Meta Quest 3S review: Best VR headset for new gamers, but seasoned players will notice flaws

Meta Quest 3S made me really feel like Tony Stark with no need his billionaire checking account. For simply $299, I received to step into my very own Iron Man go well with proper in my front room (shout out to Marvel’s Iron Man VR). Did I nearly break my hand from being too into it? Perhaps. However hey, if Iron Man can take a number of hits in his go well with, so can I.

Meta’s choice to launch a budget-friendly Quest 3 mannequin took me without warning, but it surely’s a welcome one. At $499, the unique Quest 3 was already priced fairly in comparison with different VR headsets in the marketplace. And the now-discontinued Quest 2 — which received its price ticket sliced right down to $199 in April — was an excellent sweeter deal.

Nonetheless, with these stellar costs and options, it’s baffling why extra individuals haven’t jumped into VR but. Belief me, they’re lacking out on a unprecedented expertise.

Meta Quest 3S worth and specs

As talked about, the Meta Quest 3S is a less expensive model of the Meta Quest 3, with a beginning price ticket of $299.99. This configuration comes with the next specs:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2

• 8GB of RAM

• 128GB of storage

• VR and AR capabilities

• 1,832 x 1,920-pixel decision for shows

• 72Hz, 90Hz, and 120Hz refresh charge assist

• Fresnel lens

The unit I examined on this overview prices $399.99 and upgrades your storage to 256GB.

In my expertise, 128GB is enough. Even with a 64GB Quest 2, I managed to retailer 40 video games and apps with 12GB of storage left over. Titles vary between 400MB and 4GB, so in the event you’re not a hoarder and also you proceed to delete video games when you’re completed with them, 128GB needs to be advantageous.

Nonetheless, in the event you plan to take a variety of images and movies (maybe you are a VR streamer), you would be higher off with the 256GB variant.

Meta Quest 3S design

If you happen to’re questioning what you are sacrificing in choosing the Quest 3S over the Quest 3, I might positively say out-of-the-box consolation.

The Quest 3S could also be alright for informal actions, however for extra high-movement video games and providers like Supernatural, Beat Saber, Gorilla Tag, and Superhot VR, you will need one thing with so much much less stress in your cheekbones.

Nonetheless, there is one thing you may get to make Quest 3S extra snug: the $69 Elite Strap. What is the Elite Strap? It is an adjunct that improves the load distribution of the headset, in addition to its adjustability, in comparison with the straps that ship with it. It alleviates stress factors and minimizes discomfort. If $70 is just too dear, the CNBEYOUNG Adjustable Head Strap and BOBOVR M3 Professional are superior options.

Get the Quest 3S sans the Elite Strap (or any of its options) first. Check the consolation for your self. In spite of everything, everyone seems to be completely different. If you happen to really feel that you just want a lil somethin’ somethin’ to assist alleviate the facial stress, the Elite Strap is what you will want.

Though the Quest 3S is bulkier in design, I used to be stunned to seek out out that it is truly barely lighter than the Quest 3 (514 vs. 515 grams). It’s, nonetheless, heavier than the Quest 2 (503 grams). That being mentioned, the Quest 3 has higher weight distribution, which is why it is barely extra snug than the Quest 3S.

Sturdiness

The principle concern I’ve with the Quest 3S are the material straps. Frequent use and sharing of my Quest 2 and Quest 3 induced put on and tear on the straps inside a yr, so deal with the Quest 3S fastidiously to keep away from further stress on them.

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I am critical; do not simply yank it off your head or pull it down your skull. Watch out with it.

You may additionally must take into account that the all-white straps get soiled shortly — particularly in the event you’re sharing the headset usually. To maintain them pristine, you will seemingly have to scrub it each two or thrice of utilization. If you happen to do not care to try this, that is advantageous, however say howdy to your new off-yellow straps.

However even when one thing occurs to the straps, they’ll all the time get replaced.

