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The VR landscape is buzzing with rumors and leaks about Meta’s next big release, the Meta Quest 3S. Set to be a cheaper alternative to the Meta Quest 3, the 3S is anticipated to adopt some of the features of its higher-end sibling while cutting back on a few to hit a lower price point. Though Meta has not officially confirmed its release, numerous leaks, including from Meta’s own channels, have all but confirmed the arrival of this budget-friendly headset.
The Meta Quest 3S, formerly rumored as the Quest 3 Lite, is expected to carry the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset as the Quest 3, ensuring solid performance, though it may not be as visually sharp. Instead, it’s said to adopt a design that is more in line with the bulkier Quest 2, with leaks indicating a return to the Quest 2’s shell and Fresnel lens system. However, it will have two 4MP RGB passthrough cameras for full-color mixed reality, a feature lifted directly from the Quest 3.
In addition to this, Meta accidentally revealed the name “Quest 3S” in its software store. As Meta Connect 2024 draws near – scheduled for September 25-26 – it is widely believed that this event will serve as the platform for the official unveiling of the Quest 3S, with a release likely to follow in October.
While rival headsets such as the Pico 4 Ultra and Vive Focus Vision have made their way to market, the Quest 3S aims to balance affordability and performance. Many expect it to launch at around $299, though a price closer to $399 is more realistic given Meta’s pricing history. Either way, it would still be a cheaper option than the Meta Quest 3, which is priced at $499.
The Meta Quest 3S is also rumored to feature 128GB or 256GB storage variants, compared to the Quest 3’s 512GB option. While the screen resolution is expected to be lower than the Quest 3’s 2,064 × 2,208 pixels per eye, reports suggest it will still offer 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye, comparable to the Quest 2. The device is expected to use the Quest 2’s three-set IPD adjustment positions, rather than the Quest 3’s gradual adjustments.
The Meta Quest 3S will likely share the Quest 3’s mixed-reality capabilities and access to the full suite of Quest platform games and apps. While it’s a more budget-friendly model, its Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, potential 8GB of RAM, and robust mixed-reality features will allow it to serve as a solid option for VR enthusiasts who don’t want to spend top dollar.