Approachable price tag
Huge library of games
A lot of spec similarities with the Quest 3 and… And thats a good thing.
That lower MSRP is the same price as the Quest 2 before it was discontinued.
It has the same rectangular look with sharper corners that make it look a bit more refined.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
The Quest 3S comes with the same cleverly designed head strap as the Quest 3.
Thankfully, you get the additional onboard buttons for when your controllers inevitably run out of battery.
Theres also the standard power button on the 3Ss left-hand side.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
ThePico 4 Ultraalso launched this year, touting that same APU but even more RAM than the Quest 3.
The biggest talking point for most is that the Quest 3s pancake lenses are missing from the Quest 3S.
For me, this is perhaps the most noticeable change when using either headset.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
The wider area of focus really does make a difference in gaming and mixed-reality menu hopping.
Battery life is technically better on the Quest 3S, despite its mAh being smaller.
Neither is particularly impressive in terms of lifespan because theyre just short enough to feel like an inconvenience.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
That said, it doesnt mean the Quest 3S isnt worth buying.
Even five years ago, the idea of an entry-level VR headset was pretty alien.
Unless I really looked for the slight differences between the 3 and 3S, I couldnt find them.
The Quest 3s colors and display seem more vivid and colorful overall.
Perhaps it was a combination of these things and the Quest 3s boosted resolution.
Regardless, things just seem more focused, and colors appear clearer on Quest 3.
Controller tracking is also a bit disappointing, which makes some weapons in the game unusable.
The fact that Meta’s Quest OS windows now operate within real spaces is pretty clever.
Not least because the inky black surroundings of any virtual screen incinematic modehelp you to feel more immersed.
Should you buy the Meta Quest 3S?
Even five years ago, the idea of an entry-level VR headset was pretty alien.
Still, this is maybe the best entry-level VR gadget ever created.
Both in looks and spirit, its the spitting image of its father, the Meta Quest 2.
For more on how we test the latest technology, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
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