Meta Quest 3S VR headset drops to $297 for Amazon Prime Day
The 128GB model is discounted by approximately $53 from its current retail rate, offering a cost-effective upgrade path for users of the older Quest 2 hardware.
Meta’s entry-level Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headset is currently available for $296.79 at Amazon, marking a discount of approximately $53 from its standard retail price of $349.99. The promotion is timed with Amazon Prime Day and brings the cost of the 128GB storage model close to the device’s original launch price of $299.99 in 2024, prior to a subsequent price increase.
The headset features a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, colour passthrough video, and 128GB of storage. It operates as a standalone unit that runs wirelessly, though it can also stream Steam games from a PC with some added latency. The device is compatible with titles such as Batman: Arkham Shadow and Supernatural, which is set to relaunch.
Positioned as a compromise between the higher-end Quest 3 and the older Quest 2, the 3S shares the same chipset, cameras, and controllers as the $600 Quest 3. However, it utilises fresnel lenses similar to the Quest 2 generation, rather than the lighter pancake lenses found in the premium model. Consequently, it offers lower image quality than the Quest 3, though it maintains a screen resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye.
The device is considered a suitable upgrade for users transitioning from the Meta Quest 2, offering improved speed and comfort. While the screen resolution has not improved over the previous generation, nearly all other hardware aspects have been updated. The current sale price is described as one of the best available for a new unit, although it remains higher than the $249 promotional price seen during Black Friday in the previous year.
This pricing strategy aligns with Amazon Prime Day promotions, providing a timely opportunity for consumers looking to enter the Meta ecosystem or upgrade older hardware. The discount represents a return to near-original pricing levels, making the entry-level VR headset more accessible despite the earlier retail hike.
