You can buy Quest 3 now and pay later, but is it worth it and for whom?
Meta introduces a "buy now, pay later" service for Quest 3. MIXED has analyzed for whom this is worthwhile.
Meta introduced a new payment model for the Meta Quest 3, where you pay for the device over two years with a monthly installment of $25 (128GB Quest 3) or $35 (512GB Quest 3).
In addition to the VR headset, the offer includes two years of the Meta Quest+ VR game subscription and Meta Warranty Plus, a two-year extended warranty that covers accidental drops, spills and more.
The new payment model is limited to the United States.
Quest 3 Buy Now, Pay Later: Is it worth it and for whom?
For the following calculation, the two storage models are treated separately.
Meta Quest 3 with 128 GB:
- Meta Quest 3 with 128 GB (regular price: $500)
- Two years of Meta Quest+ (regular price: $120)
- Meta Warranty Plus (valid for two years, regular price: $40)
- Total: $660
You pay $25 per month for two years, for a total of $600.
You save $60. Without the extended warranty, you would save $20.
Meta Quest 3 with 512 GB:
- Meta Quest 3 with 512 GB (normal price: $650)
- Two years Meta Quest+ (normal price: $120)
- Meta Warranty Plus (valid for two years, regular price: $50)
- Total: $820
You pay $35 per month for two years, for a total of $840.
Therefore, this offer will cost you $20 more. Without the extended warranty, the additional cost would be $70.
Conclusion: A good deal for Quest newcomers
The new payment model is especially rewarding for people who want to join the Quest ecosystem, have purchased few or no Quest games, are short on cash, and are still willing to pay monthly for Meta Quest+ after two years.
The VR game subscription includes 48 VR games over two years, a rotating catalog of about 15 titles, and discounts on select VR games. This is a generous offer if you haven't built up a library of Quest games yet (see the current selection of Meta Quest+ games). Please note that you will only have access to the games while you stay subscribed.
Keep in mind that Meta could lower the price of the Quest 3 in the next two years or increase the storage of the entry-level model, which would make the buy now, pay later offer less attractive. In the U.S., Meta also offers refurbished Quest 3 units that cost slightly less at $450 (128GB) and $580 (512GB). In September, Meta is also expected to introduce the Meta Quest 3S, a cheaper version of the Quest 3, that may be good enough for you.
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