Latest news with #Quest3S
Tom's Guide
12-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Valve's answer to Meta Quest could launch very soon — here's what we know about Valve Deckard
The best VR headsets are growing evermore popular, with the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S leading the charge. But one company that jumped on this train early has been very quiet since 2019. I'm of course talking about Valve, and after several leaks, we've got the clearest indicator yet that the company's standalone headset may be coming sooner than we think. Code-named Valve Deckard, recent details suggest that production is underway and we could see a Fall 2025 launch. The leak came from SadlyitsBradley on X, who claims that Valve 'has been importing equipment to manufacture VR headset facial interfaces inside the US.' This equipment produced the same face gaskets that were found on the Valve Index headset. Pair that with what else we've seen so far, like Valve's VR headset patent application, and the leak last year of the codename Roy controllers for Deckard being prepped for mass production, you can see everything coming together nicely. So why do all of this machine shifting in the first place? Well, the speculation from SadlyItsBradley (and something I agree with) comes down to self protection from US tariffs. It's a big unknown, and while trade deals seem to be coming down the line between the USA and other countries, it's all a bit up in the air how these will impact exports. That's why it makes sense to think one step ahead at the moment. Given the rumored bundle price for Valve Deckard of $1,200 (according to Gabe Follower), you don't want that cost to soar with export taxes. Several people have confirmed that Valve is aiming to release new standalone, wireless VR headset (codename Deckard) by the end of 2025. The current price for the full bundle is set to be $1200. Including some "in-house" games (or demos) that are already done. Valve want to give… 26, 2025 So what will Deckard bring to the table that the Index didn't? Well first of all, we're expecting the usual suspects: Higher 1440p resolution (given the Quest 3S is a higher resolution than Index), faster 120Hz refresh rate and smaller, more ergonomic controllers. These seem to be confirmed in leaked renders and references in a SteamVR update. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. But the most interesting part is its standalone capabilities, and the fact it'll run SteamOS just like the Steam Deck. This could be significant as rumors are pointing towards Steam Deck games could be played in big-screen mode within the headset – vastly increasing the library of titles you could play on the Deckard. Pair that with PC connectivity for a higher quality PCVR experience, and you've got something that (on paper) looks set to become the new best gaming VR headset you can buy. Given how much I loved Valve Index, I have faith this could be my next new piece of hardware (particularly for sim racing immersion), but we'll just have to wait and see for later this year.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Meta Quest 3 And 3S Finally Get Important Mixed Reality Upgrade
Mixed reality and augmented reality are at the heart of the Meta Quest 3 series VR headsets, but it has taken until now for third-party developers to truly get their hands on the hardware proper. Meta Quest 3 The latest version of the Meta Quest software development kit finally unlocks API access to the passthrough camera. This has been part of the experimental version of the platform for a few weeks, but the full release means developers can now use it to publish Quest 3 and Quest 3S software to the official store. Why does this matter for the average Quest 3 owner? It means we're likely to see a slew of third-party apps and games that make much smarter use of passthrough tech. The developer can get access to your video feed and, machine learning compute willing, analyze the world around you beyond its basic structure to enrich apps and games. It may not take long for the first these apps to appear either, given developers have been able to experiment with the API for a short while. Before you start picturing a sudden revolution of mixed reality experiences, though, there are some key limitations. The quality of the feed available is quite limited, a 1280 × 960 resolution image at 30 frames per second. This is going to limit its visual acuity — it won't be able to recognise fine detail or small objects from any grand distance. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Meta announced this upcoming capability in late 2024 as part of its Meta Connect conference, and made a pitch we now hope to see realised. 'This will enable all kinds of cutting-edge MR experiences. You've got tracked objects, AI applications, fancy overlays, scene understanding, and so much more,' said Meta, as reported at the time by Upload VR. The future may see more of the onus for keeping the Meta Quest 3 ecosystem healthy placed on third parties too. Last week, Meta announced more than 100 layoffs associated with its Oculus Studios in-house developments teams and the Supernatural team. Meta acquired VR fitness app Supernatural's creator Within back in 2023 for a deal worth a reported $400 million. In February, reported Meta's Reality Labs losses for the preceding 12 months amounted to $17.7 billion. While huge losses from its mixed reality and metaverse division have been its core characteristic since its inception in 2020, the restructure suggests even Meta has had to get real in the current climate.
