Meta Quest 3S

 Meta Quest 3S: A VR Headset for Everyone?

Looking to dive into virtual reality (VR) but worried about the cost? Meta might have the answer with the rumored Meta Quest 3S, a more affordable version of their latest VR headset, the Quest 3. While the Quest 3 boasts impressive features, its $499 price tag might be a barrier for some.

Here's what we know so far about the Quest 3S, including its potential release date, price, design, and specs.

Release Date and Price

While rumors have been swirling for a while, a concrete release date hasn't been confirmed. However, September 25th or 26th, coinciding with Meta Connect 2024, seems like the most likely timeframe for an official reveal.

As for the price, it's safe to assume the Quest 3S will be cheaper than the Quest 3 due to its less powerful hardware. While directly replacing the budget-friendly Quest 2 ($299) might be a stretch, estimates suggest a price range of $349 to $399.

Design

Early leaks depicted a "Quest 3 Lite" design that combined elements of the Quest 3 and Quest 2. However, Meta's focus on passthrough technology (blending real and virtual worlds) makes a design without external passthrough cameras less likely.

A more recent leak showcased slides from a purported Meta user research meeting. These slides suggested the Quest 3S might retain passthrough cameras, but in a different configuration compared to the Quest 3.

So, what exactly will be sacrificed to make the Quest 3S cheaper?

Specifications

Leaks suggest the Quest 3S might borrow some specs from the Quest 2. This includes a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye and a 120Hz refresh rate LCD panel.

A potentially bigger trade-off involves the lenses. The Quest 3's "pancake lenses" provide sharper visuals in your peripheral vision for a more immersive experience. Leaks suggest the Quest 3S might revert to "Fresnel lenses," which might be a downgrade in terms of immersion.

Another downgrade could be the IPD (interpapillary distance) adjustment. The Quest 3 offers a fine-tuned IPD wheel, while the Quest 3S might have just 3 pre-set positions. This could be an issue for users whose eye positions don't align perfectly with these presets.

However, there are also some potential upsides. The Quest 3S might retain the Quest 3's powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. This, combined with the lower resolution, could even lead to better performance in demanding games (albeit with slightly less visual detail).

The Quest 3S Outlook

   

Even nearing its fourth birthday, the Meta Quest 2 remains a great VR headset due to its affordability, extensive software library, and PC compatibility for titles like Half-Life: Alyx. However, for some, the Quest 3 might be too expensive.

The Quest 3S, with its rumored cut-back specs and lower price point, could be a compelling option for budget-conscious VR enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

We'll likely have to wait for Meta Connect in September for official confirmation on the Quest 3S. If the price rumors hold true, the Quest 3S could be a game-changer, making VR more accessible to a wider audience.