Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition launches on Tuesday. It is a limited-edition model of Meta’s affordable mixed reality (MR) headset first launched in September 2024. Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition comes with a pre-installed Xbox app that acts as a hub through which users can launch games through Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta). It comes with a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller and has similar specs to the standard version. Meta is equipped with a 4K Infinite+ display and a full-color pass-through function that supports MR experience.
Meta Quest 3S price starts at $399.99 (approximately Rs. 34,300) in the US. It’s available in a single 128GB configuration and in Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green color options. The headphones are available now in limited quantities from Meta Store and Best Buy in the US, and from Argos and EE in the UK.
The MR headset comes with a free three-month subscription to Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to a library of hundreds of games and exclusive offers.
Developed in partnership with Meta, Microsoft provides the Quest 3S Xbox Edition with pre-installed Xbox apps. Together with a supplemental Game Pass Ultimate subscription, players can access their game library through Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). They can enjoy popular games such as Avowed, Forza Motorsport, South of Midnight and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered on MR headsets.
In addition, they can stream from more than 100 supported cloud gaming titles they previously purchased, even if they are not part of Game Pass Ultimate.
The MR headset also comes with a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller, which is pre-paired for playing Xbox games. It has the same features as the standard controller bundled with the Xbox Series X and S consoles, but with a carbon black chassis and Velocity Green highlights on the surface buttons and analog sticks.
Design of the new Meta Quest 3S Xbox version
Photo credit: Meta
Alternatively, users can pair the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or Xbox Adaptive Controller with the separately purchased Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. The headset also supports cross-play and cross-progression. This essentially means that players can start a game on the Quest 3S Xbox Edition headset and continue playing on the Xbox console without losing their achievements or progress.
The rest of the specifications are the same as the standard model. Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition features a 4K+ Infinite screen on pancake lenses with a resolution of 2064×2208 pixels per eye and a wide field of view (FoV). It is powered by Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform and has 8GB RAM.
The MR headset runs on Meta Horizon OS, which is said to have been rebuilt for the spatial experience. This is helped by full-color passthrough support, improved spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and Theater View.
According to Meta, the Quest 3S and Xbox Edition models are better suited for 2D apps like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Travel mode makes it easier to use your headphones while on the go. Users can also get help from the Meta AI assistant with a simple “Hey Meta” wake-up command.