Business Insider
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Meta Quest 3S deal: Save $30 on a gamer-favorite VR headset bundle
If you enjoy gaming, investing in a VR headset is a great way to level up your experience and make it more immersive. But if you're new to VR or have never tried it before, finding the right headset can be daunting, especially when most options cost hundreds of dollars. Luckily, one of our favorite entry-level VR headsets, the Meta Quest 3S, is on sale now at Amazon with a special bundle deal. Meta Quest 3S (128GB) $269 $299.99 Save 10% The Quest 3S is Meta's most affordable VR headset. It has the same chipset and gaming performance as the pricier Quest 3, but its display isn't as sharp. This is an excellent fit for casual users who want a more budget-friendly entry into the world of VR. This is a great time to buy, as you'll get a free download of the Batman: Arkham Shadow game and three months of Meta Quest+ (combined $70 value). View at Amazon Follow our WhatsApp channel on mobile for more deals and shopping content from the Reviews team While the deal lasts, you can get the Meta Quest 3S headset, a free download of the "Batman: Arkham Shadow" game, and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ (combined value of $70) for just $269. The headset is already comparatively low-priced to other Meta Quest models, so you won't want to miss out on this deal. Our tech experts on the Reviews Team have extensively tested several Meta Quest models and other VR headsets, including the Meta Quest 3S. While the 3S is a great user-friendly budget option that's great for beginners, its crisp visuals, smooth performance, and immersive features are comparable to much more expensive models, making it a great choice for any gamer. In addition to gaming, you can also use the set to connect to social media, streaming, and fitness apps, so there's no shortage of uses for it. Read our full Meta Quest 3S review to learn more about our testing process. With nearly 4,000 five-star reviews, Amazon shoppers clearly love this bundle as much as we do. "Wow! I am overwhelmed with what I can do with this. The visuals are crisp, control is responsive, and it's easy to use and link to all of your accounts. The first friend that came over and tried it had ordered one for pickup before he left my house," said one reviewer. "I'm loving this tech. It feels sturdy and works very well. This item is worth every penny so far." Many shoppers even said the Quest 3S was better than other models they'd tried. "This is what the Quest 2 was building up to be! They've improved almost every feature that came with this headset. The hand tracking on this headset is phenomenal, I'm able to move my hands freely and able to do tons of movements without it losing tracking once," said another reviewer. "Genuinely have never been more immersed. The resolution on this headset is amazing too…I would recommend this headset to any video game lover even if they have never tried VR." With the current discount on Amazon, you can get the Meta Quest 3S, "Batman: Arkham Shadow," and a three-month trial of Meta Quest+ for just $269. Add the bundle to your cart now while the deal lasts. More trending gaming deals on Amazon Still shopping? Browse through more of .
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Research suggests the VR headset heyday could be behind us
The latest market research has not been kind to VR headsets, and the Apple Vision Pro is the headset that suffered the biggest drop in market share. According to a new market update, the global VR market declined by 12% year-over-year in 2024, showing that the adoption of these headsets is slowing instead of picking up pace. The updates come from Counterpoint, a research firm. According to its latest findings, people just aren't that into VR headsets anymore. Despite the way the tech has evolved in the last few years, shipments of VR headsets are dropping instead of rising. It's worth noting that shipments don't directly translate to sales. We don't know how many headsets have actually been sold, but what we do know is that retailers seemingly had no need for frequent restocks, hence the drop in shipments — and that points to declining sales, too, but those numbers are hardly ever made available to the public. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's dig in. The global VR headset shipments fell by 12% year-over-year, and this is the third consecutive year of declines. Comparing the final quarter of 2024 to the final quarter of 2023 also revealed a 5% drop. Counterpoint cites hardware limitations and the fact that there's just not enough exciting VR content readily available as some of the reasons why the market is in decline. The company notes that the enterprise market is doing better, although it hasn't shared any numbers on that. Meta, with headsets such as the Quest 3S, dominates the VR headset market, achieving a share of 77% in 2024. That share was even better in the fourth quarter of the year, when Meta headsets accounted for 84% of the market. While Meta is soaring, the Apple Vision Pro is struggling to gain market share. The shipments of Apple's flagship headset dropped by 43% quarter-over-quarter, indicating that many people might not be willing to spend over $3,500 on a VR headset.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Best VR Games to Play in 2025
