Microsoft hasn’t launched its own dedicated virtual reality headset, a stance consistent for years. However, the tech giant is actively expanding its reach into the VR space through a strategic partnership with Meta. The result is the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, a limited-edition bundle priced at $399.99 designed specifically with Xbox fans in mind.
This collaboration marks the first-ever limited-edition Quest headset. While Microsoft hasn’t pursued developing its own VR hardware, unlike competitors such as Sony with its PSVR2 (an effort some suggest appears to have been “left behind”), it is embracing the opportunity to bring its popular Xbox Cloud Gaming service to the Meta Quest platform.
What’s Inside the Box?
Crafted for the Xbox enthusiast, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundle packs a punch. It includes:
A custom 128GB Meta Quest 3S headset finished in distinct Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green colors.
Matching Meta Touch Plus controllers featuring the same color scheme.
A limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller that shares the bundle’s unique look. While standard Xbox controllers (including Elite Series 2 and Adaptive Controllers) can pair via Bluetooth, the included controller is pre-paired and styled to match.
A Meta Quest Elite Strap, an upgrade over the standard strap that enhances comfort and weight balance for longer sessions.
Three months of Meta Horizon+ subscription.
Three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.
Bringing Xbox Cloud Gaming to VR
The core appeal of this bundle lies in its integration with the Xbox ecosystem, primarily through Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). The Xbox app on the Meta Quest allows users with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to stream a vast library of games directly to the headset. This isn’t a native VR gaming experience; rather, it projects a large, virtual flat screen within the headset where you play the streamed Xbox titles. As one user described it, it’s like having a “big TV in VR.”
Hundreds of titles, from popular hits like Halo and Forza Horizon 5 to classics and newer releases like South of Midnight and Avowed, are accessible via cloud streaming. Game Pass Ultimate members can even stream select cloud-enabled games they already own that aren’t part of the standard library. This functionality has actually been available on standard Meta Quest headsets since late 2023, meaning this bundle packages existing capabilities with a unique aesthetic and value-added extras.
This move aligns perfectly with Microsoft’s ongoing “This is an Xbox” campaign, which aims to position Xbox as an ecosystem accessible across multiple devices, not just consoles. By making Game Pass and cloud gaming available on a popular VR headset, Microsoft is extending its reach into a new category, offering a flexible gaming experience that can follow players from their console or PC to the virtual screen in their headset, complete with cross-play and cross-progression support for many titles.
Microsoft’s VR Stance and Future Steps
Microsoft’s decision to partner on a Meta Quest bundle rather than launch its own VR hardware reflects a long-held position. Back in 2019, Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that VR wasn’t a focus for consoles because customer demand wasn’t significant enough at the time. He noted that customers seeking VR experiences were finding them on PC and other platforms.
While this partnership doesn’t introduce new VR-specific Xbox features, it could be seen in a couple of ways. It’s certainly a powerful marketing play, leveraging the popular Quest platform to push the “Xbox is everywhere” message and potentially gauging interest in headset-based gameplay among the Xbox fanbase. Some speculate it could even be Microsoft “dipping its toes” back into the XR waters after past explorations like HoloLens and discontinued VR projects, perhaps exploring ways to evolve its hardware presence in the future, similar to how it’s refining the portable experience with devices like the Xbox-branded Asus ROG Ally.
Value and Critique
At $399.99, the price point for the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is the same as the standard 128GB Quest 3S. Many consider this price a “steal” when factoring in the included extras. The Elite Strap alone typically costs around $50, and the three months of Game Pass Ultimate add approximately $60 in value. This effectively makes the custom Xbox design and bundled accessories/subscriptions free additions for those already considering a Quest 3S.
However, some reviewers have expressed disappointment that the bundle centers around the Meta Quest 3S rather than the higher-end Quest 3. The Quest 3S features lower resolution displays and lenses compared to the standard Quest 3, and this bundle only includes the 128GB storage option, which might feel limited for users wanting to download many native VR games alongside streaming. Despite these points, the unique black and green design has been well-received, with some hoping Meta offers the black color as a standard option in the future.
Limited Availability
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is available now through select retailers, including meta.com, Best Buy in the USA, and Argos and EE in the UK. However, Microsoft has made it clear that quantities are extremely limited. “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” the company stated, emphasizing its status as a special, finite release.
In summary, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition provides Xbox fans with a distinctively styled pathway into VR, primarily as a new screen for enjoying their Game Pass library via cloud streaming. While it doesn’t signal Microsoft entering the native VR hardware race just yet, it’s a tangible demonstration of the Xbox ecosystem’s expansion and offers considerable value through its included accessories and subscriptions.
