Curious about stepping into the world of virtual reality without breaking the bank? The Meta Quest 3S offers an enticing combination of affordability and performance, making it a standout choice for beginners and seasoned gamers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the features, upsides, and downsides of the Quest 3S, providing you with a solid understanding of whether this headset meets your VR needs.
Meta Quest 3S Overview
The Quest 3S essentially embodies all the capabilities of the Quest 3 but at a reduced price of $200. Although it lacks some premium lens features and a wider field of view (FOV), it remains an accessible entry point into VR.
Pros and Cons
To better understand the Quest 3S, let’s break down its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Excellent hand tracking with solid passthrough capabilities.
Smooth gameplay whether played natively or streamed from Steam.
Competitively priced at $300, making it an unmatched deal for a VR headset.
Cons
The headset may feel a bit uncomfortable for extended use.
Fresnel lenses show diminished detail around the edges of the display.
Limited inter-pupillary distance (IPD) settings may result in a trial-and-error setup process.
Gameplay Experience and Offerings
The Quest 3S is an excellent deal for VR enthusiasts. It shares the powerful hardware of the Quest 3, delivering a robust gaming experience. Although its passthrough might not be as crisp as the more expensive model, it still performs sufficiently during gameplay. Furthermore, the device includes a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadows and three months of the Quest+ subscription, letting you explore an array of games such as Asgard’s Wrath 2.
If you possess a capable computer, you can use the Steam Link app to access more demanding VR games, such as Half-Life: Alyx. Additionally, Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can stream select games on a bigger screen thanks to HDMI link capabilities.
Storage Options
When considering the storage options, the pivotal question is whether to opt for the 128 GB model or the 256 GB variant priced at $400. For gamers, titles like Asgard’s Wrath 2 occupy about 33 GB, so if you’re not playing numerous games simultaneously, the smaller storage may suffice. However, if you foresee needing more, consider the Quest 3, which starts at $500 for 512 GB.
Design and Comfort
The Quest 3S mirrors the design elements of the Quest 3, with variations in sensor placement. While it features a low-light sensor for enhanced hand tracking, the experience across both devices is largely comparable. The headset itself is lightweight and fairly comfortable for short durations, though users might experience some pressure at the back of the head if worn for long sessions.
Unlike the premium model, the 3S is void of certain enhancements like IPD adjustment sliders, which can make it a bit awkward when setting up the headset. However, it remains compatible with Quest 2 accessories, and sporting a glasses extender ensures comfort for specs wearers.
Performance and Playability
The main differences between the Quest 3 and Quest 3S lie in their lenses and field of view (FOV). The Quest 3 uses fresnel lenses with a resolution of 2065×2208 per eye, equivalent to 4K, and 25 pixels per degree (ppd). The Quest 3S, on the other hand, has pancake lenses, a lower resolution of 1832×1920 per lens, and 20 ppd, similar to the Quest 2’s display but in the Quest 3’s chassis. The Quest 3 has a wider horizontal FOV at 110 degrees, compared to 97 degrees on the 3S. The visual differences, such as less detailed text and more noticeable warping at the edges, are especially noticeable when using both devices in quick succession.
The biggest difference lies in how long it takes to adjust the 3S for the best view, as it requires more fiddling with the face shield and straps. The lower resolution is more obvious in passthrough, where videos may appear muddy compared to a flat screen, though still better on the Quest 3. Additionally, passthrough on both devices has a warm tone, but on the 3S, jagged corners are more noticeable, especially in peripheral vision.
However, once in a game, the lens differences become less relevant. Both headsets use the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen2 chip, and games on the Quest 3S look almost the same as on the Quest 3. Although textures may be less detailed compared to more powerful platforms, games like Asgard’s Wrath 2, which are included in the Quest+ trial, run well with good VR fidelity. The lower FOV doesn’t hinder gameplay even with Steam Link or games like SUPERHOT VR. For users who prioritize budget and gaming, the Quest 3S is a solid option, though for watching movies in VR, the more expensive Quest 3 might be a better choice.
Visual Performance
When comparing the displays, the Quest 3 utilizes fresnel lenses, providing a higher resolution and wider FOV than the Quest 3S. This inherently results in a richness of detail, particularly noticeable in text clarity. However, these differences often fade during gameplay, where the rich art styles can outweigh resolution limitations.
Game portals like Steam offer additional titles without major performance setbacks, allowing users to enjoy experiences that are visually captivating even on a lower-resolution device. Additionally, games such as SUPERHOT VR show that the Quest 3S doesn’t compromise essential gaming joy.
Final Thoughts
The Meta Quest 3S stands as the quickest and most budget-friendly option for gamers eager to experience virtual reality. While the lack of premium features may seem limiting, the overall performance and game library justify the price. Is the Quest 3S the right choice for you? If you desire a vibrant introduction to VR without the hefty price tag, then undoubtedly, this is the headset to consider.
Interested in delving into virtual reality with the Quest 3S? It might be the perfect gateway for your VR journey. What are your thoughts on the current state of VR technology?
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