You probably know the Meta Quest 3S has the same CPU as the Quest 3, but what else has changed from the Quest 2? Less than you'd think, but there are some key differences you might miss by looking at it.

In essence, the Quest 3S is nearly the same headset but with downgraded optics. On the plus side, since both headsets use the same processor, running at a lower resolution reduces the load on the APU, which could theoretically improve performance in games and also account for the increased battery life.

And yet, for all its new features -- a better color passthrough camera that can enable mixed reality just like the more expensive Quest 3 and the same Quest 3 processor for more advanced graphics in games -- I wonder how rapidly the VR and AR app landscape on Quest can accelerate along with it.

Speaking of lenses, the Meta Quest 3S reverts to fresnel lenses. The Quest 3’s “pancake lenses” help make graphics in your peripheral vision look sharper, making the whole experience more immersive. Since this device has fresnel lenses like the Meta Quest 2, I expect the viewing experience will be largely similar.

With the budget Quest 3S now up for preorder, Meta will no longer sell the Quest 2 and Quest Pro once back stock is deleted.

Meta has unveiled a new entry-level mixed reality headset, the Meta Quest 3S, which starts at $299.99 for the 128 GB model and $399.99 for 256 GB. Pre-orders are live at Meta’s website and will ship Oct.

The Meta Quest 3 is Meta's reigning champion for the best VR headset, but the Quest 3S is boasting much of the same specs and all of the same software and features at a cheaper price (though the rival model does have less storage, a bulkier frame, and less crisp displays)

The Quest 3S is available for preorder on Meta's website ahead of its formal launch on Tuesday, Oct. 15. It starts at $299.99 for 128GB of storage — you can bump that to 256GB for $399.99 — and it comes bundled with two freebies: a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ and a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow.

Meta has revealed its new Meta Quest 3S headset, which launches on October 15 and comes bundled with Batman: Arkham Shadow.

The Quest 3S is bringing almost as much to the table as the Quest 3 but for $200 less. Meta may have just made an offer that mixed-reality first-timers can't refuse.

The Meta Quest 3S doesn't officially go on sale until October 15, but I was able to try on the headset early to see how it fit, what it could do and how it compares to the pricier Meta Quest 3. During the hands-on session,