Meta Quest 3S: Fun VR on a Budget! Metaโ€™s latest headset, the Quest 3S, is all about making mixed reality more accessible. Priced at $299, itโ€™s the most affordable headset in Metaโ€™s lineup.

A Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headset with two matching controllers placed on a smooth, reflective surface. The headset features a sleek design with several buttons, and the controllers are positioned on either side. The background is softly blurred.
Meta Quest 3S | Image: TheShortcut.com

While itโ€™s designed primarily for gaming, thereโ€™s a lot more to unpack here. Letโ€™s see how it stacks up!

Build Quality: Made for Comfort, Not Luxury

The Quest 3S is crafted from lightweight plastic, making it comfortable for longer gaming sessions. But you might miss the feeling of a premium build, as the deviceโ€™s simplicity matches its budget. The display and lenses are suitable for gaming, but when it comes to browsing or watching videos, they can feel a bit lacking.

Keeping It Simple with Controllers

With traditional VR controllers included, the Quest 3S keeps things easy to graspโ€”literally. Hand-tracking is available too, though itโ€™s a bit inconsistent. Youโ€™ll likely rely on the controllers most of the time, as hand-tracking works well about 70% of the time. Itโ€™s straightforward and practical, ideal for newcomers to VR.

The Fun Part: Gaming on the Quest 3S

If youโ€™re all about gaming, youโ€™ll appreciate what the Quest 3S brings to the table. It runs popular VR games like Beat Saber, Fruit Ninja, and Just Dance VR smoothly, making it a solid choice for VR enthusiasts. Metaโ€™s Quest+ subscription also offers access to a wide variety of games for $7.99/month, giving you plenty to explore.

A Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headset with straps and multiple sensors on the front, set against a plain white background.
Meta Quest 3S

With Metaโ€™s game studio ownership, you can expect more titles to be well-optimized for the Quest series. Itโ€™s a nice edge over competitors, especially Appleโ€™s Vision Pro, which isnโ€™t focused on gaming.

Who Is the Quest 3S Best For?

The Quest 3S feels like a refreshed Quest 2, but with improved controllers, a faster chipset, and mixed reality supportโ€”all for the same $299 price. Itโ€™s perfect if youโ€™re looking for a gaming-first experience on a budget. However, if you need a headset for productivity or intense media consumption, the Quest 3S might not meet your expectations.

Final Thoughts: A Gamerโ€™s Delight

The Quest 3S delivers a fun, affordable way to dive into VR gaming. While itโ€™s not trying to be a luxury device or a productivity powerhouse, itโ€™s a strong contender for anyone looking to experience VR without spending a fortune. Whether youโ€™re a casual gamer or a VR newcomer, the Quest 3S has plenty to offer. Itโ€™s all about simple, accessible fun!

A Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headset with two matching controllers, featuring a sleek design and multiple camera sensors on the front, is displayed against a plain white background.
Meta Quest 3S
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