You can now preorder the Pico 4, an Oculus Quest 2 alternative that could go head to head with Project Cambria. While the listing doesn't reveal a final price, it hints that we'll hear more about the new VR headset in a few weeks' time.
Spotted by VR, the Pico 4 Oculus Quest 2 rival is now listed at the Chinese retailer Taobao. Sadly, the page cites a ¥9999 (around $1,500 USD) placeholder price rather than a final MSRP. However, promotional materials suggest a September 27 reveal, meaning an unveiling of sorts is perhaps on the horizon.
Bytedance, the same company that owns TikTok, hasn't officially announced its Pico 4 plans, so apply the usual pinch of salt to this preorder news. Still, that's not to say the listing isn't legit, as the retailer's information lines up with recent Oculus Quest 2 rival rumours.
Image: Taobao
The Pico 4 could steal some of the Quest 2's thunder if creators ByteDance plays their cards right, but there's a chance it'll also trade blows with the Quest Pro. Eye and face tracking may give the VR headset the edge it needs to take on Meta's high-spec goggles, not to mention it'll potentially cost a chunk less than its metaverse focussed opponent.
The Quest 2 is still one of the price increase may harm current-gen sales.
If VR players ultimately make the switch from Quest 2 to competitors like the Pico 4 and Valve Index, it'll be up to future devices like the Quest Pro and the so-called Oculus Quest 3 to win them back. Whether this will actually happen remains to be seen, but if you're averse to the metaverse, you might want to consider the Pico 4.