Meta Connect 2024 just revealed its new Quest 3S headset, but how does it stack up to the lower-end Meta Quest 2?

With the Quest 3 and the Quest 3S, Meta has a strong lineup. Even though VR headsets remain relatively niche — and the company’s metaverse ambitions haven’t even come close to fruition — if you’re new to VR, Meta offers great hardware and a ton of VR experiences to get lost in. And perhaps best of all, you won’t have to pay $3,499 to get started.

Meta has revealed its new Meta Quest 3S headset, which launches on October 15 and comes bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow.

The Quest 3S comes in the box with two of the same Touch Plus controllers as the Quest 3 and the same head strap as last time. It should also accept “some, but not all” of the Quest 3’s accessories, including the elite strap with battery and carrying case.

With a $300 starting price, the Meta Quest 3S is a full $200 less expensive than the Quest 3. Clearly Meta’s strategy of flooding the market with devices is still in full effect with this one.

Speaking of lenses, the Meta Quest 3S reverts to fresnel lenses. The Quest 3’s “pancake lenses” help make graphics in your peripheral vision look sharper, making the whole experience more immersive. Since this device has fresnel lenses like the Meta Quest 2, I expect the viewing experience will be largely similar.

In essence, the Quest 3S is nearly the same headset but with downgraded optics. On the plus side, since both headsets use the same processor, running at a lower resolution reduces the load on the APU, which could theoretically improve performance in games and also account for the increased battery life.

Meta Quest 3S pre-orders are now live at Amazon in the UK for the standard RRP. You'll find both the 128GB and 256GB models up for grabs with free speedy shipping for Prime members after release day.

If you buy any Meta Quest 3 or 3S headset from now until April 25, you'll get a copy of the newest Batman: Arkham game for no extra charge.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

Batman: Arkham Shadow reveals that combat and predator challenge maps will be available at launch, though that wasn't always on the menu.