Meta Quest 3S VR headset goes official, pre-orders now open
Meta has officially introduced its new budget-friendly virtual reality (VR) headset, the Quest 3S. The announcement was made during the company's annual Connect keynote event. Starting at $300, this latest model is a more affordable version of its predecessor, the Quest 3, which retails for $500. Despite its lower price point, the Quest 3S shares several features with the original headset, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 processor and 8GB of RAM.
Quest 3S: A capable device for VR gaming
The Quest 3S is equipped to handle exclusive games designed for the Quest 3 platform, such as the upcoming Batman: Arkham Shadow. It also supports full-color passthrough for mixed reality applications and games. The new model comes with controllers identical to those of its predecessor, ensuring a familiar user experience. Additionally, the external sensors/cameras on the Quest 3S closely resemble those on the standard Quest 3.
Tracking and illumination features
The Quest 3S features two RGB cameras for creating stereoscopic color passthrough, and four VGA cameras for hand and controller tracking. These cameras also assist in determining user movements and position in three-dimensional space. Also the device includes two flood LEDs for illumination purposes. Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Quest 3S does not compromise on essential VR features.
Differences between Quest 3S and its predecessor
To offer the Quest 3S at a lower price, Meta has made some changes. The new model does not include pancake lenses or support 4K content. Instead, it uses Fresnel lenses similar to those in the Meta Quest 2, with a resolution of (1,832x1,920 pixels) per eye and 20 PPD (pixels per degree). The field of view is slightly reduced compared to the regular Quest 3 headset.
Storage and battery life
The base model of the Quest 3S comes with 128GB storage, with a 256GB variant available for $400. Interestingly, despite having a smaller battery than its predecessor, the Quest 3S offers slightly improved battery life. Meta claims it should provide around 2.5 hours of use per charge, compared to the 2.2 hours offered by the Quest 3. This enhancement could be a significant factor for potential buyers considering extended VR sessions.
Meta offers free game and subscription with Quest 3S
In a promotional move for the holiday season, customers who purchase any Quest 3 or 3S headset will receive a free digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow upon its release in October. This offer is valid until April. Additionally, Meta will bundle three months of Quest+ subscription with all purchases of a Quest 3 or 3S. Pre-orders for the new VR headset are now open, with shipping set to begin on October 15.