Meta Ends Quest 2 Production As Quest 3’s Popularity Surges

In a move that signals the end of an era for Meta’s virtual reality ambitions, the tech giant has officially announced the discontinuation of the Meta Quest 2 production line. The nearly three-year-old headset helped redefine consumer expectations for standalone VR when it launched in 2020, but with the explosive success of the newer Meta Quest 3, all eyes are now on the future of mixed reality at Meta.

The Meta Quest 2 played a pivotal role in bringing VR to the masses, offering an affordable and wireless route into virtual reality gaming. With blockbuster titles like *Beat Saber*, *Resident Evil 4 VR*, and *Population: One*, the Quest 2 sold over 10 million units worldwide, making it the most successful headset of its time. Its discontinuation doesn’t mean the device will become obsolete, however—Meta has confirmed it will continue to support software updates and app compatibility for existing users “for the foreseeable future.”

Meanwhile, the Quest 3, launched in late 2023, has quickly gained traction for its enhanced mixed reality features, slimmer design, and powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset. Its full-color passthrough and spatial awareness capabilities have opened the door to a new category of MR (mixed reality) gaming experiences, blurring the lines between digital and physical environments.

According to Meta, the Quest 3 has outsold its predecessor in its first six months, spurred on by major software updates and the growing availability of MR-optimized games and apps. With aggressive pricing and frequent content additions, the Quest 3 has become a cornerstone of Meta’s vision for the metaverse—one that leans increasingly into practical utility, productivity, and shared virtual spaces beyond gaming.

Industry analysts say the end of Quest 2 production was inevitable given shifting consumer expectations and the company’s commitment to streamlining its product lineup. For now, Quest 2 owners can rest easy: Meta is touting ongoing support and even integration with Quest 3 features where possible. Still, it’s clear that the VR landscape is evolving, and Meta is determined to lead the charge with the Quest 3 at the helm.