Redditors have discovered an image of an unreleased Meta VR headset, rumored to be named the Quest 3S, within the official Meta Quest Link PC software. The Quest 3S is expected to be a more affordable alternative to the flagship Quest 3, with a design that includes front-facing cameras and sensors arranged in two triangular clusters, giving it a unique “spider-eyes” appearance. The leaked image suggests that the Quest 3S will be bulkier than the Quest 3 but closer in size to the Quest 2, leading to speculation that it will serve as a replacement for the Quest 2, which was released in 2020. With the Quest 2 currently available for $199, limited supplies indicate that it may soon be discontinued in favor of the Quest 3S.
The Quest 3S is expected to be priced lower than the Quest 3, which has a starting price of $499. While the budget headset may be powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset as the Quest 3, it could potentially utilize the cheaper fresnel lenses from the Quest 2. Additionally, the Quest 3S may not come with the Touch Plus Controllers that accompany the Quest 3, instead relying on built-in eye- and hand-tracking for interaction. However, users will have the option to purchase the controllers separately if desired. These cost-saving measures are likely to contribute to the overall affordability of the Quest 3S compared to its higher-end counterpart.
The leak of the Quest 3S comes just before Meta Connect 2024, the company’s annual conference scheduled for September 25-26. It is anticipated that Meta will officially announce the Quest 3S during this event, along with the introduction of new Meta Ray-Bans. The leaks and rumors surrounding the Quest 3S have generated excitement among VR enthusiasts, who are eager to see how the new headset will compare to existing models in terms of features, performance, and price. With Meta’s track record of innovation in the VR space, the Quest 3S is expected to offer a compelling option for consumers seeking an immersive yet affordable VR experience.
As the VR market continues to evolve and expand, Meta’s release of the Quest 3S represents a strategic move to cater to a wider range of consumers with varying budgets and preferences. By offering a more economical headset option in the form of the Quest 3S, Meta aims to democratize access to VR technology and stimulate further adoption among mainstream users. The introduction of features such as eye- and hand-tracking without the need for additional controllers demonstrates Meta’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of VR headsets while keeping costs down. This balanced approach to innovation and affordability is likely to position the Quest 3S as a competitive player in the VR market, appealing to both new and experienced users alike.
Overall, the leak of the Quest 3S and the anticipation surrounding its official unveiling at Meta Connect 2024 signal Meta’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of VR technology and delivering immersive experiences to a broad audience. With its unique design, cost-effective features, and rumored specifications, the Quest 3S has generated significant interest within the VR community. As Meta prepares to showcase its latest offerings, including the Quest 3S and Meta Ray-Bans, enthusiasts and consumers alike await further details on pricing, availability, and performance to determine whether the Quest 3S will be a game-changer in the VR industry.
