Published on: June 24, 2025 / update from: June 24, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Microsoft and Meta: Xbox Edition of the Meta Quest 3S before the launch - creative image: Xpert.digital
VR breakthrough? Xbox Edition of the Quest 3S stands in front of a secret market launch
Microsoft and Meta secretly reveal new VR glasses for gaming fans?
The gaming community is eagerly awaiting the publication of a special VR glasses, which emerged from the cooperation between Microsoft and Meta. Several sources indicate that the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition could already come onto the market on June 24, 2025 as a so -called “Shadow Drop”.
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First pictures and technical details leaked
Design and optics
The leaked images show a design that deviates from the standard quest 3S. Instead of the traditional white color scheme, the Xbox Edition relies on a black housing with green design accents that reflect the characteristic Xbox color. The Xbox logo is prominently placed on the front panel, which underlines the partnership between the two technologies.
Technical specifications
The hardware of the Xbox Edition largely corresponds to the standard meta quest 3S. The most important technical data include:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
- RAM: 8 GB RAM
- Storage capacity: 128 GB (only this variant available)
- Display: LCD panel with 1,832 x 1,920 pixels per eye
- Referral rate: 120 Hz
- Accounting time: about 2.5 hours
- Brightness: 100 nits
The headset retains the Fresnel lenses of the Quest 2, which saves costs, but remains qualitatively behind the sharper lentils of the quest 3.
Extensive scope of delivery justifies price surcharge
What is included in the package?
The Xbox Edition is not only visually different from the standard version. The scope of delivery is much more extensive and includes:
- Meta Quest 3S VR headset (128 GB)
- Xbox Wireless Controller
- Meta Quest Elite Strap (normally $ 69.99 available separately)
- Three months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
- Xbox headset (according to some sources)
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Pricing
The price for the Xbox Edition should be $ 399. This corresponds to a surcharge of $ 100 compared to the standard quest 3S, which is available for $ 299. However, the package is cheaper than the individual purchase of all components it contains.
Gaming focus through Xbox Cloud Gaming
No native VR Xbox games
Microsoft continues to develop native VR games for Xbox consoles. Instead, the company relies on Xbox Cloud Gaming, which has been available on Meta Quest headsets since the end of 2023. Players can stream Xbox titles on a virtual 2D screen with 1080p resolution and 60 FPS.
Game library
Via the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, users have access to an extensive game library, including titles such as Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Halo Infinite and upcoming games such as Doom: The Dark Ages. The enclosed Xbox controller enables immediate games without additional hardware.
Strategic partnership is expanding
Microsoft's “Everything is Xbox” philosophy
The Xbox Edition of the Quest 3S fits into Microsoft's wider strategy of positioning Xbox as a platform and not as a single device. According to the recently announced partnership with Asus for the ROG Xbox Ally Handheld, this is another step to extend the Xbox brand to various hardware platforms.
Long -term cooperation
The cooperation between Meta and Microsoft has existed since 2022 and includes various areas. In addition to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Remote Desktop for Windows 11 PCs and Office web applications were also brought to Quest headsets.
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Market positioning and target group
Beginners-friendly VR offer
The Xbox Edition is primarily aimed at Xbox fans who are looking for an inexpensive entry into the VR world. With $ 399, the headset positions itself as a cheaper alternative to the PlayStation VR2, which is currently available for $ 400.
Challenges of the VR market
Despite the strategic partnership, VR remains a niche market. Meta continues to record losses with its VR products, and Sony is also fighting with the marketing of the PSVR2. The Xbox Edition creates a “niche within a niche”, which could limit the market opportunities.
Availability and sales
Global launch expected
Although official confirmation is still pending, all indicators indicate a global launch. In Europe, prices between 399 and 429 euros are expected. Sales should take place via the Meta Store and traditional dealers such as Best Buy.
Retail leaks confirm soon launch
The authenticity of the leaks is supported by images that are allegedly come from Best Buy employees. This indicates that the product is already in the supply chain and is ready for today's launch.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is an interesting attempt to connect two established gaming ecosystems. Whether this strategy will be successful depends on how well Microsoft and Meta can master the challenges of the still small VR market.
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