Microsoft and Meta Launch Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR Headset
Microsoft and Meta have officially launched the Xbox-branded Quest 3S VR headset, priced at $399.99, available starting today. The Quest 3S Xbox Edition features a custom color scheme and includes an Xbox wireless controller, Touch Plus controllers, and a three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, reports 24brussels.
This headset represents a unique offering as it integrates visual elements from both Xbox and Meta, with a user interface that reflects the headset’s carbon black and green aesthetics. Users will find the device pre-paired with the Xbox controller, allowing for immediate access to the Xbox app upon startup.
The Quest 3S Xbox Edition utilizes the Xbox app, enabling streaming of games through Xbox Cloud Gaming, with the additional benefit of a complimentary three-month Game Pass Ultimate code for new or existing subscribers.
Testing the headset reveals a versatile gaming experience, showcasing both an immersive 26-foot virtual screen display and an augmented reality mode that enhances Xbox games in real-world environments. However, concerns regarding image quality during cloud gaming sessions were noted, particularly in titles like Forza Horizon 5, where low bitrate led to some pixelation, though notable lag was not reported.
The custom design includes a green band around the headset, complemented by similar stylistic elements on the controllers. This branding effort by Microsoft suggests that this VR headset is being marketed as an “Xbox,” aligning it with other platforms capable of streaming Xbox games.
The Quest 3S Xbox Edition is targeted at gamers seeking portability without the need for a traditional console setup. Despite needing a monthly subscription for Game Pass Ultimate, the headset presents a compact solution for gaming on the go. The product’s appeal could further increase if Microsoft were to introduce a dedicated cloud gaming subscription or an ad-supported free version, hinted at in previous announcements.
Available in limited quantities, the Quest 3S Xbox Edition can be purchased through Meta’s online store as well as retailers like Best Buy in the US and Argos and EE in the UK. Lori Wright, corporate vice president of gaming partnerships at Microsoft, cautioned that supply is constrained, stating, “Once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
