Meta has launched the Quest 4 mixed reality headset at $299, the company's most affordable and capable device yet. The price point, combined with significant hardware improvements, positions the Quest 4 as the device that could bring VR/MR to the mainstream consumer market.
Hardware specifications include the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR3 chip, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, dual 2K displays per eye, and full-color passthrough cameras for mixed reality experiences. The headset weighs just 380 grams, making it comfortable for extended sessions.
The controller-free hand tracking system has been refined to near-controller precision, and optional controllers ($79) are available for gaming applications that require precise input. Eye tracking enables foveated rendering for improved visual quality and performance.
Meta's $299 price is possible because the company subsidizes hardware to build its ecosystem. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stated that Meta's metaverse investments are entering a "payoff phase" as the installed base of Quest devices exceeds 40 million units globally.
The Quest 4 launches with a library of over 2,000 apps and games. Killer apps include the social platform Horizon Worlds (significantly improved from its troubled launch), fitness apps like Supernatural, and a growing catalog of productivity tools for remote work.
