Meta has decided to increase the prices of its Meta Quest 2 VR headsets. As of 8/1/2022, the Meta Quest 2 128GB headset will be priced at $399.99, and the 256GB headset at $499.99
This price hike comes at an odd time, as the entire reason for the Meta Quest headsets was to bring affordable VR headsets to the masses. This price hike potentially could put these headsets beyond the price people are willing to pay. There’s not even an added feature anything, it’s just an extra cost for an existing product.
Meta has stated this price hike is required “in order to continue investing in moving the VR industry forward for the long term.”
In order to continue investing in moving the VR industry forward for the long term, we are adjusting the price of Meta Quest 2 headsets to $399.99 (128GB) and $499.99 (256GB) starting on 8/1/22.
— Meta Quest (@MetaQuestVR) July 26, 2022
I’ve followed the VR space for quite some time, and I don’t get where Meta is coming from, especially since its headset has seen the most significant and fastest share of VR headsets. Mainly due to their pricing of them. Even the Quest Rift and Rift S, which were considerably more expensive, sold well, as the alternative was still pricey.
Now, it would seem that Meta understands the value it commands and is adding that value to the sale of future headsets. I can already see the pushback on this, but despite the price hike, the Meta Quest 2 will still be the best game in town.
To “offset” the $100 price hike, a free copy of Beat Saber, a fun and frantic title that gets the blood pumping, will be free for each Meta Quest 2 headset after 8/1/22. Existing owners are not eligible for the free title.
An offer to download Beat Saber, one of the most popular Quest apps, at no additional cost will come with every new headset purchase for a limited time. Ends 12/31/22. Terms apply: https://t.co/apFFTgmJSB
— Meta Quest (@MetaQuestVR) July 26, 2022
Meta (Facebook) sure loves to upset its consumer base, that’s for sure. It hasn’t been two years since it discontinued the Oculus Rift s headset to focus on the Quest 2. Following that, it required owners to sign up or convert their existing logins to Facebook logins if they wanted to continue using any of the headsets. It is a decision that has since been reverted but doesn’t offer the freedom it once did. Now, we have this price change.
For those who aren’t happy about the price hike, there are still a few days to snag either version of the Meta Quest 2 at its original price. But come 8/1/2022, those headsets will be price adjusted. So be sure to get one now before it’s too late.
As for the Meta Quest 2, I won’t discount it. I was a big fan of the Rift S, and while I was upset about how Meta handled things. I did become a Quest 2 convert, and I enjoy mine. But this price hike, I’m not fond of this change at all.
