Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: A Good Buy or Just Hype?

Introduction

Gamers everywhere have a new reason to celebrate, as the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition has officially launched. After over a year of waiting since the initial announcement, Meta has rolled out a sleek, limited-edition VR bundle made with Microsoft.

With Xbox Cloud Gaming now accessible through this VR headset, many have been wondering: is this new console really worth the wait? Let's take a look at what is included, what works well, and what doesn't.

What Comes with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition Bundle?

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition retails for $399 and combines the best of Meta's VR technology and Xbox gaming ecosystem. The package includes:

• Meta Quest 3S in black and Xbox green

• Touch Plus controllers with Xbox-themed touches

• Limited-edition Xbox wireless controller

• Elite Strap for comfort

• 3-month membership to Meta Horizon+

• 3-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

? For those who care about design and brand equity, this bundle has all the bases covered.

Features That Make an Impression

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition headset has a new design that pays homage to classic Xbox. The controllers, strap, and headset all feature Xbox velocity green accents.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth compatibility with existing Xbox controllers

• Xbox Cloud Gaming for a wide range of titles

• Four virtual screen sizes, including a massive 26-foot screen

• Perfect for both casual play and VR streaming

The Good: Design, Value & Compatibility

At a price point of $399, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers fantastic value for Xbox fans:

• Limited-edition aesthetics a collectors delight

• Elite Strap improves comfort during long sessions

• Items separately would cost over $100

• 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate access

You can try titles like Avowed or South of Midnight without any added cost.

The Not-So-Good: The Shortcomings

Despite the cool design, there are a few downsides:

• Performance dip compared to original Quest 3

• Game streaming only no native game installs

• Lag, delay, and graphics degradation possible

• Screen clarity issues notably during text-heavy scenes in games like Indiana Jones

• Resolution and lens quality are comparable to the older Quest 2

Gaming Experience: A Bit of a Mixed Bag

The headset requires:

• 5GHz Wi-Fi

• Minimum 20 Mbps internet speed

Even with these specs, users reported:

• Blocky graphics in fast-moving scenes (Clair Obscur)

• Lens and visual quality too similar to Quest 2

• Some visual clarity disappointments in key gaming moments

Final Verdict: Should You Buy Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition?

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a stylish and budget-friendly entry into VR gaming. Its ideal for:

• Beginners

• Collectors

• Casual gamers

• Xbox superfans

However, for those seeking:

• High-end performance

• Crisp visuals

• Native game support

...the original Quest 3 remains the better choice.