Technological advancement has revolutionised our everyday lives, from the megapixels in our cameras to smart assistants. In the scheme of things, VR is still a relatively new addition but has already been pegged as the future – whether that’s in the gaming sphere or attending a concert of your favourite artist. The possibilities are endless.
But what actually is VR? To the uninitiated, these headsets transform you into another world. From the comfort of your living room, it takes you to a different time and place. You can go to space, swim with sharks or go back in time with a super realistic picture and surround sound.
One of the most popular models on the market was created by Facebook. The Meta devices (previously known as the Oculus) have made VR more accessible to your everyday consumer with a wireless design so that you can roam free into the virtual world.
The Meta Quest 3 was awarded the ES Best top pick of all the models tested and there’s very good reason for that. The device is the most advanced to date. It’s super lightweight, comfortable with adjustable straps and even boasts a space for those who wear glasses so that no one has to miss out on the fun.
It comes with two motion controllers that become an extension to your hands. That being said, you don’t actually need them, you can just use your fingers (although it’s less accurate). There are also more pixels than ever to ensure the next-gen graphics won’t destroy the fourth wall.
You don’t need any additional consoles, phone or PC connected either. As soon as it arrives, let the games begin. Crucially, though, it offers mixed reality, presenting a pixelated version of your space so that the virtual elements are placed among your familiar surroundings.
This Amazon Prime Day, you can get your hands on the device for less.
What is Amazon Prime Day?
Though initially a relatively small-scale event, Amazon Prime Day has since become one of the biggest sales events of the year - with thousands of incredible offers available across a range of departments.
When is Amazon Prime Day?
This year, Amazon Prime Day is taking place on July 16 and 17.
How to take part in Amazon Prime Day
You can probably guess the first, essential step in taking part in Amazon Prime Day is that you must be a Prime subscriber - the hint is in the name. If you’ve been weighing up the many benefits associated with joining Prime such as next-day delivery, Prime Video, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Music and access to audiobooks - now’s the time to bite the bullet. Pay the monthly fee of £8.99, or the £95 annual fee. For students, it’s £4.49 a month and £47.49 a year.
Sign up for a 30-day free trial for Prime here.
Buy now: Meta Quest 3 516GB - was: £619.99, now: £558.98
Meta Quest 3
Best for: Joining the mind-blowing metaverse
No, not a PS5 and now an Xbox Series X, but rather the very latest entry point into the world of VR gaming, the Meta Quest 3; and what an entry point it is too as having been hands-on and head-in with the device, I can quite honestly and emphatically say that I’m a complete and utter convert.
Currently costing about the same as the console twins, what you get in the box is the headset with the standard pre-installed facial interface, 2x Touch Plus controllers and power gubbins, so all quite simple and straightforward. Then you download the Meta Quest app on your phone, install some apps, slip on the headset and slip seamlessly into the virtual world.
Using mixed reality, you can let the Quest 3 measure and map the movable space within the room or do it manually, then bring up the virtual control panel to select games, TV streaming channels or, well, all manner of marvellous things to get started. Naturally, I waded straight in with some battle royales.
Games cost anything from free to around £30 for heavy hitters like Resident Evil and The Walking Dead, or up to £45 for stunning new stuff like Asgard’s Wrath 2. All of which are – and I can’t stress this enough – utterly thrilling to play.
With an adjustable head-strap, it’s simple to find a comfortable fit, and the ergonomic controls are intuitive to use.
While I’ll never abandon console or PC play, the Meta Quest 3 has dazzled me and thoroughly turned my head with its truly immersive play, sucking me in with its irresistible succubus charms.
Finally, I should probably mention that, yes, you can do much more than just play games with the Meta Quest 3, with other equally amazing work and entertainment options available.
516GB - was: £619.99, now: £559.98
Buy now £458.98, Amazon
Meta Quest 2 128GB
Was: £399.99
Buy now £299.00, Amazon
