Quest 3S is poised to push VR forward again
Meta has finally announced its new VR headset: the Meta Quest 3S, the direct successor to the Quest 2.
One year after the launch of the Quest 3, Meta is bringing a more affordable version of the mixed reality headset to market. While the Quest 3 costs $500, the Quest 3S is aimed at the masses with a competitive price of $300. The new device replaces the Quest 2, which will be sold until fully sold out.
Quest 3S will be released on October 15, 2024 in two storage models: a 128 GB model for $300 and a 256 GB model for $400. The upcoming VR game highlight Batman: Arkham Shadow is included for free (offer valid until April 2025).
Much cheaper, but not much worse than Quest 3
In terms of performance, the device is on par with the more expensive Quest 3, as it uses the same chipset and amount of RAM. However, there are compromises in the display and optics, which are identical to Quest 2's. Fresnel lenses are used instead of pancake lenses, and the resolution and field of view are a downgrade compared to Quest 3. The Quest 3S is also inferior in terms of form factor and has a slightly bulkier profile than the Quest 3. The Quest 3S comes with the same ringless Touch Plus Controllers as the Quest 3.
If you're into mixed reality, there's no need to fear any drawbacks: The Quest 3S is on a par with the Quest 3 in this respect, at least on paper. A novelty for Quest is the new action button on the bottom of the headset, which allows you to switch between fully immersive VR and passthrough mode.
What the Quest 3S lacks is a headphone jack. Only USB-C headphones are supported, and if you use them, you cannot charge the device at the same time.
All in all, the Quest 3S is a great value for money device that doesn't have to hide behind the Quest 3 in many ways.
Meta Quest 3S must carry the VR industry
Meta is going all out again with the Quest 3S. Adjusted for inflation, the Quest 3S is likely to be even cheaper than the Quest 2 four years ago, and it is doubtful that Meta will make a profit on the sale of the hardware, at least for now.
The VR market, which hasn't seen significant growth since 2022, needs a driver and the Quest 3S could be it after the Quest 3, Playstation VR 2 and Apple Vision Pro, which are significantly more expensive, failed to attract the mainstream.
With Quest 3S, Meta has provided the ingredients for success, and this Christmas will show just how big the appetite is.
Spec comparison for Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S
Spec chart comparing Quest 2, 3 and 3S. | Bild: MIXED
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