Hello there, fellow reader. Today, I'm excited to share my hands-on experience with the Meta Quest 3 VR headset.
I'm not exactly a seasoned gamer, but I was still able to set it up on my own – as long as you've got a computer and internet access, you should be good to go.
What's in the box
The Meta Quest 3 comes with a few things that'll get you started. Let's take a look.
A pair of controllers (or joysticks, as I like to call them) that run on batteries – you'll need to keep an eye on those, or you'll be stuck without a controller in the middle of a game.
A charger. Note that the charging cable is type-C to type-C, so you won't be able to plug it into a standard power block. You'll need an adapter for that. However, you can charge the headset using any type-C charger, as long as it's got enough juice.
A user manual – unfortunately, it's in English only, which was a bit of a pain for me since I'm not a native English speaker.
Design and build
I have to say, the design of these glasses caught my eye – they're white and stylish. The controllers look great too. They seem more comfortable to wear than other models I've seen.
The only downside to the white color is that they get dirty really quickly, even if my hands are clean.
On the front of the glasses, there are two cameras and a sensor.
On the sides, one has a port that looks like it's for headphones, and below that, a sensor.
The other side has a Type-C charging port, a power button, and a camera sensor.
Also on both sides, near the ears, are the speakers. They're really powerful and produce high-quality sound. Even at half volume, I couldn't hear anything else around me.
The volume controls and lens adjustment dial are located at the bottom. I haven't used the lens adjustment feature, but my husband says it's convenient.
The glasses also come with a built-in microphone, which produces excellent sound quality, making it perfect for online gaming with friends.
First-time use and setup
Turning on the VR headset is as easy as pressing the power button on the left. The colorful startup animation and sleek primary settings menu are a great way to get excited about this thing. My husband was totally stoked when he first got it. But that excitement quickly wears off when you realize you need to update the thing, and good luck getting it to work. Unfortunately, due to the current situation, these VR goggles just don't work properly in Russia. To update and download apps, you'll need a VPN. On the bright side, you can play games over WiFi without using a VPN.
Now that we've got the basics covered, let's get to the fun part – setting up the thing!
First, you'll need to enable Wi-Fi on your device. Go to the 'Network and Internet' section, then select 'Mobile hotspot.' Turn on the network, save or change the network name and password.
Next, you'll need to configure your VPN to share the connection over your network. Go to VPN settings, then 'App settings,' and finally 'Advanced settings.' Enable the 'Use Wintun' option, then activate your VPN.After that, connect your glasses to the computer's Wi-Fi network. Your software should start updating.
What really stood out
I've gotta say, the graphics and sound quality blew me away. These goggles are seriously top-notch, and I can see why they're considered one of the best on the market. They're super smart, and as a novice, their functionality feels like something out of a sci-fi movie. I was impressed that you don't even need the controllers to navigate the menu - you can do it all with your fingers.
When you launch certain apps, the goggles automatically detect the gaming zone, and when you exit, they give you a heads-up on potential hazards in your surroundings.
There are tons of games to choose from, ranging from ones you can download directly to the goggles to those that require a PC. However, for many games, you'll need a pretty powerful computer.
GraphicsAmazing soundComfortable controllersFast chargingHigh-quality micSuper smartCons
All PC games are installed through STEAMMost games are pay-to-playThe goggles are pretty heavy, and it can be a real pain to wear them for extended periods - my head would get tired and soreSetup can be a real challenge in RussiaEven though the menu is in Russian, most games are in EnglishThey don't warn you about the adapter - that was a surpriseThey drain their battery really quicklyOverall, I'd say that the Meta Quest 3 VR headset is a solid choice for anyone looking to get into VR gaming. While it has its drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons. With its impressive graphics and sound quality, comfortable controllers, and fast charging, it's a great option for anyone looking to experience the world of VR.
However, I do want to caution that setup can be a bit of a challenge, especially in Russia. And, of course, there's the issue of the goggles being pretty heavy, which can be a real pain to wear for extended periods.
Despite these drawbacks, I'd still highly recommend the Meta Quest 3 VR headset to anyone looking to get into VR gaming. It's a solid choice, and with a little patience and practice, you'll be well on your way to experiencing the world of VR in all its glory.
So, if you're looking for a high-quality VR headset that's easy to use and offers a wide range of games, I'd definitely recommend checking out the Meta Quest 3. Just be aware of the potential drawbacks, and you'll be all set for a great VR experience.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Price: $499.99
Recommendation: Yes, I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to get into VR gaming.