Some newly-leaked images strongly suggest that an Xbox-branded VR headset from none other than Meta could be on the verge of launch. If true, this reskinned version of the Meta Quest 3S would be the second third-party Xbox device to break cover this month.
Hot off the heels of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally’s reveal a few weeks ago, Microsoft looks to be quite bullish on collaborations with established hardware manufacturers. This strategy will ostensibly be a key tenet for the future of the Xbox platform, broadening its reach and enabling further integration with PC. In fact, a recent report even claimed that Microsoft shelved its proprietary Xbox handheld in the interest of pursuing these third-party collaborations and further building Windows as a gaming platform. Now, it appears the next of these Xbox team-ups will foray into the VR space, and seemingly quite soon.
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A recent post by Twitter user Zuby_Tech shows off the packaging for a new VR headset dubbed the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. From what’s visible, the headset features an all-black exterior with a green-accented faceplate, reflecting Xbox’s familiar branding. The packaging also shows an Xbox controller in the top-right corner, which, as a new Game Sandwich report claims, will be included with the Quest 3S Xbox Edition, alongside an Elite strap and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. If the report is to be believed, the Quest 3S Xbox Edition will shadow-drop on Tuesday, June 24 and retail for $399, with the standard 128GB of storage.
Interestingly, this Xbox-branded headset is based on the entry-level Meta Quest 3S rather than the more premium Quest 3, likely to position it as a budget-friendly and more accessible option for VR newcomers. Notably, the PlayStation VR2’s price was permanently slashed to $400 earlier this year, and its specs are slightly better than those of the Quest 3S. Unlike the Meta headset, though, the PS VR2 needs a PS5 or PC to function and is not a standalone device. It’s also worth noting that there most likely won’t be any VR games exclusive to the Quest 3S Xbox Edition. Instead, the headset is expected to work with the current Quest library, and fans can even play Xbox Cloud Gaming titles on the VR platform.
While some may be surprised at the supposedly imminent launch of the Quest 3S Xbox Edition, the prospect of a collaboration between Meta and Microsoft began bubbling last year. Back in April 2024, Meta announced it would begin licensing its Horizon OS to third-party manufacturers, and Xbox was named among the first wave of partners. At the time, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hinted that Xbox’s involvement would result in a limited-edition Quest headset preloaded with Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass access, and that looks to soon materialize with the Quest 3S Xbox Edition.
- Brand
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Meta
- Original Release Date
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October 15, 2024
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$299.99
- Processor
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Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
- Resolution
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1832×1920 (Per Eye)
- Storage
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128GB or 256GB