If you've been eager to dive into VR gaming but the cost has been a barrier, you're in luck. The first significant discount of 2025 on the Meta Quest 3S is here, offering a $30 savings on both the 128GB and 256GB models of this wireless VR headset. Not only does this deal make VR more accessible, but it also comes with an added bonus: a copy of the critically acclaimed *Batman: Arkham Shadow VR* game and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. In IGN's 8/10 review, Dan Stapleton praised the game, stating, "Batman: Arkham Shadow makes most of the Arkham series' defining gameplay work respectably well in VR, and its mystery story pays off."
Free to Play VR Sandbox Game: DigiGods on Meta Quest
DigiGods offers a free-to-play, physics-based VR experience where you can create, play, and share in a sandbox environment. The platform prioritizes safety, employing AI content filtering and human moderators to maintain a secure and enjoyable space. Check it out on Meta.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB VR Headset
Originally priced at $299.99, the Meta Quest 3S is now available for $269.00 at Amazon, marking a 10% discount. This model surpasses the original Quest 2 in every aspect without increasing the price. It incorporates many features from the more expensive Quest 3, such as the upgraded Touch controllers, the enhanced SnapDragon APU, and full-color AR passthrough. In IGN's 9/10 review, Gabriel Moss noted, "raw processing power, full-color passthrough, and snappy Touch Plus controllers make the Quest 3S a fantastic standalone VR headset that also brings entry-level mixed-reality gaming to the masses for – arguably – the very first time."
What sets this deal apart is that the Meta Quest 3S offers a completely untethered VR experience. You can enjoy games like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip without needing a powerful gaming PC or a PlayStation 5 console. At this price point, you won't find another standalone VR headset that matches the Quest 3S.
How Is the Quest 3S Different from the Quest 3?
The Quest 3S is priced at $200, or 40% less than the $500 Quest 3. To achieve this competitive price, certain compromises were made. Here's a comparison of the two models:
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Similarities
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
- Touch Plus controllers
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Mixed reality passthrough (same cameras, different layout)
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Differences
- Lower per-eye resolution (1832x1920 vs 2064×2208)
- Fresnel lens vs. pancake lens
- Lower FOV (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
- Smaller storage capacity (128GB vs 512GB)
- Longer battery life (2.5hrs vs 2.2hrs)
Essentially, the Quest 3S offers nearly the same experience as the Quest 3 but with downgraded optics. However, using the same processor at a lower resolution can reduce the load on the APU, potentially enhancing in-game performance and contributing to the increased battery life.
For its price, the Quest 3S provides exceptional value compared to the Quest 3, making it an ideal choice for most gamers, especially those for whom the Quest 3 was out of reach. When compared to the Quest 2, the decision to upgrade becomes even clearer.
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