There’s additionally a smooth foam padding on the Quest 3S that’s designed to reinforce consolation with an ergonomic form that matches the contours of your face. It is breathable and light-weight, however it may well acquire a variety of sweat.

Aesthetics

I perceive that Meta seemingly desires to face out from the gang with the mostly-white chassis of its Quest line, however I might be ecstatic of the corporate might make a black variant, much like the Quest Professional. I imply, how can I snack on Doritos and Cheetos worry-free with a milky headset?

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Meta Quest 3S has its sensors organized in two units of three, forming triangular patterns on both aspect of the entrance panel. There’s nothing notably eye-catching in regards to the Quest 3S aside from the truth that it is fairly insect-like, with the twin clusters making the Quest 3S appear to be a half-bot, half-arachnid creature. Regardless of not being mind-blowing, I recognize the sensible design. I do not want my VR headset to look fairly to take pleasure in it.

No annoying wires

The most effective a part of the Quest 3S is that, just like the Quest 3 and Quest 2, it is a standalone headset.

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

This implies you needn’t fear about wires, gaming rigs, monitoring stations, connection cables, and so forth. You want completely nothing however the Quest 3S, a Wi-Fi connection, and a decent-sized play space to function the brand new budget-friendly headset.

No seamless IPD adjustment

The one factor the Quest 3 has over the Quest 3S (that I miss dearly) is the IPD adjustment wheel. For many who aren’t accustomed to IPD adjustment, this function helps you to place the lenses in a method that gives the clearest, most targeted visuals. Nonetheless, the Quest 3S solely has three ranges of IPD adjustment whereas the pricier Quest 3’s adjustment wheel permits for extra exact calibration to seek out that “candy spot.”

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, for me, the Quest 3’s focus is much more clearer and simpler on my eyes as a result of I will discover a “lens spacing” place that’s proper for me. However as a result of the Quest 3S solely has three ranges, the main focus is all the time barely off.

Meta Quest 3S shows

The Quest 3S’ shows, emanating 1,832 x 1,920-pixel decision, are a downgrade from the pricier Quest 3, which has 2,064 x 2,208-pixel decision panels. The Quest 3S shares the identical show specs because the Quest 2.

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Is there actually a giant distinction between the Quest 3 and Quest 3S so far as the show is worried? I did not discover it straight away. However after I in contrast my Quest 3S and Quest 3 headsets side-by-side, there may be positively a recognizable improve, with the latter providing barely extra element and extra vividness. Because the Quest 3S makes use of fresnel lenses, that are much less superior than the Quest 3’s pancake lenses, I observed some “god rays.” Nonetheless, in the event you’re new to VR or haven’t used headsets with higher lenses, you may not even discover them.

Nonetheless, even with the Quest 3, you must mood your expectations. The shows are nonetheless fairly middling, however they’re enough sufficient so that you can take pleasure in video games within the Meta Quest Retailer.

With regards to streaming movies, the standard is spectacular. No, it isn’t as vivid and wealthy because the show on my M2 MacBook Air nor my Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely, however the particulars are shockingly crisp and sharp. I watched this “Costa Rica in 4K” YouTube video on the Meta Quest 3S, and it does an important job at capturing textures, just like the glistening physique of a tree frog and the scaly pores and skin of a snake.

I additionally watched some episodes of The Boys through the Prime Video app, and I cherished increasing the digital window to nice lengths whereas kicking again and having fun with the present.

Sadly, it appears to be like just like the Quest headsets not assist a devoted Netflix app, which is a little bit of a bummer as a result of it had among the best viewing experiences on the headset. On the plus aspect, you’ll be able to all the time entry Netflix by way of the browser. It is arguably higher than the now-defunct Netflix app, too, as a result of it streams at 1080p, up from the app’s 480p cap.

Meta Quest 3S ports

Not like the Meta Quest 3, the Quest 3S does not have a 3.5mm audio port. In different phrases, you will not be capable to join wired earbuds to the Quest 3S, but it surely’s not needed. The audio that emanates from the Quest 3S is crisp and sharp, and it will get sufficiently loud, too.

