Meta is gearing up to launch a new budget-friendly VR headset this year to replace the widely popular Meta Quest 2, known as the Quest 3S. Even before Meta’s official announcement, details about this new mixed reality headset have surfaced, giving us a good idea of what to expect.
Quest 3S Confirmation
The Quest 3S was inadvertently confirmed by Meta in late May through a listing on the Meta app store for the VR yoga app Alo Moves XR. This listing briefly mentioned support for the Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, and unexpectedly, the Quest 3S, before being promptly removed.
Quest 3S Release Date
The Quest 3S is expected to debut around Meta Connect on September 25, 2024, or shortly thereafter. This timing aligns with Meta’s strategy as the Quest 2 is gradually running out of stock across various retailers.
Stock levels for the Quest 2 have dwindled significantly on Meta’s official website, with all configurations currently out of stock. While a few units remain available at other retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, they are also showing signs of low stock.
Quest 3S details
A notable leak provided detailed images and specifications of the Quest 3S, supposedly captured during a Meta user research call and shared by enthusiasts. The leak suggests that the Quest 3S will feature similar high-performance capabilities as the Quest 3, including Touch Plus controllers, color passthrough cameras for mixed reality, and up to 120Hz refresh rate. It may offer storage options of 128GB and 256GB.
To keep costs down compared to the Quest 3, the Quest 3S is expected to retain certain features of the Quest 2, such as a single-panel display with fixed resolution, three positions for lens adjustment, and older Fresnel lenses. These are contrasts to the Quest 3’s dual displays, continuous IPD lens adjustment, and clearer pancake lenses.
Is Quest 3S going to be without Controllers?
There is speculation that Meta might offer the Quest 3S without controllers, potentially as a lower-cost media consumption device. This could position it as an alternative to tablets or TVs, leveraging VR’s virtual screens to create immersive cinematic experiences. However, controllers would likely be available separately or as part of a bundle for gaming purposes.
Meta aims to encourage current Quest 2 owners to upgrade to newer models like the Quest 3 or Quest 3S, as older devices may limit the capabilities of newer VR games and applications. Exclusive titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow are expected to require the performance of the Quest 3 series.
As Meta prepares to introduce the Quest 3S, anticipation builds among VR enthusiasts eager to see how this new headset will balance affordability with advanced VR experiences.
