Xbox Finally Has Its Own VR Headset, Kind Of

Microsoft has joined forces with Meta to unveil a unique VR headset, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. This exclusive bundle, featuring a striking black and green headset along with complementary accessories, is now available for $400.

This collaboration marks a new chapter for Meta, aligning with Xbox’s growing trend of partnerships. Earlier this month, Microsoft teamed up with Asus to launch a revamped version of its ROG Ally tailored for Xbox Game Pass. In a similar vein, the Meta Quest 3S boasts a custom design and enhanced integration into the Game Pass ecosystem, including its cloud streaming capabilities.

The bundle consists of the standard 128GB Meta Quest 3S. The primary distinction between this special edition and the standard model is aesthetic; the Xbox Edition showcases a Carbon Black and Velocity Green color scheme, moving away from the typical white finish found on Meta’s headsets. The included Touch Plus controllers also sport matching color accents, while an Xbox Wireless Controller in the same hues rounds out the package.

This special edition comes with two standout extras: an Elite Strap, valued at $70 alone, for added comfort and customization, as well as three complimentary months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Prior to its launch, Digital Trends extensively tested the headset to compare it with the standard Meta Quest 3S. While power remains unchanged, the setup process allows for quicker connectivity with the Xbox controller and easy logging into a Game Pass account. In mere minutes, I was up and running, continuing my gaming journey with The Alters through cloud streaming. It’s important to note that the headset doesn’t support native Xbox games.

If you already own a Meta Quest 3S, is it worth upgrading? Not necessarily, but this bundle could be appealing for those new to VR. The addition of the Elite Strap is a substantial benefit, the color scheme is eye-catching, and the inclusion of a controller enhances the overall value. While it’s not a true Xbox equivalent to the PlayStation VR2, it’s likely as close as Microsoft will venture for the time being.

The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is currently available for $400.