The Meta Quest 3S release date, price, and specs
The new Meta Quest 3S VR headset is official, and it's a cheaper alternative to last years' headset thanks to a some technical compromises.
by Niall Walsh · PCGamesNThe Meta Quest 3S has been officially revealed, and we now have everything from its release date to its specs list to share. Better still, just like Asgard’s Wrath 2 and the Quest 3, Batman: Arkham Shadows will be free with every new Quest 3S headset purchased at launch.
The Meta Quest 3 is among the best VR headsets that money can buy, but unfortunately, they’re still quite pricey, even with the newly announced price cut. This is why the reveal of the Meta Quest 3S is so welcome, and it’s shaping up to be a very attractive alternative.
Meta Quest 3S release date
The Meta Quest 3S has a release date of October 15, 2024, with pre-orders already live from the Meta website and approved retailers.
It’s no surprise to see a short turnaround from reveal to release given that the Quest 3S has been spoken about for some time now. This October release date also allows people to prepare for the holiday rush, just like they did for the successful launch of the Quest 3 last year.
Meta Quest 3S price and models
The Meta Quest 3S will cost $299.99 (£289.99) for the 128GB model and $399.99 (£379) for the 256GB model.
Alongside the reveal of the Quest 3S, it was also announced that the 512GB model of the Quest 3 would be getting a substantial price drop from $649.99 to $499.99 (£469.99) effective immediately. You can pre-order the Meta Quest 3S at Best Buy in North America and Currys in the UK.
The Meta Quest 2, Quest Pro, and Quest 3 128GB models have all been discontinued, meaning each of these headsets could be available for a great price soon as stock will need to be sold through.
Meta Quest 3S specs
Here are the Meta Quest 3S specs:
| Quest 3S | Quest 3 | |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Resolution per-eye | 1,832 x 1,920 | 2,064 x 2,208 |
| Max Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| FOV | 96-degree horizontal, 90-degree vertical | 110-degree horizontal, 96-degree vertical |
| IPD | three fixed options, 58mm, 63mm, 68mm, spacer included | 53mm-75mm, built-in spacer |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 512GB |
| Battery Life | 2 and a half hours approx. | 2 hours approx. |
| Weight | 514g | 515g |
There are clear compromises made across the headset, my main concern being the fixed IPD settings given that it could lead to blurred edges for some users. However, it’s still the same Snapdragon processor powering both headsets, meaning that there should be no issue with the 3S running Quest 3 games, it will just do it at a lower resolution while consuming less power.
The drop in visual quality will be hard to discern until I get my hands on a headset, but I can’t see it being negatively impactful and anyone who would much prefer to save their money and pass up the higher fidelity of the Quest 3 should feel comfortable in doing so.
Meta Quest 3S promos and freebies
With the purchase of a brand new Meta Quest 3S headset, you will get a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow for free and a three-month Meta Quest+ subscription.
The free copy of Arkham Shadow extends to new purchases of new Meta Quest 3 512GB models, where you will also receive a six-month Meta Quest+ subscription.
If you’re wondering what experience to tackle next in VR, check out the best VR games, or more specifically, the best Meta Quest 3 games, for some inspiration.