Meta’s Quest 3S virtual reality headset is available to pre-order now, offering an entry-level VR solution to those who can’t quite stretch to the full-blown Quest 3 experience. And it’s coming out soon, with pre-orders open on Meta’s websiteand shipping set to begin in October.
But why should you buy one, and what are the differences between the Meta Quest 3S and vanilla Quest 3? We have all you need to know below.
Meta Quest 3S specifications
- Available in 128 GB and 256 GB models
- 1832×1920 pixels per eye
- 8GB RAM
- 2.5 hours of average wireless run time with 4,324 mAH
- 96° horizontal and 90° vertical field of view
- 773 PPI
- Glasses spacer included
- Touch Plus Quest 3 controllers included
- Mixed reality enabled
- Bundled with three months of Meta Quest+ and Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip
- Fresnel composite lenses (Quest 3 uses thinner, pancake-style lenses)
- 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates
What are the differences between the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 3S headsets?
The main differences between the Meta Quest 3 and 3S are its size and price. The Quest 3 512 GB is $499.99 / £469.99, while the Quest 3S 256 GB is $399.99 / £379.99 (The Quest 3S is a more budget-friendly $299.99 / £289.99, however).
The Quest 3S is bigger than the Quest 3, looking more like the bulkier Quest 2, with a slightly reduced resolution: 1832×1920 pixels per eye versus the Quest 3’s 2064×2208. The 3S also features a narrower field of view, which can be a game-changer for experienced VR users.
The Quest 3 has a larger range of refresh rate options too, with the 3S able to display 90 Hz and 120 Hz only.
How much is the Meta Quest 3S?
The Meta Quest 3S 128 GB is $299.99 / £289.99, while the 256 GB version is $399.99 / £379.99.
Interestingly, however, Meta is about to phase out the 128 GB version of the Quest 3, so both it and the 512 GB option are enjoying price reductions.
The 512 GB version is now $499.99 / £469.99, while the 128 GB is $429.99 / £409.99
When will the Meta Quest 3S be released?
The Meta Quest 3 is available to pre-order now and will officially be released on the 16th of October.
Will the Meta Quest 3S be ideal for entry-level VR sim-racing?
Judging from its specifications and price, the Quest 3S looks to be an excellent starting point for sim racers looking to try VR. At less than £300, the 128 GB version will produce an image almost as good as a Quest 3, with no reduction in processing power.
However, it is bulkier, so likely be less comfortable to wear for extended periods and has narrower field of view options.
Being stuck with 90 Hz and 120 Hz refresh rates is a negative point for sim racers without a beefy PC, though, as playing sims via the Meta Quest Link is resource-intensive. Being able to switch to the Quest 3’s 72Hz and 80Hz refresh rates would have mitigated some performance issues.
Do you like the look of the Meta Quest 3 for all your sim racing needs? Let us know in the comments below.
