Meta has expanded its virtual and mixed-reality lineup with the launch of the Meta Quest 3S, a budget-friendly alternative to the Quest 3. Released in October 2024, this new headset is designed to deliver immersive experiences at a price point that makes VR more accessible, starting at $299.99.
The Quest 3S shares many core features with its premium sibling, including fast performance and full-color Passthrough technology, which blends virtual and real-world environments. However, it features some compromises to keep costs down, such as a lower resolution display (1832 x 1920 per eye, compared to the Quest 3’s 2064 x 2208) and the use of fresnel lenses, which may cause slight blurriness around the edges of the screen
While the Quest 3S is slightly less advanced visually, it is still an excellent choice for users new to mixed reality or those upgrading from earlier models like the Quest 2. It supports thousands of apps and games, as well as exciting new releases, including Batman: Arkham Shadow, which comes free with the headset
Meta also dropped the price of its 512GB Quest 3 model to $499.99, giving enthusiasts even more options in their VR journey. With the Quest 3S, Meta is making strides to broaden the reach of mixed-reality technology, catering to both casual users and dedicated gamers