Xbox joins the realm of virtual reality: Meta Quest 3S transitions into a portable gaming device
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, a groundbreaking collaboration between Meta and Microsoft, is set to revolutionise the gaming world by merging two distinct ecosystems. This innovative VR headset boasts an elegant design, featuring a black and glowing green colour scheme that signals the merging of two worlds.
Key Features
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition comes with a host of impressive features, designed to provide an unparalleled gaming experience.
Hardware and Comfort
The headset includes ringless Touch Plus controllers, Fresnel lenses, and a 3-level adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) for optimal visual comfort. It also features a superior Halo strap for enhanced comfort during long gaming sessions, setting it apart from the standard model's soft strap.
Storage
The Xbox Edition offers 128 GB of internal storage, making it well-equipped to handle a vast collection of games.
Visuals & Performance
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and featuring high-resolution displays, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers improved graphical capabilities over previous models. It boasts a wider field of view (around 110°) and up to 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion and less motion sickness. The Quest 3S model specifically features integrated spatial audio speakers, Bluetooth and USB-C audio options, and no headphone jack.
Gaming and Software Experience
Besides access to the Meta Quest Store and a free 3-month trial of Quest Plus, the Xbox Edition uniquely bundles Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This allows users to stream flat-screen Xbox games on a large virtual display without requiring a physical console, although these games are not fully adapted for VR.
Benefits
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers several benefits that set it apart from other VR headsets and consoles.
Enhanced Comfort and Control
The Halo strap in the Xbox Edition improves long-term wearability beyond the base model’s soft strap.
Xbox Ecosystem Integration
Game Pass streaming broadens gaming options beyond native VR titles, allowing access to a large Xbox game library in virtual space without extra hardware.
High Visual Fidelity and Smooth Performance
Upgraded visuals, expanded FOV, and higher refresh rates reduce motion sickness and improve immersion.
Versatile Usage
The headset supports PC VR streaming via Oculus Link or Air Link for even broader content access, plus standalone VR and mixed reality experiences.
Conclusion
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a compelling option for gamers invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering both VR and console game streaming experiences. With its sleek design, powerful hardware, and exclusive Game Pass integration, it's poised to redefine the future of gaming. A subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is required to use the Meta Quest 3S for gaming, which currently costs €17.99 per month. The Meta Quest 3S VR headset functions as a full-fledged VR platform and a mobile Xbox, offering a combination that has never existed before.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, with its integrated Xbox ecosystem, allows users to stream Xbox games onto a large virtual display without the need for a physical console, providing a unique gaming experience unlike any other VR headset. This VR headset, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip, offers improved graphical performance with high-resolution displays, a wider field of view, and up to 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion and less motion sickness. Additionally, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition comes with gadgets like ringless Touch Plus controllers, Fresnel lenses, and a superior Halo strap for enhanced comfort during long gaming sessions.
