Microsoft has announced that it’s dipping its toes into the VR space by teaming up with Meta to create an Xbox-branded Meta Quest 3S headset.
This is a limited edition offered by the two companies and is said to be in very short supply, but the idea is that you shall have access to both the Meta Quest storefront and Xbox games via cloud streaming. It’s available today, costs $399.99, and includes the Meta Quest 3S and a range of accessories in the Xbox Series X colourway, as well as a three-month subscription to Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
This isn’t Microsoft developing its own VR device from the ground up; rather, it’s teaming up with industry leader Meta to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to more platforms and further the “This Is an Xbox” brand messaging. It’ll play Meta Quest 3S games natively and stream Xbox titles over the internet, similar to how a PSVR2 handles it: played on a giant TV screen inside the headset.
Subscribe to Push Square on YouTube158k
Of course, the Meta Quest range of headsets has comfortably been the biggest competitor for PSVR2 in the VR market for some time now, with the Meta devices proving most popular. With the extra accessories and memberships included, the Xbox Edition of the Meta Quest 3S is roughly £100 / $100 more expensive than the standard unit. It’s about the same price of a PSVR2 currently.
“Since the announcement of the Xbox app on Quest, our goal has been to empower more people to play their favorite games whenever and wherever they want,” a blog post revealed. “Today, with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, we are bringing this vision to life with a new design that celebrates Xbox’s iconic aesthetic.”
Due to the limited release, the announcement comes across as Microsoft simply experimenting with VR, rather than committing all the way like Sony did with PSVR2. Though, its support for the headset has been lacklustre.
Liam grew up with a PlayStation controller in his hands and a love for Metal Gear Solid. Nowadays, he’s found playing the latest and greatest PS5 games as well as supporting Derby County. That last detail is his downfall.