If you've been eager to dive into VR gaming but have been deterred by the costs, the first actual discount on the Meta Quest 3S for 2025 might be the opportunity you've been waiting for. You can now save $30 on this wireless VR headset, whether you opt for the 128GB or the 256GB model.
To make the deal even sweeter, it includes a copy of the acclaimed Batman: Arkham Shadow VR game and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. In IGN's 8/10 review, Dan Stapleton praised the game, stating that "Batman: Arkham Shadow makes most of the Arkham series' defining gameplay work respectably well in VR, and its mystery story pays off."
Free to Play VR Sandbox Game: DigiGods on Meta Quest
DigiGods is a free-to-play, physics-based VR game that offers a sandbox environment where players can create, play, and share. The game prioritizes safety with AI content filtering and human moderators to maintain a positive and secure space. Check it out on Meta.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR Headset
Priced at $299.99, you can now save 10% and get it for $269.00 at Amazon. The Quest 3S surpasses the original Quest 2 in every aspect, yet remains priced the same. It incorporates several features from the more expensive Quest 3, including the new Touch Plus controllers, the upgraded SnapDragon APU, and support for full-color AR passthrough. In IGN's 9/10 review, Gabriel Moss highlighted the headset's "raw processing power, full-color passthrough, and snappy Touch Plus controllers," making it a standout standalone VR headset that introduces entry-level mixed-reality gaming to the masses.
What sets this deal apart is the Quest 3S's ability to be played completely untethered. You can enjoy games like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip without needing a powerful gaming PC or a PlayStation 5 console. At this price point, you won't find another standalone VR headset that offers the same level of freedom.
How Is the Quest 3S Different from the Quest 3?
Even at its retail price, the Quest 3S is $200, or 40% cheaper than the $500 Quest 3. To achieve this competitive pricing, some compromises were made. Below are the key comparisons:
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Similarities
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
- Touch Plus controllers
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Mixed reality passthrough (same cameras, different layout)
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Differences
- Lower per-eye resolution (1832x1920 vs 2064×2208)
- Fresnel lens vs. pancake lens
- Lower FOV (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
- Smaller storage capacity (128GB vs 512GB)
- Longer battery life (2.5hrs vs 2.2hrs)
In essence, the Quest 3S is nearly identical to the Quest 3 but with downgraded optics. However, since both use the same processor, the lower resolution can reduce the load on the APU, potentially improving game performance and contributing to the increased battery life.
For the price, the Quest 3S offers unparalleled value compared to the Quest 3, making it a superior choice for most gamers, especially if the Quest 3 was beyond your budget. When compared to the Quest 2, the decision becomes even clearer.
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