The new Meta Quest 3S VR/MR device was the star of Meta Connect 2024. It will launch on October 15 and be priced at $299 for the 128GB version or $399 for the 256GB version.
The Meta Quest 3S offers the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset as the Meta Quest 3, so its performance is essentially identical. However, there are some minor differences. Beyond the lower storage (the Meta Quest 3 has 512GB), the new 3S also has a slightly lower field of view (between 89 and 96 degrees, compared to the 110 degrees of the MQ3); it uses the Quest 2’s fresnel lenses instead of the pancake ones from the MQ3 (making it quite a bit thicker; it has a single display LCD instead of a dual LCD, and it lacks a headphone jack. On the plus side, the reported average battery life is 2.5 hours, which is more than the Meta Quest 3’s 2.2 hours.
The 3S is compatible with most existing accessories, such as Elite Straps and carrying cases. However, it is incompatible with the Charging Dock, so it needs a new Compact Charging Dock.
Do note that the Meta Quest 3 is also getting a price drop from $649 to $499, while sales of the Quest 2 and Quest Pro are being discontinued. All Meta Quest 3 purchases made between now and April 30, 2025 at 5 PM Pacific Time will be eligible for a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow, the prequel in development at Camouflaj and due to launch on October 22. Additionally, Meta is gifting three months of Meta Quest + subscription, which includes access to several VR games.
Other big VR games shown at Meta Connect 2024 include Metro: Awakening, which is out on November 7 for PS VR2, Meta Quest 3 family, and Steam VR, and Skydance’s BEHEMOTH, the new fantasy action/adventure game from the makers of The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. BEHEMOTH is scheduled to launch on December 5.
