Meta Quest 3S VR Headset Review

Have you ever wanted to take a short vacation to another world from the safety of your home? Now, with the Meta Quest 3S, gamers can do just that in VR—without needing to take out a second mortgage. Everything VR enthusiasts expect from a headset is neatly tucked under the sleek chassis of the 3S, with the added bonus of leaving some funds to spare for games after the initial purchase.

When the Meta Quest 3S arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. A friend’s Meta Quest Pro had come in a massive, unwieldy package with excessive empty space, but the 3S arrives in a compact square box that’s as easy to unbox as it is to display. The packaging doubles as a minimalist white display case, which is perfect for gamers who don’t typically invest in protective cases for their devices (guilty as charged). The headset, controllers, and strap fit neatly into the packaging, which also looks great when used for storage.

The Meta Quest 3S is impressively lightweight considering its capabilities. It weighs just one gram less than the Meta Quest 3, coming in at 515 grams (approximately 1.1 lbs). This makes wearing the device for extended periods easier than expected. Compared to the Meta Quest Pro, the 3S is about 29 per cent lighter overall, and the strap fits snugly to the head. Initially, the facial interface didn’t fit me well, but with a little adjustment—and by using the included glasses spacer—it comfortably blocked out all external vision in my living room setup.

“Despite its lower price compared to the Quest 3, the Meta Quest 3S impressively retains powerful performance with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8 GB of RAM.”

For what the Meta Quest 3S has lost in price compared to the Quest 3, it has not sacrificed power. The headset is equipped with the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor and 8 GB of RAM, just like its more expensive counterpart. However, visual fidelity has taken a noticeable step back—especially if you’ve used the Quest 3. The Meta Quest 3S features a single LCD display instead of the Quest 3’s dual displays, and the resolution has dropped to 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye from the Quest 3’s 2064 x 2208 pixels.

Battery life is where the Meta Quest 3S shines. It outperforms both the Meta Quest Pro and the Quest 3, offering between 3.5 to 4.5 hours on a full charge, depending on game load. This is a significant improvement over the Pro’s two-hour maximum. The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent option for VR newcomers or users looking for an affordable upgrade, particularly due to its user-friendly onboarding process. A conveniently placed USB-C charging port on the left side of the device allows for comfortable use while charging—assuming the user doesn’t power down before the headset does.

The Meta Quest 3S controllers are among the finest peripherals in gaming and a delight to hold. Each handle is ergonomically designed to fit the user’s hand, offering precise control in any scenario. If the Meta Quest 3S controllers, PSVR 2 controllers, and Wii Motes were lined up in a shooting gallery, these would be my choice every time. The smooth plastic feels just right in hand, and the feedback from the grip and trigger buttons evokes the confidence of a trusted, well-worn tool. For newcomers, the Meta/Menu buttons could benefit from a slight raise to improve accessibility, but overall, these grips are nearly perfect.

Startup was remarkably efficient. The Meta Quest 3S guides users through a concise setup process before gradually handing over full control. The user interface is visually intuitive, offering a streamlined experience for those accustomed to application icons. Meta uses recognizable symbols, such as a small cog for Settings, ensuring users spend more time immersed in gameplay and less time navigating menus.

Smart design choices like these are prevalent throughout the Meta Quest 3S menus. Exploring basic functions and usability right away was refreshingly enjoyable and responsive. The 120Hz refresh rate the Quest 3S offers ensures smooth performance, even while navigating menus. After about 10 minutes of experimenting with the interface, I began exploring a few titles available in the Meta Quest 3S catalogue.

Clone Drone in the Hyperdome

The first title I tested on the Meta Quest 3S was Clone Drone in the Hyperdome. This game is packed with laughs, fun, and, most importantly, excellent mechanics. You begin as a highly disliked “Looprunner” referred to as Blink, Blinky, or variations thereof. Your character has massive shoes to fill, taking over for a beloved predecessor, while the assortment of robots (characters in the hub world) hurl colourful insults your way — “I’m that Glitch” — until you prove your worth.

