Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition Review: A Balanced Experience with a Noticeable Compromise
Microsoft is set to release a new family of hardware devices, including an Xbox-branded handheld PC, and has partnered with Meta to offer an Xbox Edition of the Meta Quest 3S VR headset.
The new Xbox-branded device is expected to provide quick and seamless access to Microsoft's Game Pass service, allowing users to enjoy a vast library of games on the go. The Xbox Edition of the Meta Quest 3S, priced at $400, offers a bundle that includes a Meta Quest headset, an Xbox controller, and access to Game Pass Ultimate for game streaming. This bundle saves users $95 compared to buying everything separately, but requires a $20 monthly fee for game streaming.
The Meta Quest 3S offers a slightly more grainy image quality compared to the Meta Quest 3, due to its single LCD display and Fresnel lenses. The Quest 3, on the other hand, boasts dual LCD panels, premium pancake lenses, and a higher display resolution, resulting in sharper and clearer visuals. The Quest 3 also offers a wider, 110-degree horizontal field of view (FOV) compared to the Quest 3S's 96 degrees.
Microsoft is aiming to rebrand various gaming-capable devices as pseudo gaming consoles, and the Xbox Edition bundle includes an extra Xbox controller and the ergonomic Elite Strap, designed to help prevent neck strain during extended gaming sessions. A stable internet connection with at least 20 Mbps and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection is recommended for streaming games on Quest.
For those seeking the best display quality for game streaming, the Meta Quest 3 remains the superior option. However, the Quest 3S offers a more budget-friendly alternative, delivering strong performance at a lower price point, making it suitable for casual or first-time VR users.
In addition, Microsoft is reengineering its Windows operating system to provide a more console-like experience on its new devices, further blurring the lines between traditional computing and gaming. As the tech giant continues to push the boundaries of hardware and software, expect exciting developments in the world of gaming and virtual reality.
[1] Display resolution: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-quest-3-specs-leak-suggest-higher-resolution-than-quest-2/ [2] Display type and lenses: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-quest-3-specs-leak-suggest-higher-resolution-than-quest-2/ [3] Field of view: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-quest-3-specs-leak-suggest-higher-resolution-than-quest-2/ [4] Refresh rate: https://www.roadtovr.com/meta-quest-3-specs-leak-suggest-higher-resolution-than-quest-2/
[1] Gizmodo's review of the new Xbox-branded handheld PC highlights its technology, emphasizing its seamless access to Microsoft's Game Pass service and the advanced console-like experience offered by the reengineered Windows operating system.
[2] In contrast, a recent Gizmodo review of the Meta Quest 3S VR headset pointed out its single LCD display and Fresnel lenses, resulting in a slightly more grainy image quality compared to the Meta Quest 3.
[3] Looking forward to the future, the upcoming Xbox Edition of the Meta Quest 3S and the new family of hardware devices from Microsoft showcase the company's commitment to transforming various gadgets into pseudo gaming consoles, leveraging technology to bring gaming and virtual reality closer to mainstream consumers.
