Meta Quest 3S Unveiled – Out on October 15 for $299

The new Meta Quest 3S VR/MR device was the star of Meta Connect 2024. It will launch on October 15 and be priced at $299 for the 128GB version or $399 for the 256GB version.

The Meta Quest 3S offers the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset as the Meta Quest 3, so its performance is essentially identical. However, there are some minor differences. Beyond the lower storage (the Meta Quest 3 has 512GB), the new 3S also has a slightly lower field of view (between 89 and 96 degrees, compared to the 110 degrees of the MQ3); it uses the Quest 2's fresnel lenses instead of the pancake ones from the MQ3 (making it quite a bit thicker; it has a single display LCD instead of a dual LCD, and it lacks a headphone jack. On the plus side, the reported average battery life is 2.5 hours, which is more than the Meta Quest 3's 2.2 hours.

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The 3S is compatible with most existing accessories, such as Elite Straps and carrying cases. However, it is incompatible with the Charging Dock, so it needs a new Compact Charging Dock.

Do note that the Meta Quest 3 is also getting a price drop from $649 to $499, while sales of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro are being discontinued. All Meta Quest 3 purchases made between now and April 30, 2025 at 5 PM Pacific Time will be eligible for a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow, the prequel in development at Camouflaj and due to launch on October 22. Additionally, Meta is gifting three months of Meta Quest + subscription, which includes access to several VR games.

Other big VR games shown at Meta Connect 2024 include Metro: Awakening, which is out on November 7 for PS VR2, Meta Quest 3 family, and Steam VR, and Skydance’s BEHEMOTH, the new fantasy action/adventure game from the makers of The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. BEHEMOTH is scheduled to launch on December 5.