The Meta Quest 3S is expected to be a more affordable version of Meta’s powerful Quest 3 VR headset. While not officially announced, multiple leaks and rumors have revealed details about the upcoming device.
The Quest 3S is expected to use the same Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset as the Quest 3, providing strong performance. However, it will likely have a lower screen resolution of 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye compared to the Quest 3’s 2,064 x 2,208 pixels. It will also revert to a bulkier fresnel lens system instead of the Quest 3’s slimmer pancake lenses.
Other downgrades include a fixed 3-position IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment instead of the Quest 3’s more granular adjustment wheel.[3] The Quest 3S is also expected to have 128GB or 256GB of storage, less than the Quest 3’s 128GB or 512GB options.
However, the Quest 3S will retain the Quest 3’s color passthrough cameras for mixed reality experiences. It will also use the same controller design without the tracking rings.
The Quest 3S is expected to be revealed at Meta Connect 2024 on September 25-26, 2024, with a likely release shortly after. Pricing is rumored to be around $300-$400, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to the $500 Quest 3.
The Quest 3S appears to be a compromise, retaining key features of the Quest 3 while making some concessions to reach a lower price point and replace the aging Quest 2 as Meta’s budget-friendly VR offering.