Kerestell Smith, the creator of Gorilla Tag, said the Meta Quest 2 is his favorite virtual reality headset during VidCon 2026 [1].

Smith's preference highlights a growing tension in the hardware market between high-end luxury devices and accessible consumer electronics. As the CEO of Another Axiom, Smith's perspective reflects the needs of developers who prioritize a wide user base over technical specifications.

Speaking at the convention in Anaheim, California, Smith said the relationship between cost and accessibility is key [1]. He said that the user experience and price point of the Quest 2 align better with the goals of mass adoption than newer, more expensive alternatives. This preference extends to the general atmosphere of the platform, which he contrasted with the approach taken by Apple [1].

"We need more Quest 2 vibes and less Apple Vision Pro energy," Smith said [1].

Smith was accompanied by CMO Jake Zim during the discussion [1]. Smith said that the industry must focus on making the technology reachable for the average consumer to ensure long-term growth. While the Apple Vision Pro offers advanced capabilities, Smith said that such high-end positioning does not serve the broader goal of expanding the VR ecosystem [1].

"The fate of VR adoption is in affordability," Smith said [1].

By championing an older, cheaper model, Smith emphasized that the value of a VR platform is measured by how many people can actually use it. This philosophy mirrors the design of Gorilla Tag, which relies on simple mechanics, and broad accessibility to maintain its popularity [1].

“The fate of VR adoption is in affordability.”

This stance suggests a strategic divide in the VR industry. While companies like Apple are positioning VR/AR as a high-fidelity computing replacement for professionals, developers like Smith argue that the medium's true growth depends on low barriers to entry. If affordability remains the primary driver of adoption, the industry may see a continued reliance on mid-range hardware rather than a rapid shift toward luxury spatial computing.