Meta · Reviewed by BMFVR · Published 2026-09-03
Based on a review by BMFVR (accessed 2026-09-03).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about touch plus controllers now emulate xbox gamepads at a system level — just accept touch plus controllers lack physical d-pad, bumpers, and start/select buttons for gamepad mode, requiring awkward button combinations.
The reviewer concludes that the Quest 3 is a significantly better headset after the 2.7 update, as Meta has unlocked previously software-limited hardware capabilities. They emphasize that the headset's ceiling has moved twice in a single update, challenging prior assumptions about its hardware limitations.
This review covers the Meta Quest 3's Horizon OS 2.7 update, focusing on the new gamepad mode for controllers and the increased display refresh rate capabilities. It also touches on other quality-of-life improvements introduced by the software update.
This update dramatically transforms the Meta Quest 3, making it a far more capable and versatile headset than it was previously. The controllers now emulate an Xbox gamepad at the system level, eliminating the need for extra hardware for flat-screen gaming, though physical button limitations mean some awkward key combinations at first. Furthermore, the headset now supports up to 144 Hz refresh rate, which provides a significant comfort jump by reducing perceived blur during motion. If you are looking for a highly portable, all-in-one gaming and entertainment device that can handle both VR and traditional flat-screen games without additional controllers, the Quest 3 with this update is an excellent choice. However, if you are a Quest 3S owner, you won't benefit from the higher refresh rates, and pushing to 240 Hz on the Quest 3 itself introduces visual trade-offs.
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reviewer_claimpositivet=01:21–01:50
The Touch Plus controllers now emulate an actual Xbox gamepad at the system level, allowing Xbox Cloud Gaming and Steam Link to work out of the box without needing an external gamepad.
reviewer_claimnegativet=01:50–02:00
The Touch Plus controllers lack a D-pad, bumpers where fingers expect them, and start/select buttons, which are standard on an Xbox gamepad.
reviewer_claimneutralt=02:00–02:22
Meta's solution for missing buttons involves using the grip button and thumb rest as 'shift' buttons, allowing existing controller inputs to turn into secondary inputs.
expert_opinionpositivet=02:30–02:58
The new gamepad mode means the Quest 3, with its two controllers, becomes a complete portable gaming setup, eliminating the need to pack and charge a separate gamepad for travel.
specification_claimpositivet=02:58–03:03
The gamepad mode feature works on both the Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets, ensuring broad compatibility.
specification_claimpositivet=05:22–05:37
The Quest 3's refresh rate ceiling no longer ends at 120Hz; the update introduces support for higher refresh rates.
expert_opinionpositivet=05:44–06:26
Higher refresh rates reduce visual smear, making edges look sharper and text clearer, which leads to greater comfort and less fatigue after prolonged VR use.
reviewer_claimpositivet=06:26–06:58
144Hz is the current sweet spot, usable with Virtual Desktop and Quest Game Optimizer, offering a significant comfort jump from 90Hz.
reviewer_claimmixedt=06:58–07:44
The system can technically reach 207Hz (Meta's ceiling) and 240Hz, but 240Hz requires developer mode and display scaling, trading sharpness for frames, with perceived blur potentially increasing past 144Hz.
specification_claimnegativet=08:00–08:14
The Quest 3S model maintains its 120Hz refresh rate cap because it uses a different physical panel, which is a true hardware limitation.
specification_claimpositivet=08:34–09:12
According to Meta's developer documentation, the Quest 3's display hardware can accept any whole number refresh rate between 72Hz and 207Hz, enabling smoother frame pacing by allowing games to tune dynamically.
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Horizon OS 2.7 adds 96Hz and 100Hz as standard refresh rate options, which are beneficial for watching movies (96Hz for 24fps content) and PAL content (100Hz).
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Remote Desktop is now called 'virtual display' and consolidates PC mirroring, console mirroring, and wired input into a single, unified application.
specification_claimpositivet=10:27–10:48
A new display size setting under display and brightness now scales the entire interface, not just text, which can improve readability for users.
With the Horizon OS 2.7 update, the Quest 3's Touch Plus controllers can emulate an Xbox gamepad, making it possible to play flat-screen games via services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Steam Link without an external gamepad. While there are some physical button limitations (no D-pad, bumpers, start/select), Meta has implemented a clever "shift" button workaround using the grip and thumb rest.
The Horizon OS 2.7 update significantly increases the Quest 3's refresh rate capabilities beyond 120Hz. The reviewer recommends 144Hz as the ideal setting, offering improved comfort and less blur. While the hardware can technically reach 207Hz (Meta's ceiling) and even 240Hz, rates above 144Hz may compromise sharpness and resolution due to display scaling, potentially leading to increased perceived blur.
According to the reviewer, increasing the refresh rate on the Quest 3 directly addresses issues like visual smear, making edges appear sharper and text clearer. This leads to a noticeable improvement in comfort and reduces the feeling of fatigue after extended VR sessions, making the headset feel more like looking through a window than a screen.
The reviewer explicitly states that the Quest 3S does not receive the higher refresh rate update and maintains its 120Hz cap. This limitation is attributed to the physical characteristics of the 3S's display panel, making it a genuine hardware limitation unlike the Quest 3.
Based on Meta's developer documentation, the Quest 3's display hardware can dynamically tune to any whole number refresh rate between 72Hz and 207Hz. This allows games to maintain smoother frame pacing by matching the refresh rate to what they can consistently hold, rather than being forced to drop to a predefined lower setting when performance dips.
Beyond gamepad mode and higher refresh rates, the update adds 96Hz and 100Hz as standard options, useful for specific media content (24fps movies, PAL content). It also renames and consolidates PC and console mirroring into a single "virtual display" application. A new display size setting under display and brightness allows scaling of the entire user interface for better readability.
75/100 source quality
This video examines the Meta Quest 3's Horizon OS 2.7 update, which brings substantial improvements to the headset's functionality. Key updates include a gamepad mode that allows Touch Plus controllers to emulate an Xbox gamepad for flat-screen gaming, enhancing portability. The update also unlocks higher display refresh rates, with 144Hz identified as an optimal setting for improved comfort and reduced blur, though experimental rates up to 240Hz are discussed with caveats. Additionally, the review covers other quality-of-life features such as new standard refresh rate options, a consolidated virtual display app, and an interface scaling setting, demonstrating Meta's continued development on the Quest 3 platform.
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