What Meta Quest VR Headset Should I buy for Ace Virtual Shooting? (3S vs 3 vs 2)
Curious about what Meta Quest VR Headset makes sense for you to start shooting Ace Virtual Shooting? You are not alone. The majority of Ace Users are also first time VR owners, and all the options can be overwhelming.
Below is a detailed summary on the differences between the different options available, and how they will effect your Ace gameplay. Shooting (and by extension, Virtual Shooting) is a very visual sport - where being able to see and focus on objects can impact your performance. Keep this in mind when selecting a VR Headset.
Note: All Information on the Meta Quest 3S is subject to change as it has not been released to the public yet. Ace has also not been tested on the Meta Quest 3 yet, but this article will be updated as soon as it has.
The Meta Quest 3S is the newest model, being announced September 25th, 2024 as the replacement for the Quest 2.
Display: 1832 x 1920 per eye, similar to Quest 2 but with fresnel lenses.
Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2.
Storage: 128GB or 256GB.
Field of View: 96 degrees horizontal.
Battery Size: 4324 mAh.
Price: $300 for 128GB, $400 for 256GB.
Pros:
Affordable Upgrade: Provides much of the Quest 3’s functionality at a lower price.
Mixed Reality Support: Includes color passthrough, making it capable of Mixed Reality experiences found in Ace.
Slimmer Design: More compact than Quest 2 and similar to Quest 3.
Great Performance: Features the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset as the Quest 3.
Cons:
Lower Display Quality: Fresnel lenses and lower resolution than the Quest 3, leading to less sharp visuals.
Less Adjustable Optics: The Quest 3S lacks the fine-tuning IPD (distance between eyeballs) adjustments found in the Quest 3.
Smaller Battery: Though more efficient, its battery is slightly smaller than that of the Quest 3, leading to similar run times.
The Meta Quest 3 is the Flagship model, having the best features and a premium build, but at a higher price. The pancake lenses offer a distinct benefit in Ace, allowing everything to be sharper and clearer, which can help when shooting quickly.
Display: 2064 x 2208 per eye, dual LCD with pancake lenses, up to 120Hz refresh rate.
Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2.
Storage: 512GB.
Field of View: 110 degrees horizontal.
Battery Size: 5060mAh.
Price: Typically around $500.
Pros:
High-Resolution Display: Sharper, clearer visuals with a larger field of view. Better visuals help in Ace as shooting is a visual sport.
Pancake Lenses: Thinner lenses provide less image distortion and a more comfortable fit, allowing the use of glasses in headset. It also has an infinitely adjustable IDP wheel so the lenses can line up precisely with your eyes.
Better Mixed Reality: Color passthrough for enhanced augmented reality experiences, making it capable of Mixed Reality experiences found in Ace.
Powerful Performance: The upgraded chipset allows for faster processing and smoother gameplay.
Cons:
Price: More expensive than the Quest 2.
Short Battery Life: Only slightly longer than the Quest 2 despite its advanced features.
Meta Quest 2
The Meta Quest 2 is the oldest and cheapest of the three, but still runs Ace great. It can be found inexpensive on the second hand market.
Display: 1832 x 1920 per eye resolution, LCD, with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1.
Storage: 128GB or 256GB.
Field of View: 96 degrees horizontal.
Battery Size: 3640mAh.
Price: Typically around $200
Pros:
Affordable: One of the best value options for getting into VR.
Solid Performance: Suitable for most casual VR games and experiences, including Ace.
Vast Game Library: Access to a wide range of VR games and apps.
Cons:
Older Display Technology: The LCD screen isn’t as sharp or vibrant as newer models.
Limited Mixed Reality: Black-and-white passthrough only.
Comfort: Heavier and bulkier compared to newer models.
Rings on Controllers: The rings on the controllers make them slightly more cumbersome when shooting on Ace, especially from a holster.
Comparison Overview
Price and Value: The Quest 2 remains the budget-friendly option for casual users, while the Quest 3S offers better performance and features at a similar price. The Quest 3, though the most expensive, is the most feature-packed with superior display quality and advanced lenses.
Display: The Quest 3 stands out with its sharper, larger field of view and pancake lenses, offering a more immersive experience. The Quest 3S has the same resolution as the Quest 2 but adds color passthrough for AR.
Comfort and Design: The Quest 3 and Quest 3S are lighter and more ergonomic compared to the Quest 2, with the Quest 3 offering a more premium feel.
Battery Life: While all three models have similar battery life (2-3 hours), the Quest 3S has a slight advantage over the Quest 3 and Quest 2.
In summary, the Quest 3 is ideal for those seeking the best overall Ace experience, particularly for serious shooters and enthusiasts. The Quest 3S is a solid middle ground for those wanting better features than the Quest 2 at a more affordable price than the Quest 3. The Quest 2 is still a good choice for budget-conscious users, though it’s starting to show its age compared to the newer models. We pride ourselves in maintaining a strong framerate in Ace across all three heasets.
Sources used: Engadget, Road to VR, Stuff.
