Technology

Meta Discontinues Quest 2 and Quest Pro Headsets

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The End of an Era for Meta’s VR Lineup

Hidden among the recent hardware announcements from Meta Connect 2024 comes word that the social media giant is sunsetting two key members of its Quest VR headset line. With the budget-friendly Quest 3S now up for preorder, Meta will no longer sell the Quest 2 and Quest Pro once back stock is depleted.

The Legacy Device: Quest 2

The end of the Quest 2 isn’t surprising, given that the headset has been around for four years. Celebrating its fourth birthday in October, Meta kept the legacy device on sale as a way to offer a cheaper alternative to the Quest 3. However, with the new Quest 3S now occupying this space in the lineup, it’s only natural that the Quest 2 would be phased out.

The Quest 3S shares some key characteristics with its predecessor, including display resolution. At $300, it offers an attractive starting price point for those looking to dip their toes into virtual reality. The fact that it’s a more budget-friendly option means that Meta can cater to a wider audience, making VR more accessible than ever.

Redundancy: Quest Pro

The Quest Pro, on the other hand, debuted in 2022 as Meta’s bid to offer up its mixed reality for enterprise use cases. However, last year’s Quest 3 made the Pro model largely redundant, and did so at a lower price point. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the Quest Pro, which was touted as an innovative solution for businesses.

Given that it’s being phased out in favor of the Quest 3S, it seems clear that Meta has lost confidence in the Quest Pro. Whether this is due to performance issues or simply because it’s no longer seen as a viable option remains unclear.

What’s Next?

In a statement, Meta shared their plans for the future: "[Y]ou know what they say about new beginnings. With Quest 3S on the shelf, we’re officially winding down sales of Quest 2 and Pro. We’ll be selling our remaining headsets through the end of the year or until they’re gone, whichever comes first."

They also announced that security patch updates for the original Quest headset will cease in September. This means that users who rely on these headsets may soon find themselves without support.

Accessorize Your Way Out

For those looking to hold onto their legacy devices a bit longer, Meta plans to continue selling accessories for the Quest 2 and Pro models for a while longer. These include carrying cases, Touch Pro controllers, the Quest 2 Active Pack, and other related items.

While it’s understandable that Meta wants to move on from these headsets, it’s a shame to see them go. The Quest 2 was once the entry-point into VR for many users, and its phasing out marks an end of an era for the company’s VR lineup.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

The sunsetting of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro has significant implications for Meta’s VR plans going forward. With the focus shifting to more budget-friendly options like the Quest 3S, it’s clear that the company is looking to appeal to a broader audience.

However, this move also raises questions about the direction of their VR strategy. Will they continue to invest in mixed reality solutions, or will they shift focus towards more consumer-centric products?

As we await further announcements from Meta, one thing is certain: the future of VR is constantly evolving. Whether you’re an existing user or just dipping your toes into virtual reality, it’s exciting to see what’s on the horizon.

Meta’s Statement on the Matter

The full statement from Meta regarding their decision to phase out the Quest 2 and Quest Pro can be found below:

"We’re excited to introduce our new Quest 3S, which offers an unbeatable combination of performance and price. As part of this launch, we’ll be winding down sales of our older headsets – specifically, the Quest 2 and Quest Pro.

We’ll continue selling these devices through the end of the year or until they’re gone, whichever comes first. If you’ve invested in one of these headsets and are looking for accessories, we plan to keep those available for a bit longer."