Looking to get into virtual reality? Meta Quest 3 represents a significant step forward in virtual reality (VR) and a great starting point for everyone. The new Meta Quest 3S also offers a cheaper price tag for the model, making it an easier starting point for your wallet, too. It's the best way to get into VR, and even offers exciting exlusive new games like the Batman Arkham Shadow game, which requires a Meta Quest 3 or 3S to play.
We're keeping an eye out on any Meta Quest discounts as they appear, like this deal on the 256GB Meta Quest 3S at Amazon, which has gotten a $50 price drop to $349. It's also worth noting that if you buy a Meta Quest 3 or 3S, you'll get a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow and a free three-month trial of Meta Quest+.
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Meta Quest 3S Deals
Meta Quest 3S is a cheaper alternative to the Meta Quest 3, with the 128GB model coming in at $299.99 and the 256GB model available for $399.99. That's up to $200 less expensive than the Quest 3, making it a fantastic point to jump in on the VR fun with their latest release. The 256GB model is currently enjoying a nice discount right now at Amazon, down to $349. Not to mention, you'll get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for free with your purchase.
Outside of that deal, you can get a Meta Quest 3S with those freebies at the following retailers: Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or Walmart.
- Amazon (128GB) - $299
- Best Buy (128GB) - $299
- Target (128GB) - $299
- Walmart (128GB) - $299
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Similarities
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
- Touch Plus controllers
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Mixed reality passthrough (same cameras, different layout)
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Differences
- Lower per-eye resolution (1832x1920 vs 2064×2208)
- Fresnel lens vs. pancake lens
- Lower FOV (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
- Smaller maximum storage capacity (256GB vs 512GB)
- Longer battery life (2.5hrs vs 2.2hrs)
Best Meta Quest 3 Deals and Bundles
- See at Amazon (512GB) - $499.99
- See at Best Buy (512GB) - $499.99
- See at Walmart (512GB) - $499
With the recent reveal of the Meta Quest 3S, it appears the company has begun to phase out the 128GB model of the Meta Quest 3, though the 512GB is still available with an excellent price tag of $499.99. This is a whole $150 off its original list price and also comes with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for free with your purchase.
We gave this VR headset a 9/10 in our Meta Quest 3 review. Writer Eric Song stated that, "The Quest 3 continues Meta’s legacy of offering a cost-effective headset that doesn’t require an expensive gaming PC, but can still benefit from one if you have it." He continued on to say that, "The Quest 3 goes even further by offering us a ticket to mixed-reality gaming with a full-color passthrough mode that’s sharp enough to read things in the world around you, the lightest and most precisely tracked controllers available, and more."
Best Meta Quest 3 Accessory Deals
In addition to the hardware itself, there are some great Meta Quest 3 accessory deals at the moment. You'll get the most bang for your buck with a battery-equipped head strap that adds both comfort and playtime to your VR experience.
What Games Are Available on Meta Quest 3?
It's interesting that you ask; eight years after the last Batman: Arkham game, Warner Bros. announced the next installment: Batman: Arkham Shadow. This VR game is exclusive to the Meta Quest 3 and is developed by Camouflaj, the creator of the Iron Man VR game, and Oculus Studios, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC.
Otherwise, we have a handy list available of all the games available on the VR headset via IGN Playlist. Highlights include games like Asgard’s Wrath 2 and Assassin's Creed Nexus, alongside more titles like Metal Hellsinger VR or Metro Awakening.
Batman: Arkham Shadow Is Great
In case you're wondering whether a new Batman Arkham game works in VR, the answer is "yes." While it was develped by Camouflaj rather than Rocksteady, it offers almost all of what fans of the core series appreciate about it. From our Batman: Arkham Shadow review:
"Batman: Arkham Shadow does an admirable job of adapting almost everything I love about the Arkham series to work in a full-fledged VR game, and it’s impressive looking for a game that’s exclusive to the standalone Meta Quest 3 headset. There are a few hitches and aggravating bugs that mean some parts don’t work quite as well as others, but its vigorous brawling, exploration, tricky puzzle solving, and stealth are all in full effect as you sneak and punch your way through Blackgate prison in a twisting undercover pursuit of a mysterious cult leader where just about everybody’s a suspect. It’s certainly smaller in scale than any full game since Arkham Asylum, but it’s far larger and more built-out than you might expect after Batman: Arkham VR, and a return to an enclosed prison setting makes it feel dense and intricate."
What Types of Deals Are There on Meta Quest VR Headsets?
Outside of deals like the above, Meta Quest offers usually fall into three kinds of discounts. Events such as the holiday season, Prime Day, Black Friday and announcements of newer models tend to push prices down, alongside:
- Discounts: Direct price reductions are the most common deals, especially during major sales events or as part of clearance sales, to make room for newer models like we're seeing right now.
- Bundles: Occasionally, retailers bundle a Meta Quest with popular VR games or essential accessories such as additional controllers, charging docks, or travel cases. These bundles provide extra value and enhance the VR experience out of the box.
- Refurbished Units: These units have been returned and restored to like-new condition. They typically come at a reduced price and include a warranty, offering a way to save money without compromising on quality too much.
What to Consider Before Buying a Meta Quest VR Headset
Unfortunately, Virtual Reality isn't for everyone. Those with severe eye health issues or those who suffer from motion sickness might have problems using this particular bit of kit. Meta Quest 3 focuses more on pass-through VR, which overlays virtual reality elements on real-life surroundings. Here are some more points to consider:
- Compatibility: Ensure any additional accessories or hardware purchases are compatible.
- Space Requirements: VR gaming requires physical movement, so ensure you have adequate space to use the device safely.
- Future Models: Make sure to check out the features and specs on newer models before buying older ones to ensure it's a good fit.
We're keeping track of all things VR on the dedicated IGN VR hub, including the latest game releases. We're also keeping the VR hardware market on lockdown with our best VR headset in the 2024 guide, which is worth a look for those who want to shell out on the latest VR tech.
Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.
Includes contributions from Robert Anderson and Hannah Hoolihan.
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