Meta has just revealed the Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable version of its Quest 3 VR headset, and it’s already available for preorder. This exciting new release is priced at $200 less than the Quest 3, making it an appealing option for those looking to experience VR without breaking the bank. With delivery slated for October 15, preorders can be made through both Amazon and the Meta Store.
The Quest 3S comes in two storage variants: the 128GB model for $299.99 and the 256GB model for $399.99. This lower price point compared to the Quest 3, whose 128GB model starts at $499.99, opens the doors for many new users looking to dive into virtual reality.
Preorder Bonuses and Retail Availability
As of now, multiple retailers, including Walmart, Best Buy, and GameStop, have joined Amazon in offering preorder options. No matter where you decide to place your order, Meta is sweetening the deal by including a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow VR along with a 3-month trial of Meta Quest+, adding even more value to the purchase.
Meta Quest 3S vs. Quest 3: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, the Quest 3S seems to offer many of the same features as the higher-priced Quest 3, but it comes with a few compromises in its optical specs. Below is a detailed comparison between the two headsets:
Key Similarities:
- Processor: Both headsets are powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth performance.
- Controllers: The Touch Plus controllers are the same across both models, providing precise tracking.
- Refresh Rate: Both headsets support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to fluid visuals.
- Mixed Reality Passthrough: The same cameras are used, though they are arranged differently on each model.
Key Differences:
- Resolution: The Quest 3S has a slightly lower per-eye resolution (1832×1920) compared to the Quest 3 (2064×2208).
- Lens Type: The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses, while the Quest 3 opts for more advanced pancake lenses.
- Field of View (FOV): The Quest 3S has a narrower FOV (96°/90°) compared to the Quest 3 (104°/96°).
- Storage: While the Quest 3 tops out at 512GB, the Quest 3S maxes out at 256GB.
- Battery Life: Interestingly, the Quest 3S offers longer battery life (2.5 hours vs. 2.2 hours) due to its lower resolution.
Despite the slight downgrades, the Quest 3S manages to retain most of the features that make the Quest 3 a powerful headset. With both headsets sharing the same processor, the lower resolution in the Quest 3S may even improve overall performance by reducing the load on the hardware.
Value for Money: Is the Quest 3S a Better Deal?
For many, the Quest 3S will represent a better value proposition compared to the pricier Quest 3. If you’re looking for a VR headset that offers cutting-edge performance without the hefty price tag, the Quest 3S is an excellent choice. It enhances almost every aspect of the older Quest 2 headset, making it a natural upgrade for those who want to step into Meta’s evolving VR ecosystem. Meta is also expected to phase out the Quest 2 soon, further cementing the Quest 3S as the go-to option for budget-conscious VR enthusiasts.
Quest 3 Price Drop Coming Soon
If you’re still interested in the superior optics of the Quest 3, you might want to hold off on purchasing for a bit longer. Meta is reportedly planning to drop the price of the 512GB model to $499.99, down from $649.99. While the price reduction hasn’t yet hit the Meta Store, it’s only a matter of time before this happens, making the Quest 3 a more attractive option for those willing to pay for better visuals.
Final Thoughts
With the release of the Meta Quest 3S, Meta has created an appealing VR headset at a much more affordable price. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone interested in exploring VR for the first time, the Quest 3S offers great value without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. The lower price, bundled bonuses, and preorder availability make it an enticing option as the next step in Meta’s growing lineup of VR devices.
Be sure to act quickly if you want to secure your preorder and stay tuned.
