Meta has officially introduced the Quest 3S VR headset, confirming many details from earlier leaks. Priced at $299.99, the Quest 3S resembles a hybrid of the Quest 2 and Quest 3, but with more similarities to the latter. For those without a VR headset, the Quest 3S is an appealing option, offering a significant mix of features at nearly half the price of the Quest 3.
The device comes with the same mixed reality capabilities and Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip found in the Quest 3. As a result, users can enjoy the same library of games and experiences on both devices. Additionally, it shares the Touch Plus controllers with the Quest 3. An improvement over the Quest 3 comes in the form of battery life, with the Quest 3S boasting 2.5 hours of use on average, compared to 2.2 hours on the Quest 3.
There are, however, a few key differences between the two models. The Quest 3S is slightly larger and features a different sensor design, opting for two triangular sensor layouts rather than the Quest 3’s pill-shaped cutouts. Unlike the Quest 3, the 3S lacks a depth sensor and uses lower-resolution displays with a per-eye resolution of 1832 x 1920, akin to the Quest 2. Additionally, it has a narrower field of view.
Despite these differences, the experience doesn’t seem lacking. During a demo of the Quest 3S, the headset performed well in titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Horizon Worlds. Even without the Quest 3’s extra features, the gameplay remained immersive and smooth. The headset’s Y-shaped split strap added to the comfort, allowing for extended wear during a 30-minute session without issue.
Another new feature is the “Action Button,” designed to quickly switch between passthrough and immersive modes. While this wasn’t tested during the demo, it promises to make transitioning between virtual and real-world views more intuitive.
Preorders for the Quest 3S are now live, with an official release date set for October 15th. Purchasers will also receive Batman: Arkham Shadow with the headset if bought before the game’s October 22nd launch.
The introduction of the Quest 3S rounds out Meta’s VR offerings. The Quest 3S is available in 128GB and 256GB configurations for $299.99 and $399.99, respectively. Meanwhile, the Quest 3’s 512GB model is priced at $499.99. With the Quest 3S now in the lineup, Meta will phase out the Quest 2 and Quest Pro, selling the remaining units through the end of the year.
Despite VR still being a niche product, Meta now has a clear path forward with its headsets. Even as the broader metaverse vision remains in development, Meta’s hardware offers an accessible entry point to virtual reality without the premium price tag of its competitors.
