Since the release of the Oculus Quest 2, the virtual reality (VR) industry has struggled to maintain the same level of popularity it enjoyed during the global pandemic, when lockdowns and lower prices drove widespread adoption. Now, the Meta VR Glasses are being viewed as a potential turning point in the industry’s efforts to regain momentum. The Meta Quest 3, launched as an updated version of the Quest 2, included improved hardware, full-color mixed reality features, and exclusive games like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Marvel’s Deadpool VR. Despite these upgrades, the Quest 3 did not match the Quest 2’s success. As of August 2026, the Quest 2 remained the best-selling VR headset according to the Steam Hardware Survey, even though it had been replaced by the Quest 3 nearly three years earlier. Other recent VR devices, such as the Apple Vision Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, faced their own hurdles. The Vision Pro was highly anticipated but criticized for its high price, while the Galaxy XR, though well-received, lacked widespread recognition even among tech enthusiasts. Both devices made improvements in design and performance but still struggled with concerns about weight and cost. In contrast, the Meta VR Glasses are seen as a major step forward, with a lighter build (around 3.52oz /100g) and better software support for both entertainment and productivity. The main drawback is the price—$1,299, which is four times that of the Oculus Quest 2. While this may be acceptable for frequent VR users, it could be a barrier for those less engaged with the technology. The return of the term "VR" as a primary descriptor is also seen as a positive development. It feels more familiar and specific compared to terms like mixed reality (MR) or extended reality (XR). The VR Glasses are considered a spiritual successor to the Quest headsets, which were developed by Meta and Oculus. However, the company had previously reduced its investment in VR, including cuts to Reality Labs teams and first-party studios. This decline mirrored a broader trend, with many third-party VR studios also closing or downsizing. Still, there is hope that the VR Glasses, along with other emerging devices like the Xreal Aura, may help rekindle interest, improve accessibility, and increase user engagement in the VR space.