Xbox and Meta have officially launched a unique collaboration, introducing the limited-edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition headset. While the striking black and green design might suggest a dedicated Xbox VR console, this partnership is primarily focused on elevating the experience of playing Xbox Cloud Gaming titles on the Meta Quest platform.
This special edition marks the first limited-run Quest headset released by Meta.
What is the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition?
At its core, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a customized version of the standard 128GB Meta Quest 3S VR headset. It sports a distinct “Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green” color scheme, applying the signature Xbox colors to the headset and its accompanying Touch Plus controllers.
Priced at $399.99 / £379.99, this isn’t just a cosmetic update. The bundle includes several key items that significantly enhance the value proposition:
The Meta Quest 3S headset (128GB) in exclusive Xbox colors.
Matching Meta Quest Touch Plus controllers.
A limited-edition Xbox wireless controller in the same black and green theme.
A Meta Quest Elite strap (non-battery version) for improved comfort and stability.
A three-month membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, automatically applied upon setup.
When comparing the bundle price to buying a standard Quest 3S and these accessories separately, analysts estimate a saving of approximately $100 or more, making it a compelling package for Xbox fans interested in VR.
Play Your Xbox Library on a Giant Virtual Screen
The primary appeal of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is its deep integration with Xbox Cloud Gaming. While Xbox doesn’t currently support native VR game titles, Quest owners have been able to stream Xbox Game Pass games via a beta app since December 2023.
This limited-edition headset refines that experience by including the essential accessories – the Xbox controller and Game Pass subscription – right out of the box. Users can access and play a vast library of standard Xbox titles like Forza Motorsport, Starfield, and Hi-Fi Rush*, displayed on a large, high-quality virtual 2D screen within the headset environment. Think of it as having your own massive, personal display for playing your favorite console games without needing a physical TV. The size of this virtual screen is advertised by Meta as up to 312 inches.
An Expansion of the Xbox Ecosystem
This move isn’t a signal that Xbox is imminently launching its own dedicated VR platform, but rather an extension of Microsoft’s strategy to position Xbox as an ecosystem accessible across various devices. Much like their partnership with ASUS for the ROG Ally handheld, collaborating with Meta allows Xbox to reach players on hardware beyond its traditional consoles. It also provides Microsoft valuable insight into consumer interest for playing cloud-streamed Xbox games through a headset.
Microsoft has explored bringing mixed reality and VR to its console platforms before, notably discussing content for Project Scorpio (the precursor to the Xbox One X) back in 2017. However, the current Meta Quest partnership is firmly centered around leveraging the existing Xbox Cloud Gaming functionality.
Beyond Xbox: Full Meta Quest Capability
Despite the strong Xbox branding, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition runs on Meta’s standard HorizonOS software. This means the headset retains full access to the extensive Meta Quest library of standalone VR games and apps.
Furthermore, like other Quest headsets, it can connect to a gaming PC wirelessly or via USB-C using features like SteamLink or Air Link. This capability makes the Xbox Edition a viable, albeit not the cheapest, entry point into the world of PC VR gaming, allowing users to play titles from platforms like Steam VR.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is available in limited quantities from retailers including xbox.com, Meta.com, Best Buy in the U.S., and Argos and EE in the U.K. For Xbox enthusiasts looking to jump into VR or Meta Quest users keen to streamline their Xbox Cloud Gaming experience, this limited-edition bundle offers both unique branding and significant value.
