Meta Connect 2024, the Facebook-maker's developer conference, saw the launch of Meta's newest virtual reality headset, the Meta Quest 3S, which hits the shelves Tuesday, Oct. 15. The entry-level, mixed reality headset starts at just $300, which is a relatively inexpensive entry into VR than the Meta Quest 3. And with Meta discontinuing the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro, it will be the cheapest option in the market. If you want to preorder this VR headset, you can start checking out options from top retailers, many of which are also offering perks to sweeten their deals.
CNET's Scott Stein got some hands-on experience with the Meta Quest 3S, and while a full review is forthcoming, his initial impression was that the "the Quest 3S is a really good price for what it can do."
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Watch this: I Tried Out Meta's More Affordable Quest 3S and New Ray-Ban AI Features
The new model comes equipped with the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 2 chip found in the Meta Quest 3, and it has a better color passthrough camera to enable mixed reality like its predecessor. The controllers are the same as well. However, it also has the Fresnel lenses and display resolution of the now discontinued Quest 2. If you're willing to splurge a little more, the $500 Meta Quest 3 may be worth the added cost for the additional storage and higher quality lenses and displays.
But if you're looking for a lower cost, this headset upgrade has a lot to offer, including access to apps and games that older Meta Quest consoles can't run. If you do choose to upgrade to the Meta Quest 3S, Meta's also throwing in a free download of the new game Batman: Arkham Shadow with purchase as well as a three-month subscription to Meta Quest Plus. Just note that the subscription service will run you $8 per month, once your trial expires.
And if you decide the Meta Quest 3 -- with its larger 512GB of storage -- is a better fit, we have rounded up all of the best Meta Quest 3 deals on now to help you score one for less.