Meta Quest 3S review: An excellent budget VR headset

In some methods, the Meta Quest 3S is the true successor to the Quest 2. Whereas the latter made a giant splash in the course of the Covid pandemic, providing gamers a technique to join with their associates in a extra immersive approach, the Meta Quest 3 didn’t obtain comparable luck. Higher inner {hardware} and a extra snug headset, in addition to the introduction of full blended actuality, meant a excessive worth, and plenty of weren’t desirous to improve.

Nonetheless, the Meta Quest 3S needs to be far more tempting, bringing the chipset present in among the finest VR headsets and virtually placing it into the Quest 2’s shell. Whereas that does imply the Quest 3S shares loads of acquainted points, it additionally means you may play a few of the finest VR video games available on the market, and that’s well worth the asking worth alone.

Specs

Unsurprisingly, the Meta Quest 3S efficiently bridges the hole between the dearer Quest 3, and the older Quest 2. The Quest 3S options the identical chipset and RAM because the Quest 3, which means you get a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 CPU and 8GB of reminiscence respectively, whereas the remainder of the specs are virtually the identical as these of the Quest 2, for higher and worse.

Admittedly, the expertise with the Quest 3S feels far more snug than the Quest 2, because of a greater weight distribution (versus the front-heavy nature of the older Quest headset), and the better-performing chipset means body charges are a lot smoother this time round. Nonetheless, the Fresnel lenses return from the 2020 headset, and after utilizing a headset with pancake lenses, the readability of the latter is a lot better for VR gaming.

In the meantime, the decision and discipline of view are the identical because the specs discovered on the Quest 2. Contemplating the value of the machine is just $299.99 (£289.99) for the 128GB mannequin, that’s nonetheless respectable sufficient, however after utilizing the continual interpupillary distance (IPD) discovered on the Quest 3, it’s arduous to make use of the stepped IPD on the Quest 3S, which is as soon as once more the identical system discovered within the Quest 2.

Options

The Meta Quest 3S’ greatest promoting level, moreover the improved chipset, is the truth that it’s a full blended actuality headset, providing higher hand monitoring and full-color passthrough versus the Quest 2’s black-and-white passthrough. Utilizing arms and controllers in blended actuality is snug and, surprisingly, feels very pure, even when the Fresnel lenses lose a few of the readability that the premium model provides.

Fortuitously, the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 grants Quest 3S gamers the identical unique experiences as Quest 3 homeowners. As extra VR video games depend on the extra highly effective chipset, with extra graphically demanding video games arriving because the months go on, this offers potential Quest 2 gamers the chance to improve for a less expensive value, permitting you to take pleasure in video games that received’t work on the older headset.

One space the place the Quest 3S massively improves over the Quest 3 is with the introduction of its new motion button. Within the dearer headset, you may double-tap the aspect of the machine to leap between digital actuality and passthrough, and it may be fairly irritating typically, seemingly having a lifetime of its personal. The motion button is a one-tap resolution to this drawback, shortly switching you between VR experiences and actuality with none points. Meta, please, make the motion button out there on Quest 4, I’m begging you.

Sadly, there’s no headphone jack right here, which is a characteristic you’ll find on each the Quest 3 and Quest 2. It’s a disappointing transfer, and when you can nonetheless use the built-in audio system or join the very best gaming headset with Bluetooth, it’s all the time a bonus to have a headphone jack for individuals who favor wired headphones. Personally, it’s not an enormous criticism for me, as I sometimes use the audio system, however I can see why others could also be dissatisfied.

Design and luxury

The Meta Quest 3S is far bulkier than the Quest 3, being roughly the identical measurement because the Quest 2 whereas having the same weight to the 2023 headset at 514g. On the floor, that sounds pretty disappointing, however whereas the Quest 3 is probably the most snug VR headset I’ve ever used, the brand new 3S feels far more snug than the Quest 2, thanks to raised weight distribution inside the machine itself.

Arguably the worst a part of the Quest 3S’ consolation, which is a recurring theme in the entire Quest headsets, is the headstrap. Whereas the Quest 3’s inventory strap was arguably the very best of the lot, they’re all fairly unhealthy, and the Quest 3S has the same one to that discovered with the Quest 2. It feels prefer it by no means hits the candy spot between tight and free, and causes ache after even small play periods. Add round $50 / £50 to your finances, as you’ll positively wish to seize some equipment and go for a premium head strap. I like to recommend Kiwi Design straps, as they’ve been a few of the finest for me.

For the precise design, I a lot favor the straightforward digicam array discovered on the Quest 3S over the cumbersome triple-camera array on the Quest 3, however that’s nothing greater than a superficial opinion. I discover the array on Quest 3 appears extra weak and might be simpler to scratch (one thing that hasn’t occurred throughout my 12 months of proudly owning it, thoughts you), whereas the cluster on the Quest 3S appears smaller and far more durable to break.

Sadly, although, the Quest 3S brings the return of the dreaded glasses spacer, a characteristic that’s built-in on the usual Quest 3. It doesn’t appear as awkward or irritating to put in or take out in comparison with the Quest 2, however I nonetheless favor the no-installation-required methodology of the premium choice within the Quest 3 household.

