Lo, it is rumored that Meta shall unveil a novel low-cost VR headset this year, poised to supplant the Meta Quest 2, which reigns supreme as the most favored VR headset across the globe. As is oft the case with many an electronic device, we find ourselves privy to a glimpse of the forthcoming mixed reality headset ere Meta’s formal declaration. Verily, here is what we know and surmise concerning the imminent “Lite” iteration of the Quest 3, purportedly dubbed the Quest 3S by Meta.
### Quest 3S Confirmation
Lo and behold, news arrived near the dying embers of May, fresh from the annals of Meta itself. A curious tidbit, retrieved from an inadvertent Meta app store page for the VR yoga app Alo Moves XR. Yet there was an air of peculiarity surrounding the supported devices, for alongside the anticipated Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, and Quest 2, emerged an unfamiliar VR headset – the Quest 3S. A chance snapshot, captured ere Meta expunged the reference above. Note, if you will, the underscores beneath each headset save for the enigmatic Quest 3S.
### Quest 3S Price and Release Date
One doth conjecture that the Quest 3S may grace the stage at Meta Connect on September 25, 2024, or perchance shortly thereafter. Three months hence it may be, a wait that seemeth interminable. Yet with the Quest 2 vanishing from the hallowed halls of Meta and scarce elsewhere, the impetus to bring forth the Quest 3S sooner rather than later doth stir. Alas, we do not foresee such hastened release, for scarce is the competition at that price point. Meta may seek to fathom the market reception to the Quest 3 as the most affordable option.
### Quest 2 out of Stock
As nigh all signs hint at the Quest 3S being a thrifty variant of Meta’s potent Quest 3 VR headset, ’tis probable that it shall supplant the aging Meta Quest 2. The Quest 2 hath seen its stock dwindle since the onset of 2024, with the 256GB models vanishing from Meta’s digital emporium. Lo, more recent whispers speak of all configurations out of stock.
### Quest 3S Leak
A singular deluge of revelations, a solitary Quest 3S leak hath painted a vivid tapestry of its capabilities, juxtaposed against the Quest 2 it succeeds and Meta’s preeminent headset, the Quest 3. A Meta devotee shared glimpses from a Meta user research colloquy, images captured by a certain Redditor and disseminated via the Ether. These inklings suggest that the Quest 3S shall wield the same potent chip as its progenitor, the Quest 3, accompanied by Touch Plus controllers, color passthrough cameras for mixed reality, and a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The conjecture of two storage options, 128GB and 256GB, linger in the air.
### Quest 3S without Controllers?
An intriguing conjecture looms overhead – Meta may proffer the Quest 3S sans controllers, thereby further lowering the price. One envisions a Quest 3S as a medium for media consumption, a supplanter of iPads or even TVs. Methinks the virtual screens within a VR headset could transform any space into a cinema-esque realm, offering a cinematic experience sans the confines of a traditional theater.
### Upgrading Quest 2 Owners
Whilst Meta readies the stage for a new entrant, a legion of Quest 2 possessors stand unswayed by the allure of the Quest 3. ‘Tis the Quest 2 that reigns supreme as the high king of VR headsets, a veritable colossus in the realm of virtual gaming. Yet to advance the narrative, to propel the industry forward, a transition to a more robust headgear is imperative. For it is thus that game developers aspire to craft sprawling VR realms replete with resplendent graphics and vibrant mixed reality escapades.
