and support. Thanks to its vast user base, the Quest 2 is expected to receive more extended support than its predecessor.
Balancing User Transition to New Models
Meta faces a delicate balancing act. The company aims to encourage users to upgrade to newer models like the Quest 3 without alienating its existing user base. Pushing too hard for upgrades could drastically reduce their audience.
Affordable Upgrades on the Horizon
An upgrade might be more affordable than anticipated. Meta is rumored to release a budget-friendly version of the Meta Quest 3, dubbed the Quest 3S or Quest 3 Lite. This version is expected to feature an upgraded processor and color pass-through, omitting the pricier enhancements of the standard Quest 3.
