You can currently grab Meta's Quest 3S headset at a discounted rate from different retailers, though the best offer right now is $249 at Walmart, where you get a free game, the three-month trial and a $50 discount. Several offers include a free game as well as the standard three-month trial of Meta Horizon Plus. Electronics retailer Newegg is one example. It's selling the bundle for $299.
While there are plenty of VR headsets on the market, the Meta Quest 3 is the best choice for power and price. If you're budget-conscious, then you can also get a lot out of the Meta Quest 3S. The 3S is still more than powerful enough for a lot of people, and the lower price makes it a lot easier to justify.
In his Quest 3S review, CNET's VR expert Scott Stein calls the Meta Quest 3S "by far the best value in VR," and he praises its improved color pass-through cameras, use of mixed reality and improved CPU and graphics.
The new model has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR 2 Gen 2 chip found in the Meta Quest 3 and a better color pass-through camera, which enables mixed reality like its predecessor. The controllers are the same, and it has the Fresnel lenses and display resolution of the now-discontinued Quest 2. If you're willing to splurge a little more, the $500 Meta Quest 3 may be worth the extra cost for the additional storage and higher-quality lenses and displays.
For a lower cost, this headset upgrade offers a lot, including access to apps and games that older Meta Quest consoles can't run. If you choose to upgrade to the Meta Quest 3S, Meta's also throwing in a free download of the new game Batman: Arkham Shadow, as well as a three-month subscription to Meta Quest Plus. Just note that the subscription service will run you $8 a month once your trial expires.
Best Meta Quest 3S deals
Order the Meta Quest 3S directly from Meta you'll get a three-month trial of Meta Horizon Plus, regardless of whether you choose the 128GB or 256GB model.
Amazon is also offering the trial for Meta Horizon Plus with your purchase, with over 40 games included.
Order from Newegg, and you'll get three months of Meta Quest Plus and the Batman: Arkham Shadow game for free.
Walmart is offering a three-month trial of Meta Horizon Plus with your purchase. This bundle also comes with the Batman: Arkham Shadow game.
If you decide the Meta Quest 3 with its larger 512GB of storage is a better fit, we have rounded up all of the best Meta Quest 3 deals to help you score one for less. Â
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