Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition: The Surprising New Way to Play Xbox Games at Home
The new Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition could just be the surprise handheld contender for Xbox fans who want something different. With Xbox Game Pass support and a slick VR setup, this headset is showing off some serious potential as a Game Pass machine—right in your living room.
- Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition tested as a Game Pass device
- Full Xbox Cloud Gaming and remote play support
- Unique hardware bundle with Xbox controller and extras
- Practical look at VR as an alternative to handhelds
- Impressions on comfort, image quality, and usability
Is Xbox hardware really dead? VR enters the chat
“Personally, I think Xbox hardware is dead,” said Laura Fryer, one of the founding employees of Microsoft Game Studios, in a recent YouTube video:
That bold statement came after Microsoft revealed the ROG Xbox Ally during Summer Game Fest—a device that hints at Phil Spencer’s dreams, but maybe doesn’t quite deliver. With all the talk about Game Pass and Microsoft’s push into third-party publishing, many are left wondering where Xbox is really heading. There’s also news of deeper AMD collaboration and the new Meta partnership for an Xbox-themed Quest 3S.
Cloud gaming, VR, and the Xbox ecosystem
Microsoft is sending mixed signals. One week, we hear rumors of a new handheld; the next, reports claim the project might be “essentially canceled.” For now, the future seems foggy, but for players, adapting is part of the journey. In 2025, I found myself genuinely surprised: Playing Xbox games in VR might actually be my favorite way to play Xbox games.
What’s inside the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition?
Microsoft sent Polygon a Quest 3S Xbox Edition for review. The device includes:
- 128 GB VR headset
- Touch Plus controllers in Xbox colors
- Elite Strap for comfort (usually costs ~$70)
- Limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller
- Game Pass trial
There’s nothing unique to the Xbox Edition compared to the standard Quest 3S in terms of features, but the bundle is tailored for Xbox fans who care about design and extras.
VR vs. handheld: Why choose?
As a longtime VR skeptic, I didn’t expect to love playing Xbox games in VR. But after two weeks with the Quest 3S, I kept reaching for it instead of my Steam Deck, especially for casual play. The image fidelity—1,832 x 1,920 per eye—felt as sharp as the Steam Deck’s 720p, and I could even wear my glasses under the headset thanks to a special adapter. The AR mode was a surprise hit, letting me check messages without taking off the headset.
The Xbox app takes you straight to Game Pass. I loaded up Oblivion, jumped into Blue Prince, and tested the new multiplayer game Rematch from Sloclap. Everything played smoothly—even Rematch, which isn’t VR-optimized, felt natural on the big virtual screen, with solid audio and a clear view of the action. You can even switch to a “theatrical” mode that dims the lights for a more immersive experience.
Is the Quest 3S Xbox Edition a real handheld?
Let’s be clear: I wouldn’t take the Quest 3S outside. With a two-hour battery and a bulky design, it’s not made for travel. But at home, it solves a real problem—how to play Xbox games on a big screen without hogging the family TV. I could still chat with my wife or keep an eye on the room, thanks to the AR features. It’s not a revolution in hardware, but it’s a smart new way to play Xbox games without compromise.
The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition might not be a console killer, but it’s a fresh, functional option for Game Pass fans who want a big-screen experience—no matter what’s happening on the actual big screen at home.
