If you've been eager to dive into the world of VR gaming but the cost has been a barrier, the first major Meta Quest deal of 2025 is here to change that. For a limited time, Best Buy is slashing $50 off the Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR headset, bringing the price down to just $349.99. But the savings don’t stop there! You'll also receive a $50 Best Buy gift card and a free one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This effectively matches the price of the 128GB model, making it an even more compelling deal.
To make the offer even sweeter, the package includes a copy of the acclaimed *Batman: Arkham Shadow* VR game, along with a three-month trial of Meta Quest+. In IGN's 8/10 review, Dan Stapleton praised the game, stating that "*Batman: Arkham Shadow* makes most of the Arkham series' defining gameplay work respectably well in VR, and its mystery story pays off."
Meta Quest 3S VR Headset with Batman: Arkham Shadow
Meta Quest 3S 256GB VR Headset + Bonus $50 Best Buy Gift Card
Now only $349.99 at Best Buy (originally $399.99), the Quest 3S is a significant upgrade from the Quest 2, offering improved performance without a price hike. It also incorporates many features from the pricier Quest 3, such as enhanced Touch controllers, an upgraded Snapdragon APU, and support for full-color AR passthrough. IGN's 9/10 review by Gabriel Moss highlighted that "raw processing power, full-color passthrough, and snappy Touch Plus controllers make the Quest 3S a fantastic standalone VR headset that also brings entry-level mixed-reality gaming to the masses for – arguably – the very first time."
What truly distinguishes this deal is that the Meta Quest 3S can be enjoyed **completely untethered**. This means you can immerse yourself in games like *Beat Saber* or *Pistol Whip* without needing a powerful gaming PC or a PlayStation 5. At this price point, finding another standalone VR headset that offers the same level of freedom is a challenge.
How Is the Quest 3S Different from the Quest 3?
Even at its standard price, the Quest 3S is $200, or 40% cheaper than the $500 Quest 3. To achieve this competitive pricing, certain compromises were made. Below is a detailed comparison of their specs:
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Similarities
- Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor
- Touch Plus controllers
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Mixed reality passthrough (same cameras, different layout)
Quest 3S vs. Quest 3 Differences
- Lower per-eye resolution (1832x1920 vs 2064×2208)
- Fresnel lens vs. pancake lens
- Lower field of view (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
- Smaller storage capacity (128GB vs 512GB)
- Longer battery life (2.5hrs vs 2.2hrs)
In essence, the Quest 3S is nearly identical to the Quest 3 but with downgraded optics. However, since both use the same processor, running at a lower resolution can ease the load on the APU, potentially boosting in-game performance and contributing to the increased battery life.
For its price, the Quest 3S offers exceptional value compared to the Quest 3, making it a more attractive option for most gamers, especially if the Quest 3 was out of your budget. When compared to the previous generation's Quest 2, the choice becomes even clearer.
Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?
IGN's deals team brings over 30 years of collective experience in uncovering the best discounts in gaming, tech, and various other categories. We prioritize transparency and aim to highlight the most compelling deals from brands we trust and have firsthand experience with. To learn more about our rigorous standards and process, visit our deals standards page. Stay updated with the latest deals by following IGN's Deals account on Twitter.
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