Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR is now Here For X Box

The highly anticipated Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition officially launched on June 24, 2025, marking a significant collaboration between Meta and Xbox.¹ This limited-edition bundle aims to bridge the worlds of immersive VR and console-quality gaming, leveraging the power of Xbox Cloud Gaming.²

A New Look with Familiar Power

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition comes with a distinctive aesthetic, featuring a custom 128GB Meta Quest 3S headset in Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green.³ This signature color scheme extends to the accompanying Touch Plus controllers, providing a cohesive and stylish Xbox-themed package.⁴

Beyond the striking visuals, the bundle includes:

• A limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller that matches the headset’s design, pre-paired for immediate use.⁵
• A Meta Quest Elite Strap for enhanced comfort during extended gaming sessions.⁶
• A 3-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, providing access to a vast library of cloud-streamable Xbox titles.⁷
• A 3-month subscription to Meta Horizon+, Meta’s game subscription service for native VR titles.⁸

The Power of Xbox Cloud Gaming on a Virtual Big Screen

While not a native VR Xbox console experience, the core of this partnership lies in the seamless integration of Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Users can now stream hundreds of Xbox games from their Game Pass Ultimate subscription directly to their Meta Quest 3S, playing them on a massive virtual 2D screen within the headset.⁹ This virtual display can be as large as 26 feet wide, offering a truly cinematic gaming experience without the need for a physical console or TV.

This launch is a direct expansion of Xbox’s “Play Anywhere” strategy, aiming to make their extensive game library accessible on as many devices as possible.¹⁰ The Xbox app with cloud gaming support has been available on Quest headsets since late 2023, but this special edition bundle solidifies the partnership and provides an all-in-one package for Xbox fans eager to embrace VR.¹¹

Limited Availability

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition launched at a price of $399.99 USD / £379.99.¹² However, it is a true limited-edition item, with quantities being extremely limited. Once the initial stock is sold out, no more units will be produced, making it a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts. It is available for purchase through Meta’s official website, Best Buy (USA), and Argos and EE (UK).¹³

This collaboration represents a bold step in the evolution of gaming, blending the immersive capabilities of VR with the expansive content of Xbox, allowing players to carry their Xbox worlds wherever they go.

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, launched on June 24, 2025, presents an interesting proposition.¹ Whether it’s “worth it” largely depends on your specific needs and existing tech setup.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Who it’s for (and why it might be worth it):

• New VR Users and Xbox Fans: If you’re new to VR and are also heavily invested in the Xbox ecosystem (especially Game Pass Ultimate), this bundle offers an excellent entry point.²
• Value for Money (for a bundle): The $399.99 / £379.99 price tag, while $100 more than a standard 128GB Quest 3S, includes significant value.³ When you factor in the cost of a standalone Xbox Wireless Controller (around $60-70), a Meta Quest Elite Strap (around $70), and 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (around $60) and Meta Horizon+ (around $24), you’re getting about $100-$120 worth of extras and savings compared to buying them all separately.
• Collector’s Item: The custom Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green colorway makes this a unique, limited-edition item. If you’re a collector or a big Xbox fan who appreciates exclusive aesthetics, this is a strong draw.
• Portable “Big Screen” Gaming: The ability to stream hundreds of Xbox Game Pass titles to a massive virtual 2D screen (up to 26 feet wide) is a compelling feature for those who want a cinematic gaming experience on the go, in bed, or without hogging the main TV.⁴ It offers a truly personal and immersive way to play your existing Xbox library.
• Testing the Waters of VR/Mixed Reality: While primarily focused on Xbox Cloud Gaming, the Quest 3S is still a full-fledged VR headset. This bundle provides a way to experience both traditional 2D gaming in a virtual space and the growing library of native Meta Quest VR games.

Who it’s NOT for (and why it might NOT be worth it):

• Existing Quest 3 or Quest 3S Owners: If you already own a Meta Quest 3 or a standard Quest 3S, there’s no new core functionality here. You can already download the Xbox Cloud Gaming app, pair your own Xbox controller, and achieve the same “big screen” gaming experience.⁵ The main difference is the cosmetic color scheme and the bundled accessories/subscriptions.
• Expecting Native VR Xbox Games: It’s crucial to understand that this headset does not turn Xbox games into native VR experiences. You are streaming 2D Xbox games onto a virtual screen within the headset. While immersive due to the screen size, it’s not the same as playing a game designed from the ground up for VR.
• Prioritizing Peak VR Visuals: The Quest 3S uses Fresnel lenses and a slightly lower resolution display than the higher-end Meta Quest 3.⁶ If you’re an enthusiast who prioritizes the absolute best visual clarity and “pancake” lenses for VR, the standard Quest 3 (even without the Xbox branding) might be a better choice, though it’s more expensive.
• Unreliable Internet Connection: Xbox Cloud Gaming relies heavily on a stable and fast internet connection (20 Mbps or higher is recommended). If your internet is spotty, your streaming experience will suffer with lag and lower visual quality.⁷
• Already Have Game Pass Ultimate and Controllers: If you already subscribe to Game Pass Ultimate and own a compatible Xbox controller, the value proposition of the bundled subscriptions and controller diminishes, making the standard Quest 3S a more cost-effective option for just the headset.

Final Verdict:

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a solid value for newcomers to VR and Xbox fans who are looking for an all-in-one package that offers a unique way to play their favorite Xbox titles.⁸ The bundled accessories and subscriptions provide real savings.

However, if you’re an existing VR user, already have the necessary Xbox peripherals and subscriptions, or are seeking a pure, high-fidelity VR gaming experience (especially for PC VR), the standard Quest 3 or even just a regular Quest 3S might be more suitable or a better investment depending on your priorities. The “limited edition” aspect also plays a big role for collectors.