Short summary
The highly anticipated Meta Quest 3S, a budget headset, may have just been spotted in an online listing.
The headset is listed on the Dekra website, but product names and specific details are still missing.
There have been rumors for some time that Meta is working on a new, cheaper version of the Meta Quest 3 that will offer some of the latest features but also have a lower price.
This alleged VR headset has been dubbed the Meta Quest 3S, although Meta itself has yet to confirm any details about the device (including whether it’s even real). Now, however, 91mobiles has spotted a certification listing that suggests at least something is on the way.
A new listing for a Meta headset has surfaced at certification body Dekra, and while the listing doesn’t contain any concrete new information – or any details at all other than the fact that the new device has been tested – it would make a lot of sense if it were the Quest 3S.
There have been numerous rumors about Meta looking to lower the price of the Quest 3S compared to the full-fledged Quest 3. One plan is apparently to sell the headset alone – with controllers as an add-on purchase for those who want them. Since the Quest 3 now has great finger tracking, that wouldn’t be too controversial.
Another approach that will likely also be used is to simply reduce the quality of certain components, including the important internal displays and the quality of the headset’s pass-through cameras. Ultimately, those who want the best experience can spend more on the Quest 3.
The Quest 3S is rumored to be at least £100 or $100 cheaper than the main Quest 3, and that difference could end up being even bigger. It’s said to be a better investment than a discounted Quest 2, for example.
We don’t yet know exactly when Meta plans to unveil its headset, but a big opportunity will come at the end of September when the annual Meta Connect conference takes place.
If the headset hasn’t been revealed at this point, we’re curious to see if there’s been any delays, as the Quest 3 has been out for some time now and a discounted version is sure to be released soon.
It also gives food for thought to those who are thinking about spending a lot of money on an Apple Vision Pro.