Meta’s Quest 3S: A Budget-Friendly VR Headset That Packs a Punch

Meta has officially introduced its much-anticipated Quest 3S virtual reality (VR) headset, priced at just $299.99 (approximately ₹25,000). The Quest 3S offers many of the same features as its more expensive sibling, the Quest 3, but at a significantly lower cost, making it a compelling option for first-time VR users and budget-conscious gamers.

Meta has packed the Quest 3S with impressive hardware for the price. It shares the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip found in the Quest 3, which means users can expect excellent performance across a range of mixed reality experiences and VR games. The headset also supports Meta’s Touch Plus controllers, ensuring an immersive and responsive gameplay experience.

One of the standout features of the Quest 3S is its battery life, which surpasses that of the Quest 3. While the Quest 3 offers around 2.2 hours of use, the 3S delivers 2.5 hours, allowing for longer gaming sessions between charges.

What’s Different?

While the Quest 3S borrows much from the Quest 3, there are a few differences. For starters, the 3S is slightly larger, and its sensors are arranged in two triangular patterns rather than the Quest 3’s three pill-shaped cutouts. Another key difference is the display: the 3S uses the same 1832 x 1920 per-eye resolution as the older Quest 2, which is a lower resolution compared to the Quest 3’s sharper displays. Additionally, the 3S has a narrower field of view.

Despite these distinctions, early impressions suggest that the Quest 3S performs admirably in various VR games. In a demo, the 3S handled titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow and Horizon Worlds smoothly, without the display or field of view hindering the experience.

Another new addition is the “Action Button,” which allows users to quickly switch between immersive and passthrough modes. While Quest 3 and Quest Pro users can already switch modes by double-tapping the headset, having a dedicated button might make it easier and faster to toggle between the virtual and real world.

Preorders and Pricing

Preorders for the Quest 3S are now open, with the headset set to release on October 15th. Meta is also sweetening the deal by including a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow with purchases of either the Quest 3 or Quest 3S.

The Quest 3S comes in two models: the 128GB version priced at $299.99 (around ₹25,000) and the 256GB version at $399.99 (around ₹33,500). Meanwhile, the 512GB Quest 3, which originally launched at $649.99 (around ₹54,500), has seen a price drop to $499.99 (around ₹41,900).

With the Quest 3S now part of its VR lineup, Meta plans to phase out the Quest 2 and Quest Pro models, with remaining stock expected to be sold off by the end of the year.

Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the VR Market

Meta’s Quest 3S is a solid addition to the company’s VR portfolio, offering high-end features at a fraction of the cost of competing headsets. Whether you’re new to VR or looking for an affordable way to upgrade, the Quest 3S provides an excellent balance of performance and price. With Meta’s expanding library of VR experiences and its accessible hardware lineup, there’s never been a better time to explore virtual reality.

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