Meta Quest 3S: Official Launch of Affordable Virtual Reality Headset

Overview of the Meta Quest 3S

Meta has officially launched its new budget-friendly virtual reality (VR) headset, the Quest 3S. Announced during the company's annual Connect keynote event, this headset starts at $300 and shares several advanced features with its predecessor, the Quest 3, which is priced at $500.

Key Features and Specifications

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen2
• RAM: 8GB
• Supports exclusive games like Batman: Arkham Shadow
• Full-color passthrough for mixed reality applications

Design and Performance Enhancements

The Quest 3S includes controllers identical to those of the original Quest 3, guaranteeing a familiar user experience. It features two RGB cameras for creating stereoscopic color passthrough and four VGA cameras for precise hand and controller tracking. This configuration helps define user movements in 3D space.

Adjustments for Affordability

Although it maintains essential VR features, the Quest 3S has traded certain elements for cost efficiency. The headset sacrifices pancake lenses and 4K content support, utilizing Fresnel lenses similar to the Meta Quest 2, providing a resolution of (1,832x1,920 pixels) per eye.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Despite having a smaller battery than the original Quest 3, the Quest 3S offers an improved battery life of about 2.5 hours versus the 2.2 hours of the previous model. The base model comes with 128GB storage, with a 256GB option available for $400.

Promotional Offers

To celebrate its launch, customers purchasing any Quest 3 or 3S headset will receive a free digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow upon its October release. Additionally, Meta bundles a three-month Quest+ subscription with all purchases.

Due to the significant upgrade potential and exciting offers, pre-orders for the new VR headset are now open. Shipping will commence on October 15.