The gameplay loop is simple yet incredibly addictive. You dive into a run and face off against an array of robots in the load room. Clone Drone in the Hyperdome is a roguelike, meaning each death sends you back to the home base, encouraging you to improve. Although the combat mechanics by Doborog Games appear simple at first, they are surprisingly deep, offering a smooth and highly enjoyable experience. Clone Drone in the Hyperdome is a must-play for VR combat enthusiasts, roguelike fans, or anyone who enjoys both genres. It’s an incredibly fun way to showcase the capabilities of VR—and the user.

Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable

Next up is Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable. I’m afraid of heights, and deploying the omni-directional movement seen in the incredibly popular anime series is effortless. Just like Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, AoT: Unbreakable VR deploys outstanding control schemes, and the movement is infectious. Swinging through the streets of the outer-most wall of Mitras during a Titan invasion is incredible fun itself.

While there are some hiccups and problems with frame rate, the developers at UNIVRS should take a bow, this is the best movement experience I’ve had in my short lived VR career. It’s seriously a blast to see the setting of AoT up close and personal from the true FPS view, and combat is no joke. Learning the ropes of AoT: Unbreakable VR is a mission, but once you get the hang of it, cutting up foul Titans becomes easier than making a Cobb Salad. Except the dressing is a lot grosser.

Squingle

I figured depth perception might be an issue in the VR world, but the developers behind Squingle said, “Hold my drink.” Squingle is a surprisingly complex VR experience disguised as a simple puzzle game. Players are greeted by a massive Medusa-like head (reminiscent of the floating green head, Skylar, from the Atari Jaguar’s Cybermorph), which explains their purpose: guiding a circle through a maze without touching the walls.

Although it may sound like a game of Operation with extra steps, using the Meta Quest 3S to manipulate the maze and plot your route is an incredibly satisfying experience, especially when achieving a full score on a stage. Squingle serves as both a game and a tech demo for the Meta Quest 3S, showcasing the device’s capabilities and AR immersion. Much like Luigi’s Mansion on the GameCube, it starts as a cozy introduction before escalating into a challenging, sweat-inducing affair.

Finally, while readers can check out CGMagazine’s review of Batman: Arkham Shadow, I can personally attest that its GOTY accolades are well-deserved. Camouflaj has gone above and beyond, delivering an authentic Arkham experience that lets players truly feel like the Caped Crusader. The game seamlessly integrates the combat mechanics of Clone Drone in the Hyperdome, the movement of AoT: Unbreakable VR, and the immersive depth of Squingle, resulting in a masterful portrayal of the Arkham universe. Fans of the console Arkham trilogy will feel right at home in this VR adaptation.

“The Meta Quest 3S is an affordable gateway into the next generation of VR, balancing cost, performance, and features for an outstanding entry point into virtual reality.”

One of the coolest bonus features of the Meta Quest 3S is its ability to log into Xbox Cloud Gaming and stream titles like Halo Infinite, Microsoft Flight Simulator, or Forza Horizon 5 directly to the device. By syncing a Bluetooth Xbox controller, users can enjoy a highly immersive version of Xbox gaming. Driving a Ford Bronco across the snowy peaks of the Horizon Mexico landscape in VR is the ultimate way to experience Forza Horizon. The game was already excellent outside a headset, but the Meta Quest 3S elevates it.

I’ll admit, this functionality is the only reason I might personally choose the Meta Quest 3 over the 3S. Visual fidelity isn’t a major concern for me, but users accustomed to top-notch graphics will likely notice the difference. Streaming Xbox games on the Meta Quest 3 offers better visuals than the 3S. That said, Meta has truly delivered with the Meta Quest 3S.

Gamers can say what they will about VR, but the Meta Quest 3S provides a breathtaking next-gen experience. While it doesn’t match the Meta Quest 3’s resolution, it surpasses its predecessor with improved battery life and a consistent 120Hz refresh rate. The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent entry point into the world of VR, offering affordability without compromising on quality. Priced well below its older sibling and bundled with the VR GOTY Batman: Arkham Shadow, this is the ideal console for VR enthusiasts looking to upgrade or newcomers eager to dive into VR gaming without breaking the bank.

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