Virtual reality (VR) has been around for a while now, promising immersive experiences that transport users to entirely new realms. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been at the forefront of this movement with its Quest lineup. The latest addition to this series is the Meta Quest 3S, a headset that promises to deliver high-quality VR experiences at a VERY accessible price point (just $299!!). But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what the Meta Quest 3S offers and see if it’s the right fit for you.
We will start with a firsthand account from our CEO, who received a review unit:
As a first-time VR user, the Meta Quest 3S exceeded my expectations. Initially, I had to fine-tune the lenses, straps, and headset placement to achieve a clear image, and occasionally noticed slight distortions at the periphery of my vision. However, the level of immersion was extraordinary. Watching a movie felt like being in a theater, with a massive screen before me. The haptic feedback from the controllers added a tactile dimension, grounding me in the virtual environment. Sessions longer than 30 minutes became disorienting, so I found it best to take breaks and remain seated to avoid nausea. A standout feature was the mixed reality capability, allowing me to interact with virtual windows and apps overlaid on my real-world surroundings, creating a customizable virtual workspace. Experiences like playing “Batman: Arkham Shadow” were thrilling, though I had to pause due to slight motion sickness. Attending the virtual “SWEAT” concert by Charli XCX and Troye Sivan in Horizon Music Valley was particularly impressive. The performance transitioned into 3D, making it feel as though I was present at the live show. Interacting with other users’ avatars added a social dimension, making the experience even more engaging. I was even “friended” by some fellow VR explorers while watching Toye Sivan and Charli XCX! The Meta Quest 3S truly offers a glimpse into the future of entertainment and interaction. The last time I was this impressed with a new gaming product was when the Wii first came out–super easy to just turn on and start exploring!
Now let’s get into some more details:
Design and Comfort
At first glance, the Meta Quest 3S resembles its predecessors, the Quest 2 and 3, but comes with notable improvements. The headset features a sleek design with a comfortable fabric face insert, making it suitable for extended gaming sessions. Weighing in at approximately 503 grams, it’s lightweight enough to prevent discomfort during prolonged use. The on/off switch is conveniently located on the left side, while the volume control and an action button—used to switch between virtual and mixed reality modes—are situated on the bottom for easy access.
Display and Visuals
The Quest 3S is equipped with an RGB LCD display, offering a resolution of 1832×1920 pixels per eye. While this is a step down from the Quest 3’s higher resolution, it still provides clear and vibrant visuals suitable for most VR applications. The headset utilizes Fresnel lenses, which, although bulkier than the pancake lenses found in the Quest 3, deliver satisfactory visual performance for the price point. If you have never experienced the sharper lenses of the Quest 3, you will likely not find any issues with the fresnel lenses.
Performance and Tracking
Under the hood, the Quest 3S is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. This combination ensures smooth performance across a variety of VR experiences and enough storage for most uses. The headset boasts complete room tracking (which is WILD when you see it scanning the room during inital setup), allowing users to move freely within their play space. The included Touch Plus controllers are precisely tracked by the headset’s built-in cameras, ensuring accurate and responsive input during gameplay. Even when the controllers are momentarily out of the cameras’ view, tracking continues seamlessly, providing an uninterrupted experience.
The Quest 3S also allows you to use your hands as a controller, meaning you can enter full Minority Report-like mode to pinch and move floating screens around your surroundings, scroll, and even type with your virtual hands. It is sooo cool and pretty accurate.
Content and Game Library
One of the standout features of the Meta Quest 3S is its extensive library of games and applications. Upon purchase, users receive a free copy of “Batman: Arkham Shadow,” allowing them to step into the shoes of the Dark Knight in an immersive VR environment. Music enthusiasts can enjoy virtual concerts in Horizon World, featuring performances from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler Childers, and the dynamic duo Charli XCX and Troye Sivan with their SWEAT in VR Tour. Fitness fans aren’t left out either; apps like Supernatural and Les Mills XR Bodycombat offer engaging workouts that make breaking a sweat fun. And watching YouTube videos, Netflix, and Amazon Prime movies is a totally different experience in the Meta Quest 3S–immersive full screen awesomeness.
Mixed Reality Capabilities
The Quest 3S isn’t limited to just virtual reality; it also offers mixed reality experiences. With its full-color passthrough feature, users can blend the virtual and real worlds, opening up new possibilities for gaming, creativity, and productivity. This feature enhances the overall experience, making interactions more intuitive and immersive.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any portable device. We have found that the Quest 3S offers approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes of active use on a full charge–maybe two hours max. This is with pretty active use–you might get more time if you simply watch a movie. While this might seem short, it’s comparable to other devices in its class and serves as a gentle reminder to take breaks during extended play sessions.
Price Point
One of the most appealing aspects of the Meta Quest 3S is its affordability. Starting at $299.99 for the 128GB model, it provides a cost-effective entry into the world of VR. For those needing more storage, a 256GB version is available for $399.99. This pricing strategy makes the Quest 3S an attractive option for newcomers to VR and those on a budget.
User Feedback
Early users of the Quest 3S have shared positive experiences. Many appreciate the headset’s balance between performance and affordability. The comfortable design, intuitive controls, and expansive content library have been highlighted as significant advantages. Some users have noted that while the display isn’t as sharp as the Quest 3, it still delivers a satisfying visual experience suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some samples from reddit.com
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S stands out as a compelling option for those looking to dive into virtual reality without breaking the bank. It offers a well-rounded package with its comfortable design, solid performance, and diverse content offerings. While it may not boast the highest-end specs on the market, it provides excellent value for its price, making it an ideal choice for teens and newcomers eager to explore the immersive world of VR.
For a more in-depth look at the Meta Quest 3S, check out this comprehensive video review: