Meta‘s upcoming Meta Quest 3S, a mixed reality headset, is generating excitement thanks to several leaked features. Virtual reality glasses have been around for more than a decade, allowing users to dive into immersive experiences, particularly in video games. Horror games, for instance, have gained new depth with the ability to fully immerse in the virtual world. However, over time, traditional VR headsets like those seen on PS4 and PS5 have begun to lose their appeal, making way for mixed reality (MR) glasses. Among these, Meta’s Quest 3 has been a standout product, and now leaks suggest the arrival of the Meta Quest 3S, which could come with new features, including an action button.
Meta, once known as Facebook and led by Mark Zuckerberg, shifted its focus to building the “Metaverse,” a network of virtual worlds where people could socialize, work, and play in an immersive environment. Despite the Metaverse itself struggling to meet expectations, Meta’s VR and MR devices have remained successful, with the Quest 2 and Quest 3 selling well due to their solid features and reasonable pricing.
The Meta Quest 3S is expected to follow in their footsteps, but it is believed to be a more budget-friendly option, also referred to as the “Meta Quest 3 Lite.” According to leaks, the Quest 3S will feature panels with a 1,832 x 1,920 resolution for each eye and come with 256 GB of storage. While it’s a more affordable model, it will still have an innovative “action button.” This button allows users to switch between full VR mode and a “passthrough mode,” which lets users see their surroundings—similar to augmented reality. This provides flexibility for users to toggle between total immersion and interacting with the real world.
Despite being positioned as a budget-friendly option, there are some compromises with the Quest 3S. For instance, its battery will be smaller than that of the Meta Quest 3, with a capacity of 16.74 Wh compared to the Quest 3’s 18.8 Wh. However, it will still be an upgrade over the Quest 2’s battery. Another notable change is the removal of the headphone jack, a trend that’s becoming more common. Users who prefer wired headphones will need a USB-C adapter to connect them, similar to how Apple handles its Vision Pro glasses.
More details about the Meta Quest 3S are expected to be revealed during the Meta Connect event on September 25 and 26. Since the Meta Quest 3 was launched in October 2023, it is likely that the Meta Quest 3S could be released around the same time this year. With its competitive price point and practical new features, the Meta Quest 3S looks like a promising option for those wanting to experience mixed reality without breaking the bank.
