Meta has officially announced the much-anticipated Quest 3S VR headset, priced at $299.99. This new headset combines the best features of the Quest 2 and Quest 3, offering an affordable option for those new to VR. Despite being nearly half the price of the Quest 3, the Quest 3S is surprisingly close in terms of performance and features, making it a compelling option for those without a current VR headset.
Performance and Features of the Quest 3S
The Quest 3S packs a punch, with the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip found in the Quest 3. This means you’ll enjoy the same games and experiences, whether you choose the 3S or the pricier Quest 3. The Quest 3S also uses the same Touch Plus controllers and offers longer battery life—2.5 hours compared to the Quest 3’s 2.2 hours—making it an attractive option for long gaming sessions.
Key Differences Between Quest 3S and Quest 3
While similar in many ways, there are a few notable differences between the Quest 3S and Quest 3. The Quest 3S is slightly larger and lacks the depth sensor found in the Quest 3. It also features a lower screen resolution (1832 x 1920 per eye) and a narrower field of view. However, these differences didn’t significantly impact the experience during a demo, where the headset’s comfort and performance stood out.
Additional Features and Bundled Games
One interesting addition is the “Action Button,” which lets you quickly switch between passthrough and immersive modes. While I didn’t get to test this feature, it could prove to be a handy improvement over the Quest 3’s “Double Tap” mode. Preorders for the Quest 3S are now open, and it comes bundled with the Batman: Arkham Shadow game, releasing on October 22nd.
Meta’s VR Lineup and Future Plans
With the launch of the Quest 3S, Meta has reshaped its VR lineup. The Quest 3S is available in two versions: a 128GB model for $299.99 and a 256GB model for $399.99. Meta will also sell the remaining stock of Quest 2 and Quest Pro headsets through the end of the year before discontinuing them.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent option for newcomers to VR, offering great value and performance. If you’re ready to step into the world of virtual reality, this might be the perfect time to upgrade. And when you’re ready to move on, don’t forget you can sell your Meta Quest to Gizmogo for a hassle-free experience!