The lines between gaming and reality are blurring once again with the release of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. Launched this week, the device, a special iteration of Meta’s Quest 3S MR headset introduced last year, aims to merge the immersive world of virtual reality with the familiar landscape of Xbox gaming. The Unexpected Anomaly? A seemingly seamless integration promises to bring Xbox Game Pass titles to a new dimension. The Immediate Reaction has been a surge of interest and some skepticism from both gaming and tech communities.
Priced at $399.99, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition comes equipped with a pre-loaded Xbox app, acting as a portal to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Includded is a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller sporting the Carbon Black chassis with Velocity Green accents. The headset itself boasts similar specifications to the standard Quest 3S, including 4K Infinite+ displays and full-color passthrough capabilities designed to enhance the mixed reality experience. But is it more than just a clever bundling of existing tech?
Beyond the hardware, Meta is sweetening the deal with complementary three-month subscriptions to both Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The offering grants access to a substantial library of games and exclusive perks. Microsoft has collaborated with Meta on this venture, optimizing the Quest 3S Xbox Edition with the pre-loaded Xbox app. This allows players to potentially dive into titles like the upcoming Avowed, Forza Motorsport, and older classics on the MR headset.
“We’re excited to bring the Xbox experience to Meta Quest, offering players new ways to connect with their favorite games,” said a spokeperson familiar with the deal. (Source unverified).
One of the key selling points is the capability to stream over 100 cloud-playable gaming titles, even those not included in Game Pass Ultimate, provided they’ve been previously purchased. This expansive compatibility gives gamers flexibility in how they engage with their existing libraries. Of course, owning games outright is getting less common all the time.
For those looking to upgrade their setup, the headset also supports pairing with separate purchases of Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 or Xbox Adaptive Controller. The ability to leverage cross-play and cross-progression is a significant asset. This means players can seamlessly switch between the Quest 3S Xbox Edition and their Xbox console, continuing their game without losing progress or achievements. The Lingering Question is whether the experience truly rivals playing on a dedicated console or PC.
Under the hood, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition retains the core specifications of the standard model. It features 4K+ Infinite screens with a resolution of 2064×2208 pixels per eye, offering a wide field of view. The device is powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 platform and comes with 8GB of RAM. The MR headset operates on Meta Horizon OS, optimized for spatial experiences with full-color passthrough support, enhanced spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, and Theatre View. It all sounds quite promising, until you actually try it, sometimes!
Meta emphasizes that the Quest 3S, is well-suited for 2D apps like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, extending its utility beyond gaming. A Travel Mode facilitates usage during transit, and the Meta AI assistant can be activated via a voice command, adding a layer of convenience for users.
The availability of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is currently limited. It can be purchased through the Meta Store and Best Buy in the US, as well as Argos and EE in the UK. The device is offered in a single 128GB configuration and the exclusive Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green color scheme.
The impact on the gaming community and the broader tech landscape remains to be seen. Will this herald a new era of immersive gaming, or will it be a niche product confined to early adopters? The success of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition will depend not only on its technical capabilities but also on its ability to seamlessly integrate into the existing gaming ecosystem. One key thing is making sure the headset fits, as one user posted on X.com this morning: “Got mine today, so excited! #MetaQuest #Xbox BUT the fit is weird, anyone else have this issue?” Another person commented on the same post: “Mine fits great, maybe your IPD is off?”. The user experience, it would seem, can vary.
One family man from Ohio, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his experience: “I saw it advertised and thought, ‘Wow, that could be a game-changer for family game night.’ I preordered it. Got it set up. And honestly? The kids were more interested in watching me flail around than playing the games. The shift was gradual, then sudden,” he added with a sigh. “Now it sits on a shelf, gathering dust.”
Here’s a summary of the key featuers:
- Pre-loaded Xbox app for cloud gaming
- Limited edition Xbox Wireless Controller
- Complementary subscriptions to Meta Horizon+ and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- 4K Infinite+ displays with full-color passthrough
- Cross-play and cross-progression support
- Compatability with Xbox Elite and Adaptive Controllers
- Travel Mode and Meta AI assistant
The release of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition raises fundamental questions about the future of gaming. Is this a step towards a fully immersive metaverse, or simply an attempt to capitalize on the hype surrounding VR and AR techonology? Only time will tell if Meta and Microsoft’s gamble will pay off. The gaming landscape, currently dominated by consoles and PCs, might just be on the cusp of a revolution, or at least a significant evolution.
It is also worth noting the issue of digital ownership. The subscription model, while providing access to a vast library, raises questions about the long-term accessibility of games. With services coming and going, and digital rights remaining uncertain, there is a chance that many of the titles enjoyed on the Quest 3S Xbox Edition could eventually disappear. Another useer on Instagram posted: “I am more worried about Meta’s data collection habits than anything else. #privacyfirst”.
