VR technology is very expensive and there are only a few affordable devices on the market. The best entry point for gamers is now significantly more expensive.
Those who want to use VR technology normally have to invest a lot of money. Devices like the Valve Index headset already cost 800 euros in the base version, which is a lot of money for many users who just want to game.
With the Meta Quest headset (formerly Oculus Quest), Facebook (now Meta) offered a relatively affordable device for those who wanted to try VR. The prices started at 300 euros.
But now Facebook/Meta has announced that it will raise prices. Very few are excited about this. Some even believe that Meta will lose its price advantage as a result.
Meta raises prices, to “advance the VR industry”
What is actually becoming more expensive? Starting August 1, 2022, Meta will raise the prices for its VR headsets.
- The Meta Quest 2 with 128 GB of storage will then cost $399.99. Previously, the price was $299.99.
- The Meta Quest 2 with 256 GB will cost $499.99. Previously, the price was $399.99.
The prices for the two devices will thus increase by around $100. Those hoping to save money with refurbished devices will also be disappointed. Because Meta will also adjust the prices for older devices and accessories.
In Germany, the prices in euros are almost identical. Depending on the store, you pay about 30 euros more, and some shops have already raised the price for the 128 GB model to 429 euros.
Why is everything becoming more expensive? In a comprehensive blog post, Meta explained that production costs and shipping prices have risen. Furthermore, the price increase supports its own development. As stated in its blog post:
Now we are making a change that will help us continue to invest in the long term and drive the VR industry forward with top-tier hardware, action-packed games, and cutting-edge research on the way to true next-gen devices.
According to Meta, the Quest 2 is still supposed to be the most affordable VR device for gamers. However, the community sees it differently, and many gamers are upset about the announcement.
Rising costs are also a topic of discussion in other cases:
Gamers consider the price increase at Meta Quest 2 too high; others see it as justified
One user writes on reddit: “$300 was a real sweet spot. $400 is just too much for me.” Many cannot understand the argument about strengthening the industry. After all, a price increase of $100 is no small amount.
However, some also explain that the device had always been too cheap and that Meta had heavily subsidized the device. This way, they could have convinced people more to give the headset a chance. In the long run, this could actually help the industry. A user writes on reddit:
The original price was always too good to be true and has been largely subsidized by Meta from the start. I agree that the new price is much better for the industry in the long run. Now Sony, for example, doesn’t have to sell its new PSVR2 headset at a loss to compete with a cheap Quest 2.
Another adds that no one could compete with the price of the “Meta Quest 2” headset anyway. With the price increase, other companies now have a small chance as well. Furthermore, $400 is still not a lot of money for a VR headset when looking at the competition (via reddit.com).
What do you think? What do you think of the price increase? Do you care that prices are being significantly raised or do you think this is excessive like other users?
What else is happening in VR? At CES 2022, Sony presented its new VR system for the PS5: PS VR2. This is the official VR device if you want to fully immerse yourself in virtual worlds on the PS5. With a free adapter, you could also connect your old PSVR headset to the PS5. What exactly is changing and which exclusive game has been introduced with PSVR 2 can be read in our article:
Sony finally shows new accessories for the PS5 – This is PS VR 2
