Quest 3S Walmart Leak: What You Need to Know

The recent Walmart leak of the Quest 3S has revealed crucial details about the headset's specifications, pricing, and bundled content, making it one of the most anticipated VR releases.

Quest 3S Walmart Leak: What You Need to Know

Breaking Down the Quest 3S Walmart Leak

Photos of an in-store display at Walmart have surfaced online, offering a comprehensive look at the upcoming Meta Quest 3S. The display, which seems to have been set up prematurely ahead of Meta Connect 2024, provides an early glimpse into the highly anticipated VR headset. This leak, shared on the Meta Quest VR subreddit, confirms several previously speculated details about the Quest 3S, including its official name, design, and some hardware features.

The in-store display highlights the sleek design of the Quest 3S and corroborates previous rumours about its mixed reality capabilities. According to the leak, the Quest 3S appears to feature an updated display system, improved resolution, and enhanced controllers for more immersive VR and AR experiences. This adds to the excitement around Meta's latest VR product lineup, with much of the attention now turning to its pricing and release details.

Earlier leaks had speculated that the 3S price could start at $299, making it an affordable entry point into virtual reality for consumers. With the Meta Connect event commencing, it is expected that these pricing rumours, as well as further details on the specs, will be confirmed, potentially including Amazon ads and pre-orders going live shortly after the event.

This latest leak continues a string of premature reveals, making the Quest 3S one of the most talked-about VR headsets. Fans are also eager to see how the 3S price leaks compare to other AR glasses and smart glasses offerings on the market, and how it will position itself in the competitive landscape ahead of the Christmas shopping season.

Meta Quest 3S Key Features and Specifications Revealed

The Walmart display card has revealed several key features of the upcoming Meta Quest 3S, offering exciting insights ahead of Meta Connect 2024. Most notably, it confirms that the Quest 3S will feature the same resolution as the Quest 2, consistent with earlier reports suggesting that Meta has opted to use the same fixed display technology. This strategic decision likely aims to strike a balance between performance and cost, making the virtual reality experience more accessible without compromising too much on quality.

In addition to the display resolution, the Quest 3S will come equipped with Touch Plus controllers, enhancing the user experience with more responsive and intuitive interactions. Previous leaks had hinted at the inclusion of these controllers, but the Walmart display now provides official confirmation, marking a significant improvement for users. The Touch Plus controllers are expected to deliver a refined, immersive experience, putting the Quest 3S on par with premium devices such as the PlayStation VR2 and Quest Pro.

The inclusion of these controllers, paired with Meta’s ongoing innovations in mixed reality, suggests that the Quest 3S will provide users with a well-rounded and engaging XR headset experience. This aligns with Meta’s broader vision for the metaverse, including the expansion of platforms like Meta Horizon.

For those eagerly awaiting further details, Meta Connect is expected to provide official pricing, additional hardware specifications, and potential Amazon deals, making this good news for fans of immersive technology. The pricing leak suggesting a starting point around $299 remains a hot topic, and this reveal could significantly influence the virtual reality market.

The growing interest in this product demonstrates that Meta continues to draw inspiration from industry-leading devices, refining their approach to reality and virtual experiences.

Meta Quest 3S Pricing and Storage Options

The Walmart display confirms that the Meta Quest 3S will be available in two storage capacities: 128GB and 256GB. The entry-level 128GB model is expected to be priced at $300, making it an affordable option for those new to virtual reality or casual users. While the price for the 256GB model remains unconfirmed, it is expected to be higher, providing more storage for users who need additional space for apps, games, and experiences.

These storage options offer flexibility for a wide range of users. The 128GB model is ideal for budget-conscious consumers looking for a solid introduction to mixed reality headsets, while the 256GB version caters to more serious VR enthusiasts who require more space for large applications and advanced content. This strategy makes the Quest 3S VR headset accessible to both entry-level and experienced users, potentially expanding its market appeal.

Paired with the enhanced Touch Plus controllers, the Quest 3S promises an immersive and versatile experience, putting it in direct competition with other reality headsets like the Apple Vision Pro. These options, along with competitive pricing, could lead to a significant price cut for older models, as Meta positions the Quest 3S as a go-to device in the virtual reality headset market.

