Only one month in the past I used to be championing the Quest 2 VR headset as an ideal purchase for PC avid gamers, presumably even higher than the hard-to-find Steam Deck. At this time, Meta introduced that it’s elevating the worth of the headset. The entry-level 128GB Quest 2 goes from $300 to $400, and the 256GB mannequin jumps from $400 to $500. I can solely assume it’s as a result of Mark Zuckerberg acquired uninterested in truly promoting these machines, and desires to promote rather a lot fewer from right here on out.
Okay, that’s massively reductive. Right here’s the precise assertion from Meta justifying the worth improve:
In a publish on the Oculus web site, the corporate says “the associated fee to make and ship our merchandise is on the rise.” It additionally says that by elevating costs it might “proceed to develop our funding in groundbreaking analysis and new product growth that pushes the VR business to new heights.”
When you have a look at the Quest 2 as a chunk of computing {hardware}, as Meta will surely such as you to, it is sensible. We’re nonetheless in the midst of a chip scarcity, and the spectacular all-in-one {hardware} within the Quest 2 doesn’t develop on timber. Fb’s pockets aren’t as bottomless as they as soon as appeared, and there’s the expense of making new video games and “experiences.”
However in the event you have a look at the Quest 2 as one thing like a sport console, because the overwhelming majority of each shoppers and retailers do, it is a baffling transfer. Consoles are purported to be loss leaders with cash made again on video games and third-party licensing. A 33 % worth improve years after a sport product is launched is virtually unprecedented—that is the purpose within the product life cycle the place you decrease costs to maneuver models, and get as many individuals invested within the ecosystem as potential. New Meta-branded headsets are completely on the best way, however this worth improve is barely going to make individuals look elsewhere.
VR as a sport system is promising, presumably even revolutionary, assuming the {hardware} can rapidly outgrow a number of the ache factors that early adopters are prepared to look previous. VR as some type of new frontier for interplay within the digital world, ideally 100% monetized by Fb Meta, appears type of ridiculous. And throwing up even increased hurdles to constructing that userbase by charging extra on the gate received’t assist.
The information isn’t all dangerous. When you purchase a Quest 2 between August 1 and the tip of the yr, you get a free model of the mega-popular Beat Saber. That’s the finish of the not-bad information.
