VR news of the week: A Nintendo-Google partnership (?!) and more Quest 3 leaks

VR information of the weekAs a part of a weekly sequence, Android Central Senior Editors Michael Hicks and Nick Sutrich are rounding up the entire information on {hardware}, sport bulletins, leaks, and funky updates associated to the Meta Quest 3, Oculus Quest 2, and different VR headsets. We’re simply three weeks away from the Meta Quest 3 launch, with official equipment already leaking forward of Connect 2023. But VR followers have loads of future {hardware} leaks to distract them till then.Aside from Meta’s second try at a Quest Pro with the Apple Vision Pro in its crosshairs, we have heard a reasonably startling rumor that Nintendo is returning to the VR house with a correct mixed-reality headset, operating off of Android software program. Here’s what’s occurring on this planet of VR this week!Oculus Quest 2 equipment might not work with Quest 3A leaked photograph of the Quest 3 strap reveals that it measures 29.5mm large, in comparison with 27mm on the Quest 2. Because of this variation, the entire present Quest 2 straps most probably will not work with the Quest 3. For individuals who purchased high-end elite straps with battery packs, this can be a disappointment; for Quest accent makers, it means a complete new technology of revenue. As for Meta’s official equipment, a Reddit leak reveals what seems to be an official cart of the Quest 3 512GB model, Elite Strap with Battery (€149), Carrying Case (€79), Silicone Face Interface (€49), and Charging Dock (€149). Just noticed this on Reddit. First take a look at Quest 3 equipment and a 512Gb model? Very attention-grabbing. pic.twitter.com/odqthbXSFNSeptember 4, 2023See moreAll of those can be found for the Quest 2, however the Quest 3 variations present an honest step up in value — relying on regional variations, clearly. In concept, the Quest 3 will match simply inside a Quest 2 case, since its pancake lenses make it smaller. But previous facial interfaces most likely will not match, and because the Quest 3 allegedly locations its USB-C slot in a brand new location, previous Quest 2 charging stands might not work, both. This Reddit leak additionally has a specs checklist, and whereas many of the info is already public information, it particularly says the Quest 3 could have 2064 x 2208 pixels per eye as an alternative of 1,920 by 1,832 on the Quest 2. Nintendo x Google VR?🔥Leak Express: Nintendo ya tiene un prototipo en pruebas de unas gafas “VR”- Hardware independiente de Switch 2- Realidad mixta- Uso doméstico, no para parques temáticos- Pantalla MicroLED- Sorprendentemente Google está involucrada de alguna manera en el desarrollo pic.twitter.com/e60yNchmsySeptember 3, 2023See extraWe need to take this type of rumor with an enormous grain of salt, however a latest no-longer-called-Twitter leak indicated that Nintendo is engaged on a standalone, mixed-reality headset particularly for residence gaming (aka not for Nintendo theme parks), and that Google is concerned in its software program. Google being concerned shouldn’t be a shock. We know that Google is engaged on a number of XR prototypes, together with a baseline XR software program platform that Samsung will use for its personal headset subsequent 12 months. Android Police stories that it is already discovered code proof of Google’s Micro XR platform being rolled out, so Google could also be buying this software program to different gaming firms inquisitive about VR.Nintendo has its personal lengthy historical past with VR, beginning with the 1995 Virtual Boy console and most just lately with Nintendo Labo cardboard. Given that Sony has its personal PSVR 2 headset, it is potential that Nintendo would wish to attempt to maintain tempo on this house. Despite all this, we propose you look ahead to extra definitive proof than a cute rendered mock-up earlier than you get your hopes up a few true Nintendo VR headset with Google software program.We discovered earlier this 12 months that the Quest Pro 2 had been canceled, however Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth later defined that simply because that Pro 2 prototype had been canceled did not imply that the Pro lineup had died for good. Now, it seems Boz wasn’t simply making an attempt to downplay unfavourable information.According to a report earlier this week, Meta has partnered with LG to make OLED Microdisplay panels for the Quest Pro 2. In addition, the report claims Meta will cost $2,000 for this headset — $500 greater than the unique Quest Pro however $1,500 lower than the Apple Vision Pro — and launch it in 2025. We’re hopeful that by the point the Quest Pro 2 launches, there will likely be significantly better software program out there to make a productiveness headset a extra possible enterprise mannequin. Mainly as a result of Apple will entice the businesses that Meta could not, due to its computing connections. New and upcoming VR video gamesThe checklist of upcoming Oculus Quest 2 video games is heating up as we transfer nearer to fall. My fellow VR nerd Nick Sutrich wrote about 4 of his favourite latest video games he recommends folks play earlier than the Quest 3 arrives, beginning with Inverse. Dead by Deadlight gameplay blended with a Stranger Things aesthetic mix to make Inverse, a 1v4 uneven horror title that Nick and I each had an opportunity to play, and each completely loved. It launched on Thursday on the Quest Store. “While the monster is all-powerful and can kill players in just a few swipes, it moves fairly slowly and has a stamina bar that has to be refilled after a handful of attacks,” Nick writes. “Meanwhile, the weaponless players are able to not only revive fallen players but can also set traps, close doors, and otherwise put obstacles in the path of the monster. Plus, thanks to a clever blend of local and walkie-talkie communication, players can intelligently work together to trick the monster and wipe out all traces of The Inverse.”You must also take a look at his different suggestions: Dead Hook, I Expect You to Die 3, and Swordsman. Announced and made out there for pre-order this week, Dungeons of Eternity is one other cooperative expertise for followers of D&D and Demeo — which, coincidentally, was introduced as a future Apple Vision Pro title this week.Back to DoE: it is a hack-and-slash model dungeon crawler with swords, bows, magic, and extra, with procedurally generated dungeons that ought to assist issues keep contemporary. You can play solo, but it surely appears prefer it’ll be particularly rewarding as a celebration. Lastly, we’re huge followers of Walkabout Mini Golf’s regular move of recent DLC programs like Labyrinth and Myst. The newest DLC — Alfheim: Land of the Elves — does not play into any well-known IP however has a captivating aesthetic that is meant to attraction to Norse Mythology followers (and doubtless Lord of the Rings followers, too). On the Quest Store, you should purchase the course for $4, whereas new consumers can snag the bundle and get it for half off.
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