One large enchancment over the older headset is the truth that the Quest 3S comes with a padded cloth facial interface slightly than the terrible, uncomfortable, sweat-inducing silicon interface discovered within the Quest 2. It is a main enchancment general, and it provides worth to the Quest 3S, even when it could have value extra for Meta to fabricate.

Efficiency

Because the Quest 3S makes use of the identical chipset discovered inside the Quest 3, efficiency is in the identical ballpark. Nonetheless, anybody upgrading from the Pico 4 or the Quest 2 will see an enormous enchancment, with the brand new Snapdragon chip permitting you to play far more graphically intense video games and even titles that characteristic extra physics-based fashions in standalone gaming.

Admittedly, there’s nonetheless a scarcity of Quest 3 unique experiences, with video games resembling Metro Awakening being out there on the older headset. Nonetheless, Batman Arkham Shadow’s detailed environments and intense rhythm-style motion really feel nice on the Quest 3S, operating easily and with out issues. Add in experiences resembling Whats up, Dot, which provides wonderful blended actuality video games to take pleasure in, and you’ve got an incredible VR headset that means that you can take pleasure in some titles and apps that the Quest 2 received’t allow you to take pleasure in to their fullest, if in any respect.

I’m hoping that the launch and (hopefully) the success of the Quest 3S will enable extra builders to maneuver away from the getting older {hardware} and develop video games on the brand new XR2 Gen 2 chipset, in an try and get 100% out of the efficiency of the Quest 3 household. Batman Arkham Shadow appears as nice as a flatscreen sport whereas providing the identical stage of intense motion and fascinating narrative, so it’s a promising signal for the longer term.

Nonetheless, that’s to not say that the Quest 3S doesn’t have any advantages over the Quest 2 exterior of Quest 3 exclusives. Loads of video games, from The Strolling Useless: Saints and Sinners to Into the Radius, have obtained updates to extend the graphical constancy with the improved chipset. Generally, the higher efficiency of the XR2 Gen 2 additionally permits for smoother body charges throughout the board, avoiding the nausea-inducing issues that stutters may trigger on the Quest 2.

In the meantime, the inclusion of the Quest Contact Plus controllers over the ringed Quest Contact V2 peripherals is superb. Monitoring feels a lot better with the brand new and improved controllers and the haptics are improved over the very primary rumble discovered within the Quest 2’s included choices. Whereas they’re not as immersive as those discovered with the PSVR 2, as a result of Sony controllers providing haptic suggestions in addition to adaptive triggers, it’s an enchancment general.

As for PC gaming, you may take pleasure in a wide range of VR video games operating on the very best gaming PCs by utilizing Quest Hyperlink, Steam Hyperlink, or Digital Desktop apps to distant play out of your desktop. You’ll want an honest web connection, however I’ve had little or no concern having fun with PC VR titles operating through Steam Hyperlink. The truth is, throughout my numerous hours of taking part in Blade and Sorcery, I’ve skilled much less lag and efficiency points than when utilizing Meta’s personal software program.

Battery life

Sadly, the battery life isn’t excellent, until you’re keen to spend out on equipment. The Meta Quest 3S lasts for round two to two-and-a-half hours, relying on what you’re taking part in or doing, which is barely worse than the Quest 3 from my expertise. For the reason that Quest 3’s launch, I’ve been utilizing battery-powered head straps to extend my playtime, and I like to recommend doing the identical with the 3S.

Worth

The Meta Quest 3S will set you again $299.99 (£289.99) for the 128GB mannequin, and $399 ( (£379.99) for the 256GB mannequin, which is a good worth to begin your expertise with digital actuality or improve from older headsets, such because the Quest 2 or Pico 4.

Some video games might take up an honest chunk of storage, however you may get fairly a number of video games onto the 128GB mannequin, so when you’ve got quick web for re-downloading video games, I’d simply go together with the cheaper choice. You possibly can use the additional money for the equipment I discussed earlier.

The Meta Quest 3S is available at main retailers, together with Amazon, Greatest Purchase, Walmart, Very (UK), Currys UK, and the Meta retailer itself.

Options

If the Meta Quest 3S doesn’t sound just like the VR headset for you, listed below are some wonderful options we suggest:

Meta Quest 3

If you understand and love VR already, the Meta Quest 3 is actually well worth the increased asking worth. The Quest 3 makes use of pancake lenses, which have extra readability, a smaller kind issue for a extra snug expertise, and a better decision. It’s only a disgrace that it doesn’t have the superb motion button.

Learn our full Meta Quest 3 assessment.

Valve Index

In the event you’re on the lookout for devoted PC VR gaming, then you may’t go incorrect with the Valve Index. Providing implausible audio, devoted Base Stations for correct monitoring, and a devoted Steam expertise, the Valve Index might not play standalone, however the general bundle makes for a stable PC-exclusive VR headset.

Learn our full Valve Index assessment.

Verdict

The Meta Quest 3S provides a superb VR gaming headset on a finances, offering the bridge between 2020’s Quest 2 and the dearer Quest 3. With the improved chipset and 8GB of RAM providing extra energy for extra graphically demanding video games, the Quest 3S delivers an incredible efficiency, with the one letdowns being the disappointing return of Fresnel lenses, and this headset having the identical decision because the older Quest 2.