Meta has officially stopped selling the Quest Pro, a high-end virtual reality (VR) headset, just two months after announcing its discontinuation. The news, spotted by UploadVR, marks a significant setback for the company's VR ambitions, particularly in the high-end segment.
The Quest Pro, launched in 2021, was priced at $999, making it a premium offering in the VR market. Despite its advanced features and improved internals compared to the Quest 2, the headset failed to gain significant traction among consumers. The product page now redirects users to consider the Meta Quest 3, which received a more positive review from critics.
The struggle for high-end VR adoption is not unique to Meta. Apple's $3,500 Vision Pro, which received a lackluster review, has also failed to gain mainstream appeal. In October, Apple reportedly cut back on manufacturing the device. The Quest Pro's poor sales can be attributed to its high price point, heavy design, and lack of significant display improvements compared to its predecessor.
The VR industry has long struggled to break into the mainstream market, with high-end devices facing significant hurdles. The Quest Pro's failure to sell out despite being available until the end of the year or until stock depletion, whichever came first, suggests that consumers are not willing to invest in premium VR experiences. This trend may force companies to reassess their VR strategies and focus on more affordable, accessible options.
Notably, Meta is still selling the Quest Pro's Touch Pro controllers, which are compatible with the Quest 2 and up. This move indicates that the company is not entirely abandoning its high-end VR ambitions, but rather adapting to the market's response.
The discontinuation of the Quest Pro raises questions about Meta's future in the VR market. Will the company shift its focus towards more affordable options, or will it continue to pursue high-end VR experiences? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the struggle for high-end VR adoption is a significant challenge that the industry must overcome.
In conclusion, Meta's decision to stop selling the Quest Pro serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by high-end VR devices in gaining mainstream acceptance. As the VR industry continues to evolve, companies must adapt to consumer preferences and reassess their strategies to ensure long-term success.