Microsoft and Meta have officially unveiled the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, marking the first VR headset to carry Xbox branding. This limited-edition release reimagines the newly launched Meta Quest 3S with a distinctive Xbox aesthetic, exclusive hardware accessories, and bundled subscriptions, setting a bold new milestone in the crossover between console and virtual reality gaming.
A Turning Point in Xbox’s VR Journey
This release comes after years of skepticism from Xbox leadership regarding VR’s viability. Back in 2019, Xbox chief Phil Spencer bluntly stated that “nobody’s asking” for VR on Xbox, and Microsoft doubled down in 2021, insisting VR for console was “not a focus.” However, the arrival of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta headsets in 2022, followed by Game Pass integration with Quest 3 in 2023, hinted at a slow but steady shift in strategy.
With the launch of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, that shift is no longer subtle—Xbox is finally embracing VR in a meaningful way.
What’s in the Box?
The $400 bundle includes:
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128GB Meta Quest 3S in Carbon Black and Velocity Green, Xbox’s iconic colors
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Matching Touch Plus controllers
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A limited-edition Xbox wireless controller
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Elite Strap for extended comfort
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Glass spacer, universal power adapter
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Three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
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Three months of Meta Horizon+
Limited Stock – Act Fast
The headset’s existence was leaked just days prior to launch, and now it’s officially available to order through Meta’s website and select retailers like Best Buy. Microsoft warns that stock is extremely limited, with the clear message: “Once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Why It Matters
This collaboration isn’t just a branding gimmick—it’s a sign of Xbox dipping deeper into the VR ecosystem without needing to build a headset from scratch. By leveraging Meta’s hardware and pairing it with Xbox’s ecosystem, Microsoft may have found a viable way to test the VR waters with minimal risk.
Whether this leads to deeper integration or a future Xbox-exclusive VR platform remains to be seen, but the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a collector-worthy first step in that direction.