The Meta Quest 3S, a fresh entrant into the world of budget mixed reality headsets, has made its grand debut at Meta Connect 2024. This new device, which serves as a successor to the Quest 2, aims to deliver a robust mixed reality experience without the hefty price tag.
Powered by the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset found in the pricier Quest 3, the Quest 3S promises solid performance. However, it opts for Fresnel lenses over the pancake lenses of its more expensive sibling and features a narrower field of view. What it does bring from the Quest 3 is the advanced full-color Passthrough capability, facilitated by an intuitive “Action Button” that lets users seamlessly switch between passthrough and immersive modes.
In terms of display, the Quest 3S sports a resolution of 1832 x 1920 and supports refresh rates of 90Hz and 120Hz. Its field of view measures 96° horizontally and 90° vertically. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB, paired with 8GB of RAM. The device is equipped with a 4,324mAh battery, which, despite being smaller than the 5,060mAh battery found in the Quest 3, offers up to 2.5 hours of use—slightly edging out the Quest 3’s 2.2 hours.
Beyond the core specifications, the Quest 3S brings compatibility with several Quest 3 accessories. Users can make use of enhancements like the Elite Strap, Elite Strap with Battery, Carrying Case, Compact Carrying Case, Link cable, controller-specific Charging Dock, and Active Straps. Additionally, the Quest 3S boasts an exclusive Breathable Facial Interface designed to keep users cool during intense gaming sessions or workouts.
Pre-orders for the Meta Quest 3S have already begun ahead of its official release on October 15. The 128GB model is priced at $299.99, while the 256GB variant comes in at $399.99. Both versions include a pair of Touch Plus controllers.
Moreover, Meta is offering some enticing bonuses for early adopters. Every Quest 3S purchased by April 30, 2025, will come with a free copy of the exclusive game Batman: Arkham Shadow, available from October 22, 2024. Additionally, buyers will receive a complimentary three-month subscription to Meta Quest+.
With its compelling blend of performance, features, and affordability, the Meta Quest 3S looks set to attract a wide range of users—from those new to mixed reality to seasoned enthusiasts looking to upgrade their gear.
