The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is here, and it’s not an ordinary headset for VR gaming. It’s Xbox gaming without the box or console. Built through a deep partnership between Meta and Microsoft, this is the first limited-edition Quest headset. It’s made for fans who want console-sized games on a screen that follows them anywhere. And yes, it all works without needing an actual Xbox console.
Real Xbox Look With Next-Level Portability
You’ll spot the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition by its Carbon Black shell and Velocity Green highlights. The whole unit feels like a natural extension of Xbox hardware. Even the controllers are skinned in Xbox branding. The included Xbox Wireless Controller comes pre-paired out of the box. It’s matched with Touch Plus VR controllers and the Elite Strap, all built for long sessions.
This all-in-one headset runs wire-free. You don’t need a console or a PC. You just pop it on, connect to Wi-Fi, and start playing Xbox games using the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app.
What’s In the Box?
There’s everything you need to start gaming with no extra purchases. Also, there are no subscriptions required upfront. You just connect and you’re good to go.
Here’s what you get when you pick up the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition:
- 128GB Quest 3S headset in Xbox Carbon Black
- Touch Plus Controllers with wrist straps
- Limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller
- Meta Quest Elite Strap pre-installed
- Glasses spacer
- Power adapter and USB-C cable
- Three months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Three months Meta Horizon+
Cloud Gaming on a 26-Foot Virtual Display
This headset offers a massive virtual screen you can resize and reposition. It feels like playing on a 26-foot display inside your headset. There’s no lag, and the visual quality is strong thanks to the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip. You’re getting 2X the GPU speed compared to Quest 2. Games boot faster. Movement feels smoother.
And with Xbox Cloud Gaming support, you can jump into Halo, Fallout, Forza Horizon 5, and more. The Xbox app supports cloud-streamable titles from Game Pass Ultimate. You can also stream your owned games if they support cloud play.
Cross-Play, Cross-Progression, and Device Sync
One of the biggest wins here is progress sync. You could start a game on the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, save, then continue on your Xbox Series X or PC. Everything carries over, stats, achievements, and save data.
Game Pass Ultimate unlocks all this. It gives you cloud access across devices, plus local play if you want to return to console or PC. There’s no friction switching between platforms. Xbox has removed the walls.
Meta Hardware
The Quest 3S uses fresnel lenses with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye. The field of view hits 96° horizontal and 90° vertical. It’s sharp, responsive, and detailed. You get 4.5X better resolution than Quest 2.
RAM is 8GB. Storage options include 128GB and 256GB. The battery lasts around 2.5 hours on a full charge. Charging takes about 135 minutes.
It supports both controller and hand tracking. And yes, you can wear glasses using the included spacer. Want prescription lenses? Meta supports Zenni MR add-ons.
Console Support and Compatibility
Despite not needing an Xbox, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition can still connect to consoles. You can also pair it with other Xbox controllers like the Elite Series 2 or Adaptive Controller. It’s plug-and-play via Bluetooth.
It supports:
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X and S
- PC
Limited-Edition & Stock
This is a one-time drop. Meta confirmed this is their first limited-edition headset. It’s available at Meta.com. Once sold out, it won’t be restocked.
The design alone makes this collectible. But it’s not just about looks. You’re also getting three free months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Meta Horizon+. That adds hundreds of playable titles and exclusive VR experiences.
Exclusive Games and Experiences
Batman: Arkham Shadow is bundled in for free while supplies last. It’s a VR exclusive rated for teens, and it’s a proper full-length action game. That’s in addition to the thousands of MR and VR games already in Meta’s store.
You can access apps like Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram from inside the headset. It works for movies, fitness, sports, and social, not just gaming.
Should You Get It?
If you want console-quality Xbox gaming without the console, this is your shot. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition gives you freedom to play games your way, with no cords or limitations. The hardware feels premium. The software works fast. The price? $399.99. That’s hard to beat for what you get.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition – All In One Headset may not replace a Series X, but it does something else: it lets Xbox follow you anywhere.