Meta's latest addition to their VR lineup strikes a compelling balance between affordability and technological advancement, offering significant improvements over its predecessor while maintaining the same price point.
Next-Generation Processing Power
The Quest 3S comes equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the same processor found in its more expensive sibling, the Quest 3. This represents a substantial leap forward from the Quest 2's hardware, enabling faster load times and more stable frame rates of 60 fps or higher in demanding games like Asgard's Wrath. The improved processing power doesn't come at the expense of battery life, with users getting approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes of usage from the 16.7-watt-hour battery.
Mixed Reality Capabilities
One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of full-color passthrough, a feature previously exclusive to the Quest 3. The strategically placed sensors around the headset enable users to view their surroundings in color, with sufficient clarity to read text messages on a phone screen. While the image quality may appear somewhat noisy in low-light conditions, it's a massive improvement over the Quest 2's monochrome passthrough.
Display and Optics
The Quest 3S maintains the same resolution as the Quest 2 at 1832 x 1920 per eye, utilizing fresnel lenses rather than the Quest 3's premium pancake lenses. While this means users will have to contend with a narrower sweet spot for optimal clarity and some peripheral softness, the visual quality remains satisfactory for most VR applications and games.
Design and Comfort
Weighing 514 grams, the Quest 3S features a hybrid design that combines elements from both the Quest 2 and Quest 3. The included Y-shaped head strap, while functional, may benefit from aftermarket upgrades for extended gaming sessions. The headset includes a glasses spacer and offers three IPD presets (58mm, 63mm, and 68mm) for vision adjustment.
Controller Improvements
The Quest 3S adopts the new Touch Plus controllers from the Quest 3, eliminating the tracking rings of the previous generation. While this design improves tracking for close-to-body movements, some users have reported reduced accuracy during high-speed motions or when controllers are held above the head.
Price and Value Proposition
At $299 for the 128GB model, the Quest 3S includes a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow (a $50 value), making it an attractive entry point into VR gaming. The price-to-performance ratio is particularly compelling when compared to the $499 Quest 3, though users seeking the absolute best visual experience may want to consider the higher-end model.
Notable Drawbacks
The most significant compromise is the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack, limiting audio options to USB-C or wireless solutions. This could impact users who prefer wired headphones for rhythm and action games where audio latency is crucial.
The Quest 3S represents a thoughtful balance between cost and capability, offering enough improvements to justify an upgrade from the Quest 2 while maintaining an accessible price point for newcomers to VR technology. While it may not match the Quest 3's premium features, it delivers a compelling VR experience that pushes the platform forward.