Meta and Microsoft Team Up for Xbox-Themed VR Headset
New Limited Edition Includes Game Pass Subscription
Meta and Microsoft have launched a special edition VR/MR headset, merging the worlds of virtual reality and Xbox gaming. This collaboration offers a unique experience for gamers, combining cutting-edge technology with popular gaming titles.
Unveiling the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
On June 24th, Meta and Microsoft jointly announced the “Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition” VR/MR machine. It is presently available for purchase overseas, priced at $399.99. This edition is based on the 128GB version of the already-released Meta Quest 3S and features exclusive accessories.
This limited-edition headset boasts an Xbox-inspired design, including a carbon black base and velocity green accents. It comes with a unique Xbox controller and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, enabling users to play streaming-enabled games immediately upon arrival.
The product includes a special edition “Meta Quest 3S” 128GB unit, special Touch Plus controllers in unique colors, a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller, and a black-based universal power adapter. Also included are the Meta Quest Elite Strap (Carbon Black) and a 3-month trial of Meta Horizon+.
Gaming Experience and Features
The Xbox app has been available since December 2023. After downloading it to the Meta Quest console, players can stream games by logging into their Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account. This offers a full-color pass-through environment, enabling gaming in a virtual Xbox-themed space or a player’s own room.
Users can enjoy the latest titles, such as “Metaphor: Rifantagio,” “DOOM: The Dark Ages,” and “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.” Players can also stream compatible games they have purchased themselves, carrying their achievements and progress data using a Bluetooth-connected Xbox controller.
Availability and Future Prospects
The product is available on the official Meta website and through retailers in the US and UK. The Japanese sales page is accessible on the official Meta website, but purchases were unavailable at the time of writing.
The VR gaming market continues to grow, with global revenue expected to reach $50 billion by 2027 (Statista 2024). This collaboration between Meta and Microsoft could reshape the landscape of gaming.
With this new edition, gamers have a new option to enhance their gaming experiences, and the alliance between Meta and Microsoft may encourage further innovative collaborations in the future.
