Meta and Xbox have come together to introduce a fresh gaming experience with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. This special edition VR headset brings a new spin to gaming that instantly grabbed my attention.
The partnership between these tech giants isn’t new. Back in 2022, Xbox cloud gaming became available on Meta headsets, and by 2023, Xbox Game Pass arrived on the Meta Quest 3. This latest release builds on that foundation.
What Makes This Headset Special
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition stands out visually. The device sports Xbox’s signature black and green color scheme, complete with matching Touch Plus controllers. The package includes a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller, giving users multiple ways to interact with their games.
Beyond the aesthetics, buyers receive three months of Meta Horizon+ and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This means immediate access to a vast library of content without additional purchases.
The headset costs £379.99 in the UK and $399.99 in the US. UK customers can purchase it directly from Meta or through Argos and EE stores. US buyers will find it at Best Buy locations.
Gaming Experience Through the Cloud
The gaming experience works through cloud technology. Players access Xbox Game Pass titles through the headset, though games don’t run in full VR mode. Instead, the system offers four different display options, including a cinema-sized screen that creates an immersive viewing experience.
Cross-play and cross-progression features mean I can start a game on my Xbox console, continue on PC, and then switch to the VR headset without losing progress. This flexibility makes the system particularly appealing for busy gamers.
Microsoft’s VR Strategy
In 2019, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed skepticism about VR technology. He called it “isolating” and noted that Xbox customers weren’t requesting VR capabilities. Spencer also mentioned that VR units weren’t selling in significant numbers at the time.
Now, Microsoft enters the VR space through partnerships rather than developing proprietary systems. This strategy mirrors their approach to handheld gaming, where they’ve partnered with ASUS for the Xbox-branded ROG Ally, scheduled for release later this year.
This collaborative approach contrasts sharply with Sony’s PSVR2 strategy. Sony’s standalone VR system has struggled since its 2023 launch, recently losing support for popular titles like Beat Saber on PlayStation platforms.
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