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Why the Meta Quest 3S should be your next gaming console

Rosalyn Fannin

Updated October 14, 2024 - 10.48pm

9PR: Why the Meta Quest 3S should be your next gaming console — 9Product Reviews / Meta

Less than a year after Meta Quest 3 dropped, Meta has released their newest VR headset model: the Meta Quest 3S.

This virtual and mixed-reality gaming console combines the elements of the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 to bring the ultimate VR experience to players at a cheaper price.

Here is everything you need to know about the Meta Quest 3S.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Meta Quest 3S

Buy the 128GB for $499.99 Buy the 256GB for $669.99

What is the Meta Quest 3S?

The Meta Quest 3S is the latest VR headset offering from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg's tech company Meta.

It was announced on September 25, 2024, with the promise "There's no better mixed reality device on the market at this price."

The virtual reality gaming console is available in two sizes: 128GB and 256GB and can be purchased alongside a range of accessories to amplify the playing experience.

How is the Meta Quest 3S different to previous models?

9PR: Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S — There are a lot of similiarities between the Meta Quest 3 and 3S. Meta

The Meta Quest 3S acts almost as a combination of the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 2. It utilises advanced technology and shares features from both models to create a unique user experience for gamers.

Price

The Meta Quest 3S is significantly cheaper than the Meta Quest 3, coming in at roughly the same price point as the Meta Quest 2 when it first launched.

The 128GB model retails at $499.99 while the 256GB sells for $669.99.

This is a price drop of $400 between models, considering the Meta Quest 3 128GB edition is available for $799.99 (originally priced at $906.99).

Build and design

The general design and layout of the Meta Quest 3S looks more like the Meta Quest 2 than the Meta Quest 3.

The Meta Quest 3 was built with an IPD wheel for easier size adjustments to sit more comfortably. The Meta Quest 3S reverts back to the size adjustment system of the Meta Quest 2, offering three sizes to fit player's heads: 58mm, 63mm or 68mm.

9PR: The Meta Quest 3S VR headset — The Meta Quest 3S has a thicker screen and different camera layout compared to the previous model. Meta

While there are camera sensors to track hands and controllers, the physical depth sensor seen on the Meta Quest 3 has also been removed. This sensor helps the headset recognise the distance you are away from items and obstacles in the space. Instead, the Meta Quest 3S returns to the distance softwares used in the Meta Quest 2.

Other physical changes on the Meta Quest 3S include the movement of cameras from the middle to the lower sides, the removal of a headphone jack and a thickened 73.9mm screen size.

Visuals and graphics

The Meta Quest 3S removes the pancake lenses introduced in the Meta Quest 3. These were included to help improve the visual quality of the wearer's peripheral vision. Instead, the Meta Quest 3S sees the return of Fresnel lenses. These are the same used in the Meta Quest 2, but are slightly thinner making it not so front-heavy.

The Meta Quest 3S has an 1832 x 1920 pixel resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate and 96° horizontal and 90° vertical field of vision – the same quality as the Meta Quest 2.

Pass-through

Both the Meta Quest 3 and new 3S include full-colour pass-through. This recognises the colours and brightness in your real-world space and realistically depicts them while wearing the headset.

Using its 4MP RGB camera, you'll also have access to pass-through mode – a feature that offers a high-fidelity, real-time representation of the physical world around you. This will let you work and play alongside elements of the real world.

For example, if you are working out wearing the headset, you will see exercise elements and prompts from the app within your physical space.

Playability

All the games and apps accessible on the Meta Quest 3 will be available on the 3S.

Once you set up your headset, you'll have access to a three-month free trial of Meta Quest+, a subscription service offering a huge selection of games you can play instantly.

You'll also get a free copy of Batman Arkham Shadow to play as soon as the console arrives.

Processor and battery life

The Meta Quest 3S is built with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor – the same as the Meta Quest 3.

While the new 3S has a smaller battery size than the previous model, due to the smaller pixel resolution, it's expected to last for approximately 2.5 hours – up to 18 minutes longer than the Meta Quest 3.

Controllers

Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S use the same Touch Plus controllers, with the fan-favourite feature of TruTouch haptic feedback on the triggers and thumbs. This creates vibrations simulating the motions and movements within a game for a more immersive experience.

What's new to the Meta Quest 3S?

While sharing a huge variety of features with both previous models, there are a few new elements to the Meta Quest 3S that make it a standout console.

System updates

The Meta Quest 3S will see a retuning to Meta Horizon OS – the Meta Quest operating system originally announced in April 2024. This update will further integrate and improve the appearance and depiction of mixed reality elements, spatial computing and full-colour passthrough.

Security and privacy features have also been simplified, with settings on the headset now the same as Meta's online gaming and communications server Meta Horizon Worlds. There have also been changes made to the player's gaming appearance when online, with the choice of three playing statuses:

Appear offline: Followers will not be able to see when you are playing online – this has now become the default setting for younger players
Online: People can see that you are playing
Joinable: Players can see that you are playing, and what game or app you are in with the ability to request to join you

New features

9PR: Theatre View in the Meta Quest 3S — Immerse yourself with your favourite films in Theatre View. Meta

One of the most significant new additions to the Meta Quest 3S is Travel Mode. This is the ability to use your Meta Quest outside of the home. This is still a work-in-progress and the Meta team is currently developing technology to use the Meta Quest on trains and when laying down.

Another new feature is Theatre View. This will let users watch TV shows, movies and music videos from a wider, more immersive viewpoint, simulating a home theatre.