Why the Meta Quest 3S should be your next gaming console

Less than a year after Meta Quest 3 dropped, Meta is set to release their newest VR headset model: the Meta Quest 3S.
Announced on September 25, this virtual and mixed-reality gaming console is set to combine the elements of the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest 3 to bring the ultimate VR experience to players at a cheaper price. 
It’s now available for pre-order before its October 16 release date.
Here is everything you need to know about the Meta Quest 3S.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
The Meta Quest 3S is the latest VR headset offering from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s tech company Meta. 
It was announced on September 25, 2024, with the promise “There’s no better mixed reality device on the market at this price.”
The virtual reality gaming console is available in two sizes: 128GB and 256GB and can be purchased alongside a range of accessories to amplify the playing experience.
The Meta Quest 3S is now available for pre-order, with the 128GB selling for $499.99 and the 256GB for $669.99.
It is set to hit the shelves in Australia on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. 
The Meta Quest 3S acts almost as a combination of the Meta Quest 3 and the Meta Quest 2. It utilises advanced technology and shares features from both models to create a unique user experience for gamers. 
The Meta Quest 3S is significantly cheaper than the Meta Quest 3, coming in at roughly the same price point as the Meta Quest 2 when it first launched.
The 128GB model retails at $499.99 while the 256GB sells for $669.99. 
This is a price drop of $400 between models, considering the Meta Quest 3 128GB edition is available for $906.99. 
The general design and layout of the Meta Quest 3S looks more like the Meta Quest 2 than the Meta Quest 3.
The Meta Quest 3 was built with an IPD wheel for easier size adjustments to sit more comfortably. The Meta Quest 3S reverts back to the size adjustment system of the Meta Quest 2, offering three sizes to fit player’s heads: 58mm, 63mm or 68mm.
While there are camera sensors to track hands and controllers, the physical depth sensor seen on the Meta Quest 3 has also been removed. This sensor helps the headset recognise the distance you are away from items and obstacles in the space. Instead, the Meta Quest 3S returns to the distance softwares used in the Meta Quest 2.
Other physical changes on the Meta Quest 3S include the movement of cameras from the middle to the lower sides, the removal of a headphone jack and a thickened 73.9mm screen size. 
The Meta Quest 3S removes the pancake lenses introduced in the Meta Quest 3. These were included to help improve the visual quality of the wearer’s peripheral vision. Instead, the 3S sees the return of Fresnel lenses. These are the same used in the Meta Quest 2, but are slightly thinner making it not so front-heavy. 
The Meta Quest 3S has an 1832 x 1920 pixel resolution with a 120Hz refresh rate and 96° horizontal and 90° vertical field of vision – the same quality as the Meta Quest 2.
Both the Meta Quest 3 and new 3S include full-colour pass-through. This recognises the colours and brightness in your real-world space and realistically depicts them while wearing the headset.
Using its 4MP RGB camera, you’ll also have access to pass-through mode – a feature that offers a high-fidelity, real-time representation of the physical world around you. This will let you work and play alongside elements of the real world. 
For example, if you are working out wearing the headset, you will see exercise elements and prompts from the app within your physical space. 
All the games and apps accessible on the Meta Quest 3 will be available on the 3S. 
Once you set up your headset, you’ll have access to a three-month free trial of Meta Quest+, a subscription service offering a huge selection of games you can play instantly.
You’ll also get a free copy of Batman Arkham Shadow to play as soon as the console arrives.
The Meta Quest 3S is built with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor – the same as the Meta Quest 3.
While the new 3S has a smaller battery size than the previous model, due to the smaller pixel resolution, it’s expected to last for approximately 2.5 hours – up to 18 minutes longer than the Meta Quest 3.
Both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S use the same Touch Plus controllers, with the fan-favourite feature of TruTouch haptic feedback on the triggers and thumbs. This creates vibrations simulating the motions and movements within a game for a more immersive experience.
While sharing a huge variety of features with both previous models, there are a few new elements to the Meta Quest 3S that make it a standout console.
The Meta Quest 3S will see a retuning to Meta Horizon OS – the Meta Quest operating system originally announced in April 2024. This update will further integrate and improve the appearance and depiction of mixed reality elements, spatial computing and full-colour passthrough.
Security and privacy features have also been simplified, with settings on the headset now the same as Meta’s online gaming and communications server Meta Horizon Worlds. There have also been changes made to the player’s gaming appearance when online, with the choice of three playing statuses: 
One of the most significant new additions to the Meta Quest 3S is Travel Mode. This is the ability to use your Meta Quest outside of the home. This is still a work-in-progress and the Meta team currently developing technology to use the Meta Quest on trains and when laying down.
Another new feature is Theatre View. This will let users watch TV shows, movies and music videos from a wider, more immersive viewpoint, simulating a home theatre.
This charging dock is compatible with both the Meta Quest 3S and Meta Quest 3, charging the headset and controllers simultaneously.
The Meta Quest Carrying Case fits either the Meta Quest 3S or Meta Quest 3 as well as controllers, the charging cable, adapter and head strap. It is built with internal compartments to keep everything organised and in its place as you travel.
Wearing this Facial Interface will ventilate and keep your face cool while its flexible frame contours around the player’s face, helping distribute the headset’s weight.
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