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Nonetheless, there are cases the place you could need to join some earbuds. (Maybe your rowdy household is in earshot and also you need to do not need to break the audio immersion.) On this case, you’ll be able to nonetheless use USB-C headphones or Bluetooth-supported variants. You may discover the ability button on the left of the headset, however if you wish to cut back or enhance the quantity, you will discover the rocker nestled on the chassis’ underside.

After all, there is a USB-C port, too, permitting you to play some PCVR video games by connecting Oculus Hyperlink to a VR-ready PC or gaming laptop computer. It will free you from the confines of the Meta Quest Retailer, permitting you to discover Steam VR for extra graphics-intensive video games.

Meta Quest 3S controllers

The Quest 3S borrows the brand new Contact Plus controllers that had been launched with the Quest 3 final yr.

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I do not know which Meta engineer got here up with their good design, however they deserve a increase. The Contact Plus controllers scream ergonomic, with a cushty form that intently follows the pure contours of my palms, permitting for a safe grip. The buttons and thumbsticks are positioned for straightforward entry, so I needn’t stretch my fingers a lot to succeed in them.

The black a part of the controllers, positioned on the high, is barely tilted, which thoughtfully aligns with my thumbs’ vary of movement.

The Quest 3S controllers are a pleasure to make use of, however ensure that to utilize these wrist straps. If you happen to unintentionally let go of them, the wrist straps guarantee they do not go flying throughout the room.

Meta Quest 3S video games

I’ve should’ve performed no less than 100 Quest video games. My high three are Laser Tag from Rec Room (free), I Count on You to Die 2, and Superhot.

Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Nonetheless, whereas testing the Quest 3S, I’ve found two new superior video games: Marvel’s Iron Man VR and The Mild Brigade.

The primary recreation taught me a lesson, although. Do not be lazy and transfer every part out of the way in which. Whereas being too immersed as Tony Stark in Marvel’s Iron Man VR, I swung my arms to fly throughout the sky. And it was exhilarating — till I hit my hand so arduous towards a picket chair that I believed I broke my fingers. Ouch! Ethical of the story? Get obstacles out of your playroom, stat!

Did that cease me from taking part in although? Just for an hour. I hopped proper again into the sport as Iron Man, and even saved Pepper Potts from a burning airplane whereas zipping across the sky in a heroic metallic go well with. The Mild Brigade is one other badass recreation with a variety of motion, permitting me to wield a rifle and take down enemies.

And the perfect half is that there is one thing for everybody. If you happen to take pleasure in foolish sim video games, you could like I Am Safety and Job Simulator. If you happen to like sporty motion, you will take pleasure in Nock, Eleven Desk Tennis, and Sports activities Scramble.

If you happen to favor a laid-back puzzler, I extremely advocate Moss and Moss 2.

The sheer variety of Quest 3S video games could also be overwhelming, however filtering them in order that the Meta Quest Retailer solely reveals video games which can be 4 stars and up has by no means failed me.

Meta Quest 3S mixed-reality

There are extra mixed-reality video games this yr in comparison with final yr when Meta debuted AR capabilities with the Quest 3. Nonetheless, in comparison with VR video games, AR video games are nonetheless catching up. For the uninitiated, VR video games provide you with complete immersion whereas AR video games merge your surroundings — because of its shade passthrough capabilities — with digital results.

For instance, First Encounters, Meta’s free recreation that showcases the headset’s AR prowess, continues to be among the best AR video games you’ll be able to play. With my front room in sight, I received swarmed by tiny, fuzzy alien invaders. And with my weapon, I can shoot them to reclaim my dwelling. I’ve but to seek out any AR different recreation that beats First Encounters, however I’ll say that Starship Dwelling comes shut.

