Meta Quest 3S Launches: Perfect Starter VR Headset

Meta has officially slashed prices on both Quest 3 VR headset models this week. The 128GB version now costs $269.99 (originally $299.99) with a $30 discount, while the 256GB model drops to $349.99 from $399.99 thanks to a $50 instant savings. These deals are available at all major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Widely regarded as the most cost-effective VR gaming solution, the Meta Quest 3S not only undercuts competitors (including Meta's premium Quest 3) by hundreds of dollars, but also operates as a completely wireless system requiring no PC or PlayStation 5.

As an added bonus, every Quest 3S purchase includes Batman: Arkham Shadow VR game plus a three-month Meta Quest+ trial. In IGN's 8/10 review, Dan Stapleton praised how "Arkham Shadow successfully adapts the series' signature gameplay for VR while delivering a compelling mystery narrative."

Meta Quest 3S VR Headset Bundle Featuring Batman: Arkham Shadow

Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR Headset

$399.99 (Save 13%) → $349.99 at Amazon
$399.99 (Save 13%) → $349.00 at Walmart
$399.99 (Save 13%) → $349.99 at Target

Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR Headset

$299.99 (Save 10%) → $269.00 at Amazon
$299.99 (Save 10%) → $269.00 at Walmart
$299.99 (Save 10%) → $269.99 at Target

The Quest 3S represents significant upgrades over Quest 2 across all aspects while maintaining the same price point. It inherits premium features from the higher-end Quest 3 including enhanced Touch controllers, upgraded SnapDragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, and full-color AR passthrough. Gabriel Moss awarded it 9/10 in IGN's review, noting "The Quest 3S combines impressive processing power, color passthrough, and responsive controllers to deliver accessible mixed-reality gaming to mainstream audiences."

What truly elevates this deal is the Meta Quest 3S's complete wireless freedom — enabling gameplay of titles like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip without expensive gaming PCs or consoles. At this price point, no other standalone VR headset comes close.

Key Differences Between Quest 3S and Quest 3

Priced $200 lower than the $500 Quest 3 (a 40% savings), the Quest 3S makes strategic compromises to achieve its budget-friendly positioning. Below are the key specifications:

Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Shared Features

Identical Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset
Same Touch Plus controllers
120Hz display refresh rate
Mixed reality passthrough (identical camera hardware, different arrangement)

Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Notable Differences

Reduced per-eye resolution (1832x1920 vs 2064×2208)
Fresnel lenses instead of pancake optics
Narrower field of view (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
Smaller base storage (128GB vs 512GB)
Extended battery runtime (2.5 hours vs 2.2 hours)

For entry-level VR enthusiasts, the Quest 3S delivers superior value compared to its premium sibling while representing a quantum leap over the discontinued Quest 2.