Meta has unveiled a new entry-level mixed reality headset, the Meta Quest 3S, which starts at $299.99 for the 128 GB model and $399.99 for 256 GB. Pre-orders are live at Meta’s website and will ship Oct. 15 along with a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. The Verge was able to get a hands-on demo with the new Quest 3S and notes that it is “bringing a lot of what you can get on the Quest 3 to a much more affordable VR headset.”
As part of the unveiling, Meta has also announced that both the Meta Quest 2 and Meta Quest Pro are being sunsetted, streamlining the lineup to these two Quest 3S models as well as the 512 GB Meta Quest 3 for $499.99.
While Meta has been pushing virtual reality for many years now — I still have vivid memories of trying out a very early Oculus Rift prototype more than 12 year ago — one of the key turning points was the release of the entry-level Meta Quest 2. It was this headset that eschewed the need to set up multiple external cameras or long cords tethering you to a gaming PC, opting instead for a self-contained experience both in terms of hardware and software, all at a more palpable (though ever-fluctuating) price point. By all accounts, the new Quest 3S will be Meta’s new entry-level model for years to come.