As the 3S launch nears, attention will focus on how the Quest 3S stacks up against other augmented reality and mixed reality devices in terms of features and pricing. With Meta Connect scheduled for tomorrow, users can expect more official announcements, including storage options, pricing, and additional features for both models. Meta's strategy seems aimed at ensuring that the 3S VR headset appeals to a broad audience, cementing its position in the evolving XR headset landscape.

Meta Quest 3S Exclusive Game Bundles

One of the most exciting revelations from the Walmart leak is the inclusion of Batman: Arkham Shadow with the purchase of a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S. This exclusive game bundle could be a major selling point for the headset, especially for fans of the iconic Batman franchise. By offering a high-profile game alongside the hardware, Meta is positioning the Quest 3S as not just a powerful virtual reality device but also a gateway to premium content.

The inclusion of Batman: Arkham Shadow underscores Meta's commitment to providing compelling content to complement its hardware offerings. Bundling popular games with their VR headsets could attract both gamers and Batman fans, adding significant value to the 3S release. The anticipated price of $300 for the 128GB model makes this bundle even more appealing, giving users access to top-tier games right out of the box.

From a technical standpoint, the Quest 3S is expected to feature the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset, ensuring smooth performance and high-quality graphics. Combined with upgraded lenses and pro controllers, the 3S headset is shaping up to be a formidable entry in the VR space, appealing to a wide range of users. The Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1's capabilities will enable faster load times and more immersive gameplay, making experiences like Batman: Arkham Shadow even more engaging.

This leak also hints at how Meta plans to integrate both hardware and content to drive sales, particularly with the upcoming 3S release. Fans can expect further details on the specs, inbox contents, and any additional bundled offers during Meta Connect, as the company looks to differentiate the Quest 3S from competitors like Oculus and other mixed reality devices on the market.

What to Expect from the Official Meta Connect Announcement

With Meta Connect 2024, we can expect official confirmation of the details revealed in the Walmart leak, as well as potentially new information about the highly anticipated Quest 3S. This event is poised to provide deeper insights into key features, such as the updated lenses for improved visual clarity, battery life, and overall performance enhancements. Additionally, the official announcement will likely confirm the launch dates and pricing for both the 128GB and 256GB models of the Quest 3S, filling in any remaining gaps from the leaks.

Beyond hardware specs, Meta may also introduce more exclusive game bundles similar to Batman: Arkham Shadow, which was revealed as part of the Walmart leak. The event is also expected to highlight the Quest Store's expanded library of content and new software optimisations, providing users with a well-rounded and immersive VR experience.

Meta Connect may also delve into broader innovations, such as updates on Orion AR glasses and other projects in the pipeline, reinforcing Meta’s commitment to both augmented reality and virtual reality. These advancements are likely to position Meta as a serious competitor to Apple and other companies in the growing AR/VR space.

With a focus on refining its ecosystem, the official announcement will provide a more complete picture of the Quest 3S's capabilities, including potential updates on the battery and comfort improvements for longer sessions. In-depth reviews following the event will likely compare the Quest 3S to other leading headsets, cementing its place in the market for virtual reality enthusiasts.

Is there a Meta Quest 4 coming out?

Despite recent layoffs in its Reality Labs division, Meta is still moving forward with ambitious plans for the Meta Quest 4, which is expected to be released in 2026, and a higher-end headset slated for 2027, according to reports from The Information. This long-term roadmap underscores Meta's continued commitment to advancing its Meta Quest line, even amidst internal challenges.

While the focus remains on the upcoming Meta Quest 3S, set for imminent release, the development of the Quest 4 highlights Meta’s forward-thinking strategy to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving virtual reality market. The company appears to be balancing innovation with a push for accessibility, as seen with the Meta Quest 3S's anticipated $300 price point and accessible design.

The Quest 4 is rumoured to bring even more advanced software capabilities and immersive experiences, continuing Meta’s leadership in the VR space. Alongside these future headsets, Meta is also likely to enhance its ecosystem of apps, games, and software to fully utilise the power of these upcoming devices.

These reports also indicate that Meta’s higher-end headset, expected in 2027, will push the boundaries of VR and AR experiences, possibly introducing premium features that were only hinted at in current iterations like the Meta Quest Pro. As Meta continues to refine its product line with upcoming releases like the Meta Quest 3S, the company is clearly positioning itself for long-term success, despite recent setbacks.