# The Meta Quest 3s: The Latest Affordable VR Headset in the Market
Virtual reality (VR) fans, celebrate! Meta is preparing to launch a new cost-effective VR headset, the **Meta Quest 3s**, anticipated to enter the market at a competitive price of **$299**. This positions it as one of the most budget-friendly VR headsets in Meta’s range, offering an easier entry point for individuals aiming to explore the captivating realm of virtual reality without overspending.
## Essential Information
– **Pricing**: The Meta Quest 3s will kick off at **$299**, as verified by an Amazon advertisement seen on the streaming service Peacock.
– **Release Date**: The official reveal is slated for **September 25** during the Meta Connect event.
– **Specifications**: The Meta Quest 3s is believed to incorporate the same **Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset** as the Meta Quest 3, enabling it to run games exclusive to Quest 3 at a more economical price.
## An Economical VR Adventure
For several months, speculation has been rife regarding Meta’s initiative to introduce a more budget-friendly variant of its premier VR headset, the Meta Quest 3. Now, with evidence from a leaked Amazon advertisement, it’s confirmed that the Meta Quest 3s will retail for **$299**. This price point undercuts the Meta Quest 3 by $200, making it a more economically sensible choice for gamers and VR fans.
The Meta Quest 3s will feature **128GB of storage**, doubling the storage of the original Oculus Quest 2, which debuted at the same price back in 2020. This is particularly noteworthy, especially with the increasing prices of electronics driven by inflation. In comparison, other gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 have experienced price increases, while Meta is providing a more wallet-friendly alternative for VR gaming.
## Meta’s Plan: A Dual-SKU Strategy
Meta’s strategy with the Meta Quest 3s parallels that of **Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S** approach. Both Xbox models belong to the same generation and can access the same games, but the Series S serves as a more cost-effective choice with some hardware trade-offs. Likewise, the Meta Quest 3s will retain much of the same hardware as the Meta Quest 3 but will feature some cost-cutting modifications.
### Key Hardware Specifications
– **Chipset**: The Meta Quest 3s is anticipated to utilize the same **Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset** as seen in the Meta Quest 3. This assures its capacity to run Quest 3-exclusive titles, so users won’t miss the latest VR releases.
– **Lenses**: One significant cost-saving strategy is adopting **Fresnel lenses** in place of the more sophisticated **pancake lenses** available in the Meta Quest 3. Although Fresnel lenses are bulkier and less crisp than pancake lenses, they are cheaper to produce. This allows Meta to maintain a lower price while still delivering a commendable VR experience. Moreover, Fresnel lenses don’t necessitate as intense a display as pancake lenses, enabling Meta to utilize a more affordable screen without sacrificing considerable image quality.
– **Design Size**: With the implementation of Fresnel lenses, the Meta Quest 3s is predicted to be a bit larger than the Meta Quest 3, yet still more compact than the earlier Quest 2. This positions it as a compromise in terms of size and comfort.
– **Controllers and Cameras**: The Meta Quest 3s is expected to come with the same **controllers** found in the Meta Quest 3, which are celebrated for their precision and ergonomic design. Furthermore, the headset will include **full-color passthrough cameras**, enabling users to engage with their physical surroundings while in VR, an enhancement that improves the overall experience.
## A New Chapter for Affordable VR
The Meta Quest 3s seems to be a transformative addition to the VR landscape, promising a premium experience at a fraction of the price of other high-end headsets. With the same powerful chipset as the Meta Quest 3 and the capability to play exclusive titles, the Quest 3s is likely to captivate a broad audience, from casual gamers to devoted VR fans.
Meta’s choice to introduce a budget-friendly version of its flagship headset is a savvy strategy, especially as VR’s popularity continues to surge. By offering a more affordable alternative, Meta is making VR more reachable for a wider audience, which could foster the uptake of VR technology in the years to come.
## Anticipated Announcement at Meta Connect
The Meta Quest 3s is set to be officially announced at **Meta Connect** on **September 25**, where Meta will likely present several other new offerings as well. This yearly gathering serves as a crucial platform for Meta to unveil its most recent advancements in the VR and AR domains,
