
Microsoft has revealed the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, marking the first-ever limited-edition version of Meta's virtual reality headset.
Strategic Gaming Partnership
While Microsoft hasn't developed its own VR hardware, the Xbox maker continues expanding its cloud gaming ecosystem through strategic collaborations. This latest partnership with Meta brings exclusive Xbox branding to Quest devices.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundles premium accessories with gaming subscriptions:
- Custom 128GB headset in Xbox-themed Carbon Black/Velocity Green
- Matching Touch Plus controllers
- Limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller
- Elite Strap for extended comfort
- 3-month Meta Horizon+ subscription
- 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Cloud Gaming Integration
The specialized Xbox app enables Quest users to access Xbox Cloud Gaming via Game Pass Ultimate. Subscribers can stream not just Game Pass titles but also personally owned games from Microsoft's supported library of over 100 cloud-playable titles.
Microsoft emphasizes broader gaming accessibility through its "This is an Xbox" campaign, positioning Xbox as platform-agnostic rather than console-bound.
Limited Availability
The $399 bundle sees extremely restricted stock at Meta.com, Best Buy (US), Argos (UK), and EE (UK), with Microsoft warning "Once they're gone, they're gone."
This release comes five years after Xbox head Phil Spencer dismissed VR development, citing insufficient consumer demand despite competitors like Sony investing heavily in PlayStation VR.
The VR landscape has evolved significantly since 2019, prompting Microsoft's strategic partnership approach rather than direct hardware competition.