Introduction
After waiting for weeks, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is finally here – and some heads are turning. Built with Microsoft, the limited-edition VR helmet is powered by Meta's VR hardware and uses Xbox's cloud gaming service.
However, aside from the hype, the real question is: will you, as a consumer, be happy that you spent the money?
Let’s take a look at what this headset is — and what it’s not.
What You Get with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is priced at $399 and comes packed with gear that is both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically stable.
In the Box:
A black Meta Quest 3S headset with Xbox brilliant green accents
- Touch Plus controller to match the design
- Limited-edition Xbox Wireless controller
- Upgraded Elite Strap for better comfort
- 3-month subscription to Meta Horizon+ VR
- 3-month trial to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
For gamers looking for a value-packed bundle with bold Xbox flair, this ticks a lot of boxes.
Design Meets Functionality
This edition looks a bit different from the regular Meta Quest 3S headset. The black-and-green Xbox branding is unmistakable, and the hardware is lightweight and well-balanced.
You can pair:
Xbox Wireless controller
Xbox Elite controller
Xbox Adaptive controller
Thanks to Bluetooth support, compatibility is seamless.
Gamers can stream nearly any title via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Whether you're playing a hot new release or an old-school favourite, you’ll have hundreds of options.
There are also multiple virtual screen sizes, including one that simulates a full-size movie theatre screen.
Where It Doubles Down
The Quest 3S Xbox Edition clearly delivers on a few key aspects:
Stylish Design – Xbox-green meets VR flair
Affordable Pricing – $399 for a fully loaded bundle
Game Access – Game Pass provides rich cloud content
Comfort – The Elite Strap helps reduce fatigue
A good fit for casual gamers, collectors, or first-time VR users.
Where It Doesn’t Quite Make the Grade
Despite its appeal, a few areas fall short:
No native gaming – streaming only
Possible lag – especially in fast-paced games
Visual quality – concerns with text clarity and pixilation
Resolution – not optimal for graphics-heavy titles
Performance gap – compared to the original Quest 3
Compared to the ~$500 Quest 3, this model has noticeably reduced specs.
Gaming Experience: Expect Compromises
Even with:
Stable internet
5GHz Wi-Fi
some games still show:
Blocky visuals
Quest 2-level lens performance
Lower immersion in motion-heavy scenes
So, while the Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers access and style, it may disappoint gamers who demand high-performance visuals.
Who Should Get This?
This bundle is ideal for:
- First-time VR buyers
- Xbox enthusiasts
- Collectors of branded hardware
It looks great, performs reasonably well, and opens the door to a vast library of cloud-streamed games.
But if you're a serious VR gamer wanting the highest visual fidelity and smooth performance, you're better off investing in the original Quest 3.
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