The Meta Quest 3S is literally the best value proposition in VR headsets at the moment. It’s an entry-level model capable of delivering performance very close to the premium Quest 3 which sells for $599. For the vast majority of buyers, this will be the smart choice.
Now the 128GB version has dropped to an all-time record-low price on Amazon for Black Friday at $249, down from $299. The numbers say a lot about demand: over 30,000 units sold in just a few days. This is the best-selling VR headset in its category right now and the popularity speaks well of the exceptional performance-to-price ratio that Meta managed to achieve with this model.
Wireless Freedom
The completely wireless design eliminates the cables and external sensors that plagued earlier VR generations. You move naturally through virtual spaces without tripping over cords or worrying about connection points. Room-scale VR experiences feel liberating once you can spin, duck, and explore without physical tethers. Inside-out tracking uses built-in cameras rather than requiring external base stations. Set up takes minutes instead of hours, and you can play anywhere with enough clear space.
The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor brings double the graphical processing power of the previous Quests. Games load faster, graphics render with more detail, and frame rates stay smooth during intense action. This leap in processing power enables the creation of more complex virtual environments with better lighting, textures, and physics simulation. Developers can be more ambitious when constructing an experience because they know the hardware can sustain it.
The 8GB of RAM represents a 33% memory increase that directly impacts performance: The more RAM, the more the headset can juggle several background processes without bogging down active gameplay. Apps switch faster, menus load quicker, and the overall experience just feels more responsive. Games can load larger levels and handle more simultaneous objects without stuttering.
Dual RGB color cameras power a full-color Passthrough feature that will seamlessly blend the real and virtual worlds together. You can see your actual room in color while interacting with virtual objects overlaid in your space. Mixed reality apps let you place digital furniture in your home to preview before buying. Fitness apps show you your real environment while adding virtual trainers and UI elements. The quality of Passthrough is on par with what you’d see when looking through a pair of sunglasses, making it very practical for extended use.
Battery life exceeds two hours on a single charge and covers most gaming sessions quite comfortably. Improved power management also extends playtime compared to earlier Quest models. Quick charging gets you back into action a lot faster once the battery runs low. External battery packs that are compatible with USB-C can extend sessions indefinitely, if needed.
Instant access to 40+ games as part of the 3-month trial removes any barrier to software purchases out of the gate. Popular titles from a multitude of genres give you plenty to explore while you discover what VR experiences you enjoy most. The ever-growing games catalog adds new releases monthly, so fresh content will surface regularly.
The exclusive Gorilla Tag bundle adds a selection of in-game items and currency that fans of the popular multiplayer game will appreciate. This social VR title has gained phenomenal traction, and the exclusive content sweetens things for existing fans or curious newbies alike. The 1000 shiny rocks provide immediate in-game purchasing power.
At $249, the Meta Quest 3S 128GB is offering flagship VR performance at an entry-level price this Black Friday. This headset sits just $50 above the old Quest 2 while offering dramatically better specs that approach the $599 Quest 3.