If you've been eyeing VR gaming but the cost has been a barrier, the first notable Meta Quest deal of 2025 is here to change that. Amazon is offering a $50 discount on the Quest 3S 256GB VR headset, bringing the price down to just $349. This makes it only $50 more than the base 128GB model, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy more games without being tethered to a device. This straightforward discount is even more appealing than the Black Friday deals, which often required using digital credits or gift cards at specific stores.
To make this offer even sweeter, the package includes a copy of the acclaimed Batman: Arkham Shadow VR game and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. In IGN's 8/10 review, Dan Stapleton praised the game, stating, "Batman: Arkham Shadow makes most of the Arkham series' defining gameplay work respectably well in VR, and its mystery story pays off."
Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR Headset with Batman: Arkham Shadow
Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR Headset
Originally $399.99, now save 13% at $349.00 on Amazon. The Quest 3S surpasses the Quest 2 in every aspect without a price hike. It incorporates many features from the pricier Quest 3, including enhanced Touch controllers, an upgraded SnapDragon APU, and full-color AR passthrough. In IGN's 9/10 review of the Quest 3S, Gabriel Moss noted, "Raw processing power, full-color passthrough, and snappy Touch Plus controllers make the Quest 3S a fantastic standalone VR headset that also brings entry-level mixed-reality gaming to the masses for – arguably – the very first time."
What sets this deal apart from others is the Quest 3S's ability to be played completely untethered. This means you can dive into games like Beat Saber or Pistol Whip without needing a high-end gaming PC or a PlayStation 5. You won't find another standalone VR headset at this price point.
How Is the Quest 3S Different from the Quest 3?
The Quest 3S retails at $200 less than the Quest 3, a 40% price reduction. Here are the key similarities and differences:
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 field of view (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
- Smaller storage capacity (128GB vs 512GB)
- Longer battery life (2.5hrs vs 2.2hrs)
Essentially, the Quest 3S is a near-equivalent but with downgraded optics. However, since both headsets share the same processor, the lower resolution can ease the load on the APU, potentially boosting in-game performance and contributing to the extended battery life.
For the price, the Quest 3S offers superior value compared to the Quest 3, making it the better choice for most gamers, especially if the Quest 3 was out of your budget. When compared to the Quest 2, the decision becomes even clearer.
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