Meta raises Quest VR headset prices due to RAM shortage

Meta is increasing prices for its Quest virtual reality headsets starting April 19, citing rising memory chip costs driven by AI industry demand. The Meta Quest 3 will see a $100 increase to $599, while Quest 3S models will rise by $50 to $350 (128GB) and $450 (256GB). The company attributed the price hikes to "the global surge in the price of critical components. specifically memory chips" which it said is impacting almost every category of consumer electronics. Meta noted that increased manufacturing costs necessitate the adjustments to maintain hardware quality and platform support. Refurbished Quest units will also see price increases, with refurbished Quest 3S models rising by $50 to $320 (128GB) and $410 (256GB), and refurbished Quest 3 units increasing by $100 to $550. Meta Quest accessories will remain at current price levels. Meta joins several other technology companies adjusting hardware pricing in response to memory chip shortages. Sony recently increased prices for PS5 consoles and the PlayStation Portal handheld, while Microsoft raised Surface PC prices this week. Samsung has also implemented similar adjustments. The RAM shortage stems from AI companies acquiring large quantities of memory for data center operations, creating supply constraints across the consumer electronics sector. Meta stated it does not expect to increase prices for its smart glasses in the near term.