Looking to get into virtual reality? Meta Quest 3 represents a significant step forward in virtual reality (VR) and a great starting point for everyone. The newly unveiled Meta Quest 3S also offers a cheaper price tag for the model, making it an easier starting point for your wallet, too. It's the best way to get into VR, and even offers exciting exlusive new games like the Batman Arkham Shadow game, which requires a Meta Quest 3 to play.
We're keeping an eye out on any Meta Quest discounts as they appear. For now, check out some of our favorite Meta Quest 3 deals below.
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Meta Quest 3S Deals
Officially introduced during the Meta Connect event was the Meta Quest 3S. This is a cheaper alternative to the Meta Quest 3, with the 128GB model coming in at $299.99 and the 256GB model available for $399.99. That's up to $200 less expensive than the Quest 3, making it a fantastic point to jump in on the VR fun with their latest release. Not to mention, you'll get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for free with your purchase.
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 (1832×1920 vs 2064×2208)
- Fresnel lens vs. pancake lens
- Lower FOV (96°/90° vs 104°/96°)
- Smaller maximum storage capacity (256GB vs 512GB)
- Longer battery life (2.5hrs vs 2.2hrs)
Best Meta Quest 3 Deals and Bundles
- See at Amazon (512GB) – $499.99
- See at Best Buy (512GB) – $499.99
- See at Walmart (512GB) – $499
With the recent reveal of the Meta Quest 3S, it appears the company has begun to phase out the 128GB model of the Meta Quest 3, though the 512GB is still available with an excellent price tag of $499.99. This is a whole $150 off its original list price and also comes with Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for free with your purchase.
We gave this VR headset a 9/10 in our Meta Quest 3 review. Writer Eric Song stated that, "The Quest 3 continues Meta’s legacy of offering a cost-effective headset that doesn’t require an expensive gaming PC, but can still benefit from one if you have it." He continued on to say that, "The Quest 3 goes even further by offering us a ticket to mixed-reality gaming with a full-color passthrough mode that’s sharp enough to read things in the world around you, the lightest and most precisely tracked controllers available, and more."
Best Meta Quest 3 Accessory Deals
In addition to the hardware itself, some fantastic Quest 3 accessories are also on sale. At the moment, the Meta Quest 3 Facial Interface and Head Strap in Elemental Blue has dropped 30% from $49.99 to $34.99 and the Meta Quest Compact Carrying Case has a small discount of 13% down to $43.63.
What Games Are Available on Meta Quest 3?
It's interesting that you ask; eight years after the last Batman: Arkham game, Warner Bros. announced the next installment: Batman: Arkham Shadow. This VR game is exclusive to the Meta Quest 3 and is developed by Camouflaj, the creator of the Iron Man VR game, and Oculus Studios, in collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC.
Otherwise, we have a handy list available of all the games available on the VR headset via IGN Playlist. Highlights include games like Asgard’s Wrath 2 and Assassin's Creed Nexus, alongside more titles like Metal Hellsinger VR or Metro Awakening.
Batman: Arkham Shadow – 5 Details We Found In the Trailer
After watching the trailer for Batman Arkham Shadow, you might have some questions. How does this game fit into the broader Arkham timeline? Who exactly is the Rat King? And what roles do iconic Bat-villains like Harley Quinn and Scarecrow play in this conflict? Let’s delve into what the trailer reveals about the plot of "Arkham Shadow."
- History of the Arkham Universe: Rocksteady concluded the Arkham saga definitively with 2015’s Arkham Knight, where Batman overcame his fears, defeated the ghost of the Joker, and left behind his Bruce Wayne identity. In 2024’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Batman is killed, stirring fan reactions. Despite the closure and the passing of voice actor Kevin Conroy, Camoflaj studio head Ryan Payton confirmed that Arkham Shadow is part of the Arkham-verse, serving as a prequel set between Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum, featuring Roger Craig Smith as a younger Batman.
- The Rat King: Arkham Shadow introduces a new villain, Rat King, a revamped version of Ratcatcher, with a large cult following aiming to destroy Gotham City. The plot includes the abduction of high-ranking officials like Commissioner Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent. Rat King’s followers, identifying as rats, support his vision of a new world, as indicated by the graffiti and symbolism seen in the trailer.
- Smashing Pumpkins Soundtrack: The trailer features an instrumental version of "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" by Smashing Pumpkins, setting the tone of frustration and hopelessness that resonates with Gotham’s citizens. The song’s refrain, "Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage," aligns with Rat King’s influence over Gotham’s disillusioned population.
- Harley Quinn and Scarecrow’s Origins: The game explores the origins of Harley Quinn and Scarecrow, showing them in their civilian identities. Harley, as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, is seen eagerly watching a building burn, hinting at her transformation. Dr. Jonathan Crane dons his Scarecrow mask, inspired by Rat King’s power to manipulate emotions. The trailer suggests both characters are influenced by Rat King in their journey to becoming supervillains.
- The Gray Ghost and Monarch Theatre Cameos: The trailer includes Easter eggs with Harley Quinn in front of the Monarch Theatre, the site of the Wayne family’s fateful movie night, and a poster for The Ghost in Gray, a nod to The Gray Ghost, a childhood hero of Bruce Wayne. These references might hint at a deeper exploration of Batman’s origins and the circumstances that shaped him into the Dark Knight.
What Types of Deals Are There on Meta Quest VR Headsets?
Outside of deals like the above, Meta Quest offers usually fall into three kinds of discounts. Events such as the holiday season, Prime Day, Black Friday and announcements of newer models tend to push prices down, alongside:
- Discounts: Direct price reductions are the most common deals, especially during major sales events or as part of clearance sales, to make room for newer models like we're seeing right now.
- Bundles: Occasionally, retailers bundle a Meta Quest with popular VR games or essential accessories such as additional controllers, charging docks, or travel cases. These bundles provide extra value and enhance the VR experience out of the box.
- Refurbished Units: These units have been returned and restored to like-new condition. They typically come at a reduced price and include a warranty, offering a way to save money without compromising on quality too much.
What to Consider Before Buying a Meta Quest VR Headset
Unfortunately, Virtual Reality isn't for everyone. Those with severe eye health issues or those who suffer from motion sickness might have problems using this particular bit of kit. Meta Quest 3 focuses more on pass-through VR, which overlays virtual reality elements on real-life surroundings. Here are some more points to consider:
- Compatibility: Ensure any additional accessories or hardware purchases are compatible.
- Space Requirements: VR gaming requires physical movement, so ensure you have adequate space to use the device safely.
- Future Models: Make sure to check out the features and specs on newer models before buying older ones to ensure it's a good fit.
We're keeping track of all things VR on the dedicated IGN VR hub, including the latest game releases. We're also keeping the VR hardware market on lockdown with our best VR headset in the 2024 guide, which is worth a look for those who want to shell out on the latest VR tech.
Christian Wait is a UK-based freelancer for IGN, you can follow him @ChrisReggieWait on Twitter/X.
Includes contributions from Robert Anderson and Hannah Hoolihan.