Screenshot of ‘Starship Dwelling’ mixed-reality recreation
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Just like First Encounters, it has an alien theme, but it surely’s not as motion packed. It reworked my front room right into a spaceship. I traveled to new planets and even owned my very own extraterrestrial plant that I received to water.

One other attention-grabbing mixed-reality recreation is Hi there, Dot, which helps you to mess around with slightly pet critter, and showcases the Quest 3S’ hand-tracking capabilities.

There is a cutie patootie in my front room!
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It isn’t as seamless and easy because the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, which is smart as a result of its prices only a fraction of the worth of that high-end headset, however is not half dangerous. If I might put an arbitrary determine on it, I might say that the hand-tracking is responsive about 80% of the time, which is OK for a sub-$300 VR headset.

Meta Quest 3S live shows

For many who do not give a rat’s behind about video games, maybe you will benefit from the live performance collection on Quest 3S. I received to see a few of my favourite artists, Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat, proper earlier than my very eyes as they carried out a few of my favourite songs, from “Espresso” and “Feather” to “Say So” and “Kiss Me Extra.”

Sabrina Carpenter live performance in VR
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I found these live shows in Meta Horizon Worlds, which additionally options the likes of BLACKPINK, Victoria Monét, and The Child LAROI.

Generally, it feels as in the event you’re proper entrance of the artist. Within the Carpenter live performance, it felt like I used to be truly on stage along with her. There are some occasions, just like the Doja Cat live performance, that you just’d be thrown again into the nosebleed seats, which all the time perturbed me. However that is just for a number of seconds to present you some perspective of the “vibe” of the stadium, supplying you with a view of followers having fun with the Doja Cat live performance simply as a lot as you’re.

Doja Cat live performance in VR
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

General, the Quest 3S is likely one of the finest methods to devour live performance content material these days.

Meta Quest 3S efficiency

The Meta Quest 3S is filled with the identical Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 because the Quest 3. I’ve examined 13 video games on the Quest 3S up to now. For nearly all of them, I skilled comparatively quick load occasions, easy gameplay, and zippy graphics rendering. Nonetheless, simply because the PS5 is a strong console, however nonetheless has video games which will undergo from bugs and different points as a consequence of developer shortcomings, you could encounter related experiences with the Quest 3S.

YUKI House Ranger recreation on Quest 3S
Credit score: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For instance, Iron Man VR, the Moss collection, Pistol Whip, and Beat Saber run like a dream. However the likes of I Am Cat, a simulator the place customers step into the sneakers of a furry pet, and Hi there, Dot are slightly tough across the edges relating to making certain that real-life controller maneuvers translate effectively within the recreation. To be truthful, although, these are early entry video games, which suggests they’re sure to have some hiccups.

Meta Quest 3S battery life

Meta claims that the Quest 3S has a battery life ranking of two.5 hours.

I put this to the check whereas taking part in the Quest 3S nonstop; I did not take a single break. To my shock, the runtime matched Meta’s claims on the dot. Based on my testing, the Quest 3S lasted 2 hours and half-hour.

Is the Meta Quest 3S price it?

Completely. For below $300, the Quest 3S delivers a formidable entry into the world of VR with its strong mixed-reality capabilities and entry to Meta’s expansive content material library. The budget-friendly worth level makes it a pretty choice, particularly for newcomers or informal customers seeking to dip their toes into VR with out splurging. The Quest 3S makes VR accessible, providing immersive experiences at a fraction of the associated fee.

That mentioned, it does include trade-offs — most notably, the dearth of a exact IPD adjustment and the fresnel lenses that fall wanting the readability supplied by higher-end fashions. Whereas it might not rival its pricier counterparts, the Meta Quest 3S nonetheless offers a compelling and reasonably priced VR expertise that’s arduous to go up. If you happen to’re prepared to embrace a number of limitations for the sake of affordability, then the Quest 3S is unquestionably price it.

For below $300, the Quest 3S delivers a stellar VR expertise that seems like a steal — providing unbelievable immersion at a fraction of the associated fee.