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The Meta Quest 3S 128GB is Meta’s latest entry-level VR headset, offering a compelling balance of performance, features, and affordability. Priced at $299.99, it includes a digital copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month trial of Meta Quest+, making it an attractive option for both newcomers and seasoned VR enthusiasts.Tom’s Guide+1Best Buy+1
🔍 Quick Specs
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Price: $299.99 (128GB), $399.99 (256GB)
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Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
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Display: 1832 x 1920 per eye (Fresnel lenses)
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Refresh Rate: 90–120Hz
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RAM: 8GB
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Battery Life: Up to 2.5 hours
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Weight: Approximately 513 grams
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Controllers: Touch Pro with hand tracking support
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Included: Batman: Arkham Shadow (digital), 3-month Meta Quest+ trialWIRED+4Tom’s Guide+4GameSpot+4GameSpot+2The Guardian+2Tom’s Guide+2GameSpot+1Best Buy+1Meta Quest+1GameSpot+1Amazon+1Wikipedia+1
🎮 Gaming Performance & Experience
Equipped with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip and 8GB of RAM, the Quest 3S delivers smooth and responsive gameplay. While it utilizes the same Fresnel lenses as the Quest 2, resulting in a slightly lower resolution compared to the Quest 3, the overall visual experience remains impressive. The headset supports a 90–120Hz refresh rate, ensuring fluid motion in fast-paced games.The Guardian+1New York Magazine+1WIRED+2New York Magazine+2The Guardian+2
The inclusion of Batman: Arkham Shadow enhances the gaming package. This VR-exclusive title offers an immersive experience, allowing players to step into the shoes of a younger Batman. The game’s combat system is well-adapted for VR, providing engaging action sequences. While some stealth sections may feel less intuitive, the overall gameplay is compelling. Wikipedia
🧠 Mixed Reality & Social Features
The Quest 3S introduces full-color passthrough capabilities, enabling mixed reality experiences where digital elements blend seamlessly with the physical environment. This feature enhances applications like Meta Horizon, where users can attend virtual events or socialize with friends in shared spaces. Additionally, the headset supports multitasking, allowing users to browse the web, watch videos, and communicate simultaneously. Amazon+3The Guardian+3WIRED+3Big Apple Buddy+2LeaseVille+2Newegg+2Amazon
⚙️ Design & Comfort
Weighing approximately 513 grams, the Quest 3S is lightweight and comfortable for extended use. The default head strap is functional, though some users may prefer upgrading to the Elite Strap for improved support and adjustability. The Touch Pro controllers are ergonomically designed and offer precise tracking, enhancing the overall user experience.GameSpot
🔋 Battery Life
The headset offers up to 2.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is adequate for most gaming sessions. However, for extended use, especially during longer gaming or social sessions, users might consider using the headset while plugged in or investing in an external battery pack. The Guardian
📦 Included Bonuses
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Batman: Arkham Shadow: A VR-exclusive action-adventure game set in the Batman universe.
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Meta Quest+ (3-Month Trial): A subscription service offering two free VR games each month. Even if the subscription is canceled after the trial, users retain access to the claimed games. WikipediaGameSpot
✅ Pros
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Affordable price point with high-end features.
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Smooth performance with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip.
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Full-color passthrough for mixed reality experiences.
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Includes a popular VR game and subscription trial.
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Lightweight and comfortable design.WIRED+3The Guardian+3Tom’s Guide+3WIRED
❌ Cons
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Lower resolution compared to the Quest 3 due to Fresnel lenses.
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Battery life may be limiting for extended sessions.
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Default head strap may not provide optimal comfort for all users.
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Limited storage capacity in the 128GB model.New York Magazine+3GameSpot+3The Guardian+3Best Buy
🛒 Where to Buy
🧠 Final Verdict
The Meta Quest 3S 128GB stands out as a top-tier VR headset in its price range. It offers a rich set of features, including mixed reality capabilities and access to a vast library of VR content. The inclusion of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a 3-month Meta Quest+ trial adds significant value, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers to VR and seasoned enthusiasts seeking a cost-effective upgrade.
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