Rumored Quest 3S May Be Launching Soon Following New Meta VR Headset Certification

A new Meta VR headset has received certification from the FCC, potentially indicating the imminent release of either the rumored Quest 3S or a more budget-friendly option alongside the Quest 3.

Update (September 3rd, 2024): Meta is set to launch a new VR headset. Documents related to the FCC certification were recently made public, which usually happens just before a new Meta product hits the market. Additionally, a separate certification was found on the third-party testing and certification site Dekra.

With Meta Connect event approaching towards the end of the month, it seems that we are just about three weeks away from the official reveal—unless there are any leaks prior to the launch.

Below is the original article discussing the previous leak of the ‘Quest 3S’ name:

Original Article (May 31st, 2024): In early 2023, it was revealed that Meta was working on a new Quest headset to be released in 2024, with the aim of making the platform more accessible to consumers. Recently, the name ‘Quest 3S’ appeared in an app listing, seemingly confirming previous rumors about Meta’s upcoming headset.

The XR fitness app Alo Moves XR listed the name ‘Quest 3S’, indicating towards Meta’s next headset.

Whether this headset is the anticipated ‘more accessible’ (i.e., cheaper) option remains to be seen, but it seems likely.

Although it might appear to be a simple error by any studio, it’s worth noting that Alo Moves XR is published by Meta and developed by Magnopus, the same studio that collaborated with Meta on an open source Unity demo showcasing the possibilities of MR.

It’s uncertain when Meta plans to announce the rumored Quest 3S, also known in previous rumors as ‘Quest 3 Lite’. The next potential announcement could happen at Connect 2024, typically held in October, where Meta usually unveils its new headsets.

In the meantime, Meta has reduced the price of the Quest 2, offering the 128GB version of its standalone VR headset from 2020 for just $200. This price drop comes as Meta shifts its focus to being a platform holder rather than solely a hardware manufacturer, as evidenced by the announcement that it will make its XR operating system available to third-party OEMs for the first time. This includes XR devices running Meta’s HorizonOS from initial partners ASUS, Lenovo, and Xbox, promising to bring Quest-like standalone devices to the market soon.