Meta Quest 3S Price Cut: Prime Pick for Virtual Reality Beginners

This week, Meta has reduced prices on its Quest 3S VR headset models. The 128GB version now costs $269.99 with a $30 reduction, while the 256GB option is $349.99 after a $50 instant savings. These offers are available at key stores like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The Meta Quest 3S stands out as the top budget option in VR gaming. It costs far less than rivals, including Meta's Quest 3, and operates as a wireless standalone device without needing a PC or PlayStation 5.

To make the deal even better, each Quest 3S comes with Batman: Arkham Shadow VR game and a three-month Meta Quest+ trial. In IGN's 8/10 review, Dan Stapleton noted that "Batman: Arkham Shadow adapts key Arkham series gameplay effectively to VR, delivering a compelling mystery narrative."

Meta Quest 3S VR Headset with 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 surpasses the original Quest 2 in all aspects without raising the cost. It shares advanced features from the pricier Quest 3, such as enhanced Touch controllers, a boosted Snapdragon processor, and full-color AR passthrough support. In IGN's 9/10 review of the Quest 3S, Gabriel Moss highlighted that "strong processing, color passthrough, and responsive Touch Plus controllers position the Quest 3S as an excellent standalone VR device, introducing affordable mixed-reality experiences to newcomers for the first time."

What truly elevates this offer among VR options is the Meta Quest 3S's fully wireless play. Enjoy titles like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip without requiring a high-end gaming PC or PlayStation 5. No other standalone VR headset matches this price point.

How Is the Quest 3S Different from the Quest 3?

At full price, the Quest 3S is $200 cheaper than the $500 Quest 3, a 40% savings. Certain trade-offs help achieve this affordability. Key specs are compared below:

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)

For its cost, the Quest 3S delivers superior value over the Quest 3, making it ideal for those new to VR eager to explore without heavy investment. It markedly upgrades the Quest 2 it succeeds.

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