The arrival of the limited-edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR headset bundle brings a wave of nostalgia, echoing back to the early days of consumer VR like the original Oculus Rift which also notably included an Xbox controller. This special collaboration between Meta and Microsoft wraps the familiar Quest 3S hardware in a distinctive Xbox-inspired package, priced at $399.99. But what exactly does that price get you, and is this bundle more than just a fresh coat of paint?
At its core, this is indeed a Quest 3S headset, featuring a sleek carbon black finish with signature velocity green accents on the head strap and controllers. The bundle stands out not just for its look but for the extras it packs inside:
The Meta Quest 3S VR headset in the custom black and green colorway.
Matching Meta Touch Plus controllers.
A standard Xbox Wireless Controller (pre-paired for convenience).
A Meta Quest Elite Strap (a significant upgrade for comfort over the standard fabric strap).
A three-month trial code for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
A three-month trial code for Meta Horizon+.
This array of accessories immediately adds tangible value. When purchased separately, the Elite Strap alone typically costs around $50-$60, and the Game Pass Ultimate trial is valued at roughly $60. Including a standard Xbox controller and the Horizon+ trial means the bundled extras are worth well over $100. Considering the standard 128GB Quest 3S headset costs $299, the $400 price point for the Xbox Edition offers a compelling saving of around $100 compared to buying the components individually, making it a potentially “pretty good deal” for those already eyeing a Quest 3S and these specific accessories.
Xbox Cloud Gaming: A Big Screen, Not True VR
The central feature promoted with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is seamless access to Xbox Cloud Gaming. Users can stream hundreds of titles from the Game Pass Ultimate library directly to the headset via a dedicated Quest app, which comes pre-configured in this edition. The included Xbox controller makes this experience intuitive for console players.
However, it’s crucial to understand the nature of this integration: Xbox games are streamed and displayed on a large, virtual flat screen within the VR environment. This simulates having a massive, cinema-sized display in front of you, but it is not a 3D VR experience of the games themselves. You can adjust the screen’s size and curvature, pin it to follow you as you move, or place it within a mixed reality view showing your real surroundings. Performance on a strong Wi-Fi connection is reported as generally smooth with minimal input lag, though the streaming quality is subject to Cloud Gaming’s inherent bitrate limitations, occasionally resulting in blocky visuals in the fully immersive mode. This is essentially bringing your “big TV in VR” for 2D games.
Why the Quest 3S?
Some may wonder why Meta chose the Quest 3S for this special edition instead of the higher-end Quest 3. The Quest 3 offers better visual fidelity thanks to a higher-resolution display and superior lenses. While the 128GB capacity of the Quest 3S bundle is sufficient for cloud streaming, many native Quest games require significant storage space, which could be a limitation for some users. Choosing the Quest 3S likely keeps the bundle at the more accessible $400 price point, whereas a Quest 3 version would have been considerably more expensive. For Meta and Microsoft, the focus here appears to be on value and introducing the Xbox Cloud Gaming capability on a virtual big screen, rather than pushing the boundaries of VR visuals.
A Collector’s Item and Marketing Strategy
Beyond the bundled value and Cloud Gaming access, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is primarily a limited-edition design drop. It’s a stylish collector’s item, featuring high-quality design application beyond simple stickers, appealing particularly to hardcore Xbox fans. It does not connect directly to an Xbox console for native VR gaming – that capability doesn’t exist for Xbox.
This release also sparks speculation about Microsoft’s future in the XR space. While they previously had VR hardware efforts and the HoloLens, their current strategy emphasizes bringing Xbox services everywhere. This Quest bundle, much like the upcoming Asus ROG Ally Xbox Edition handheld, can be seen as another facet of Microsoft’s “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign, extending their brand and cloud gaming reach onto diverse platforms and potentially gauging interest for future hardware endeavors.
Who Is This Bundle For?
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is ideal for a specific audience:
Xbox Fans & Collectors: The unique black and green design and branding are a major draw.
Value Seekers: If you were already planning to buy a Quest 3S and wanted an Elite Strap and Game Pass Ultimate, the bundle offers a tangible saving.
- Cloud Gaming Enthusiasts: Provides a convenient and pre-configured way to experience Xbox Cloud Gaming on a large virtual screen, offering portability not possible with a console and TV.
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However, those seeking the best possible VR visual experience should look at the Quest 3, and users hoping for native Xbox console VR gaming will be disappointed. Availability is also limited, adding to its collector status.
In conclusion, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a well-packaged, value-added version of the standard Quest 3S. It smartly bundles essential accessories and subscriptions with a unique aesthetic and highlights the readily available Xbox Cloud Gaming feature on a virtual screen. While not a revolutionary leap in VR or a true Xbox VR console connector, it offers a compelling entry point into the Quest ecosystem for Xbox fans or anyone prioritizing the bundled value and the appeal of gaming on a massive virtual display, all wrapped up in a sharp black and green design that many wish Meta would make a standard color option across its headset lineup.
