A new Oculus Quest standalone VR headset is in development from the Facebook-owned company. Unfortunately, it looks like the pandemic has hit this new product, too, and it will likely be delayed.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Oculus is working on multiple different versions of the Oculus Quest that could serve as a successor to its standalone headset. One of these new models should have been launching before the year was out, but that appears to no longer be possible.
If you're not up to date on the VR hardware of today, the Oculus Quest is a standalone unit. Most VR units have to be hooked up to a game console or a computer; these systems are usually a head-mounted display and motion controllers. However, a smaller segment of units like the Quest put everything into one portable package.
According to Mr. Gurman's sources, some of the versions are 10–15% smaller than the Quest that's already on the market. Aside from being lighter, they would be more comfortable to wear and better suited as a standalone, portable device overall.
How this new model would fit into Oculus' business plan is a bit of a mystery. While it's certainly possible that this is a new device that will serve as a sister line, it could also serve as a replacement for the current model on the market.
When is the New Oculus Quest Coming to Stores?
With these pandemic delays holding things back, when will we be able to get our hands on the next Oculus Quest?
Oculus had originally hoped to have this new headset to market by the end of the year; I imagine they would have loved to be ready in time for Christmas in 2020. Unfortunately, production delays mean that it isn't likely to actually ship until sometime in 2021.
For now, though, you can still try to get your hands on a regular Oculus Quest. You can pick one up on Oculus' website, or you can pay a premium to get one imported from the UK on Amazon.
Read more about how the COVID-19 novel coronavirus is affecting the gaming world at our Coronavirus Gaming Convention Cancellations and Game Delays Hub.
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Would you like to see a new Oculus Quest? What do you think of portable VR headsets versus the other kinds of units? Let us know in the comments below!
