It appears Meta is gradually retiring its widely popular Quest 2 headset, marking the end of a significant chapter for mainstream VR. Quest 2, which has sold over 20 million units, has been largely unavailable on Meta’s online stores globally, except for the 128GB model in the UK, still listed at £199. With the original Quest having ceased support earlier this year, Meta seems to be shifting its focus to newer models, including the Quest 3 and potentially an upcoming budget-friendly Quest 3S or Quest 3 Lite.
The Quest 2’s Legacy
The Meta Quest 2 has comfortably held its title as the most popular VR headset on the market, with sales far surpassing competitors like Sony’s PlayStation VR, which sold around five million units. Released in 2020, the Quest 2 brought VR to a broader audience with its affordability and accessibility, establishing itself as a mainstream headset for both casual and dedicated users.
However, the emergence of more advanced VR models has inevitably raised questions about the longevity of Quest 2 support. Some newly announced titles, such as Batman: Arkham Shadow and Alien: Rogue Incursion, are set to launch exclusively on the Quest 3, leaving Quest 2 owners uncertain about future compatibility. Meta is expected to eventually limit software and security updates for the Quest 2, as it did for the original Quest.
Balancing Upgrades and Support
While Meta will likely continue supporting the Quest 2 for a while, they will also encourage users to upgrade. With its massive user base, the Quest 2 is poised to receive longer-term support than the original Quest. However, Meta must balance this with the push toward newer hardware. An overly aggressive end-of-life approach could alienate its substantial Quest 2 audience, limiting their access to newer content and updates.
A Budget-Friendly Quest 3 Alternative on the Horizon?
For those looking to upgrade, Meta’s anticipated Quest 3 Lite or Quest 3S could offer an appealing option. Expected to launch later this year, the rumored model will likely incorporate color passthrough and processor upgrades while leaving out some premium features of the standard Quest 3, potentially making it a cost-effective way to experience the latest in VR without the full investment of the flagship model.
In summary, the Quest 2’s availability is dwindling, signaling a shift toward the next generation of Meta’s VR lineup. While Quest 2 owners can likely look forward to continued support in the near term, Meta’s strategic path clearly points toward advancing the VR experience with newer models tailored to both premium and budget-conscious users.
