After Upgrading to the Meta Quest 3S, I Discovered a New Dimension of Gaming (but expectations)

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By Jess G

After going from Meta Quest 2 to Meta Quest 3S, it is an upgrade rather than transformation in this virtual world. In my case, as it is a passionate pursuit and an enthusiast of immersions in gaming, shifting over to Meta Quest 3S became the most important decision ever made. It opened up my eyes into a whole new dimension of gaming: it has not only enriched my view but also the way I interact with virtual worlds. Let me take you on my journey of discovery and what makes Meta Quest 3S a game changer.

Close-up of the Meta Quest 3S headset on a gaming desk with accessories.

FeatureMeta Quest 3SMeta Quest 2
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
Display Resolution1832 x 1920 pixels per eye1832 x 1920 pixels per eye
Field of ViewNarrower than Quest 3Approximately 90 degrees
Battery LifeUp to 2.5 hoursUp to 2.5 hours
ControllersTouch Plus controllersStandard Touch controllers
WeightSlightly heavier than Quest 3Lighter compared to Quest 3S
Mixed Reality FeaturesYes, with color passthroughLimited mixed reality capabilities
Storage Options128 GB, 256 GB64 GB, 256 GB
PriceStarting at $299.99Starting at $199.99 (discontinued)

Enhanced Performance: The Heart of the Experience

Meta Quest 3S has its heart in the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor. In immediate terms, the performance is already apparent. Compared to Quest 2 using the first Snapdragon XR2, the new chip provides smoother graphics and faster load times so that games feel and play differently. Titles, which once limped at frame rates, break into HD and create an immersive experience that leaves one begging for more. For gaming that means less downtime and more fantastical realms to explore.

FeatureMeta Quest 3SMeta Quest 2
ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
Mixed Reality SupportYes, with enhanced color passthroughLimited mixed reality capabilities
ControllersTouch Plus controllersStandard Touch controllers
Display Resolution1832 x 1920 pixels per eye1832 x 1920 pixels per eye
WeightSlightly heavierLighter

A Feast for the Eyes: Mixed Reality Power

What’s exciting about that is that Meta Quest 3S advanced mixed reality capabilities. Where the Quest 2 did not offer much utilization in mixed reality, it is with the color passthrough technology that comes with the Quest 3S that allows me to view my environment in the real world. And then virtual elements are overlaid on it so that they blend in and create this engaging, very interactive environment. The sheer adrenaline rush you’d find yourself playing a game as if your living room’s becoming an alien landscape right under you, complete with animals appearing to leap from thin air. Such depth could prove revelatory in one regard, breathing new life into game scenes that you hadn’t considered in the past.

Top Mixed Reality Experiences on Meta Quest 3S

Game TitleDescriptionExperience Type
Rec RoomA social VR space with games and activitiesSocial & Multiplayer
Real VR FishingA tranquil fishing simulator with realistic graphicsRelaxation
WanderExplore the world using Google Maps integrationExploration
Half-Life: AlyxA critically acclaimed VR shooterAction & Adventure
Tilt BrushA 3D painting applicationCreative & Artistic

Comfort and Design: Gaming for Hours on End

Comfort and Design Hours of Gaming Bliss. The Meta Quest 3S offers the y-split strap design so that it is easy to spread across my head. Well, this thing weighs about 25 grams more, but I believe that all these comfort gains make it wearable for such a long period without getting discomfortable. Such extended play times, be they an extreme bout of boxing in The Thrill of the Fight, or crossing mile upon endless mile in a genre adventure, did so without that lingering feeling that can leave your mind a little woozy at the end, just like most head-mounted VR gear does.

Battery Performance Comparison

HeadsetBattery LifeUsage TypeCharging Time
Meta Quest 3SUp to 2.5 hoursCasual gaming and experiences2-3 hours
Meta Quest 2Up to 2.5 hoursCasual gaming and experiences2-3 hours

Touch Plus Controllers: Controls At Your Finger Tips

And what is most intriguing here: Touch Plus controllers also ship with Meta Quest 3S. Intuitive and responsive: better tracking with more haptic feedback. One truly feels the games that demand precision and timing. This is because improved tracking translates my movements into the virtual world with very little lag. Immediate feedback about how a sword swings in as I do or how well the punch has been thrown by me is very satisfying in general.

Horizons of Storage and Game Library

I opted for the 256GB storage on the Meta Quest 3S. I wanted to have a lot of space for keeping games and experiences preloaded. A library of titles is growing and optimized for advanced hardware. So, always gets me the latest and greatest in VR gaming. From action-packed shooters to immersive puzzle games and many other genres, the sheer variety is astounding. I found that I spent much more time discovering new titles, often finding gems that perhaps I would not have selected otherwise.

Upcoming Titles Optimized for Meta Quest 3S

Game TitleRelease DateGenre
Asgard’s Wrath 2Q1 2025Action RPG
Ghostbusters VRTBA 2025Action & Adventure
Star Wars: Tales from the GalaxyQ2 2025Adventure
The Walking Dead: Saints & SinnersTBA 2025Horror Survival
Beat Saber: New TracksMonthly UpdatesRhythm

Future-Proofing My Gaming Experience

With technology evolving at such a rapid speed inside the VR world, the gamer has to future-proof himself. The Meta Quest 3S is one that’s more sustainable if invested in. Its superior specification gives a better experience for today but also ensures compatibility with new titles and updates later down the line. Knowing my headset will evolve with the landscape is what gives me a good feeling and anticipation.

In itself, Meta Quest 3S has been a revelation to upgrade to. Powerful performance, fantastic mixed reality, and comfortable design reshaped the way I play. No longer was it playing games but getting out in experiences I would never have thought possible. Here’s a whole new dimension of gaming that Quest 3S made possible. Trust me when I say, ‘Invest in it and plunge yourself into the virtual realm as the game has been engineered’. Upgrade if you ever considered, and you should be prepared for a reality that you thought was the ‘final reality’ of gaming experience, here is a new order for everything.

Jess G

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