The global market for extended reality (XR) headsets fell significantly last year. This product categorization includes digital devices that make it possible to implement Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality or even Mixed Reality technologies.
According to the market research firm Counterpoint Research, global shipments of this type of headset fell in 2023 by 19% compared to 2022. The launch of the highly anticipated PlayStation VR 2 and the Meta Quest 3 was not enough to halt the decline.
Meta remained the leading supplier of XR headsets with 59% market share. However, competition from Sony caused its share to fall by 77% last year.
Meta headset price reduction strategy
Throughout the year, Meta strategically lowered the price of the Quest 2 to boost sales. This strategy allowed Meta to maintain its market leadership position until the launch of the Quest 3 in the fourth quarter of last year.
The Quest 3, launched in October last year, became the best-selling XR headset in the fourth quarter of last year, accounting for more than half of all units sold. Sony came in second with a 24% share, thanks to strong sales of the PSVR2.
Counterpoint Research expects sales of Apple’s VisionPro to drive XR content creation this year. However, the market will grow at a slower pace.
Source: “ZDNet Korea”