Years come and go, but virtual reality is still a place where some of the most interesting and immersive games exist, if you're curious enough to wear a headset. Thanks largely to the Meta Quest, which remains the most popular VR headset product line in existence, there are lots of fascinating, sometimes extremely active, and compelling games to play. And it's not just on the Meta Quest, which now has a newer line of upgraded-graphics headsets (the Quest 3 and Quest 3S). The PlayStation VR 2 has a solid number of excellent games, PC VR remains a place with many classics, and even Apple's Vision Pro has a couple of good ones. Read more: CNET's Best VR Headsets The number of great VR games each year feels like it's slowing down, but there are still lots of gems. The good news is VR games actually age well. Some of my favorite VR games from years ago are still ones I play regularly. VR's latest trick has been mixed reality, blending passthrough color camera feeds with VR graphics to make it feel like games are bleeding into your real world. Some of the games on this list dabble in mixed reality, too. Here's my top list right now, with information on which platforms they're available on. If you've ever had the urge to be Batman, this is the best VR Batman experience ever made. Arkham Shadow throws you into a beautiful-looking underworld with controls that let you quickly fight, glide with batwings, and use a bunch of tools. It's been given away free with Quest 3S purchases, but it's well worth buying on its own, even if you're not getting it for free. Release date: Oct. 21, 2024Genre: AdventureDeveloper: CamouflajPlatforms: Quest 3S, Quest 3 See at Meta One of the biggest and most visually rich RPGs you can play in VR, Asgard's Wrath II is also full of first-person action. This Egyptian-themed game, full of gods and beasts, has a mix of puzzles and combat and a lot of secrets to discover. There's a ton to do, with cinematic worlds and puzzles and a roguelike mode that randomly generates battles in case you somehow finish the dozens-of-hours main story. The graphics aren't quite as good as the PC-only first game in the series, but few Quest 2 or Quest 3 games have looked better. Release date: Dec. 15, 2023Genre: RPG/AdventureDeveloper: Sanzaru GamesPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3 See at Meta Don't ask me, ask my kids. The most popular game in VR for years is this weird free social game that uses your arms to propel you through a bunch of worlds that feel as pixelated as Minecraft. The brilliance of Gorilla Tag is its system of arm-driven movement, but its staying power is in its Minecraft-like social universe. Release date: Feb. 12, 2021Genre: ActionDeveloper: Another AxiomPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam, PSVR 2 See at Meta Much like Beat Saber, Synth Riders is a rhythm-based music game. Synth Riders is a bit more forgiving, asking you to match hand movements to certain positions rather than swinging a virtual saber. It's also one of the few big VR games to also live on Apple's Vision Pro. If you happen to have a Vision Pro and wanted a Beat Saber-like experience, this is your best chance. Release date: June 21, 2018Genre: ActionDeveloper: Kluge InteractivePlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam, PSVR 2, Vision Pro See at Meta Assembling 3D puzzles is a surprisingly challenging experience, and Puzzling Places lets you slowly assemble 3D scans of real places to create immersive models you can expand and peek your head into. Each puzzle can be set up with different amounts of pieces, ramping difficulty up or down as needed. A mixed-reality mode floats the puzzle pieces in your real-world environment, too. Whether you play on Quest, PSVR 2 or Vision Pro, it's always fun. Release date: Sept. 2, 2021Genre: PuzzleDeveloper: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam, PSVR 2, Vision Pro See at Meta Valve's long-awaited sequel to its dystopian first-person sci-fi franchise, which debuted right alongside Valve's Index headset in 2020, is still one of the best things you can play in VR. Set between the events of the first Half Life and Half Life 2, Alyx puts you behind the hands of resistance fighter Alyx Vance, following her journey as she takes the fight to the alien Combine forces. Series fans will be familiar with the world setting and various familiar enemies, but its VR nature makes this game dramatically more immersive, frightening and visceral. From aiming shots at shambling zombies to throwing tin cans at pigeons, Half Life: Alyx makes superb use of VR to make an existing series feel fresh and exciting. Release date: March 23, 2020Genre: ActionDeveloper: ValvePlatforms: Steam See at Steam This PlayStation VR 2-exclusive game, made as a VR-focused spin-off of Sony's futuristic and robo-pocalyptic Horizon games, is one of the most beautiful and intense VR experiences next to Half-Life: Alyx. Most of the game involves climbing up mountains and shooting enemies with your bow and arrows, with some puzzle solving thrown in. The game's use of optional eye tracking, rich visuals and uncanny details throughout make it a PSVR 2 must-have. Release date: Feb. 22, 2023Genre: AdventureDeveloper: Sony Interactive EntertainmentPlatforms: PSVR 2 See at Playstation All of the already-fantastic Gran Turismo 7 racing game on PS5 is playable on Sony's PlayStation VR 2 headset, making this one of the best PSVR 2 games and one of the best VR games anywhere. Just a couple of caveats: The races are the only part that snap into VR, and GT7 doesn't work with the Sense controllers (you need to use the DualSense controller or a compatible wheel), but the level of driving detail is absolutely stunning. Release date: March 4, 2022Genre: RacingDeveloper: Sony Interactive EntertainmentPlatforms: PSVR 2 Another PS5 game that has a complete PSVR 2-compatible upgrade, Resident Evil Village looks stunning and takes advantage of the PS5 graphics and the PSVR 2 display to create one of the most detailed immersive horror games yet. The translation to VR isn't always perfect, but it's still an amazing demonstration of how good VR gaming can look. Release date: Feb. 22, 2023Genre: HorrorDeveloper: CapcomPlatforms: PSVR 2 See at Playstation No Man's Sky is a game that's only gotten more and more spectacular with age, becoming an endless space adventure with a ridiculous amount of things to do. The entire game can be played in VR, and the results are often jaw-dropping. For sheer play value alone, this is worth adding to your VR collection. The PSVR 2 upgrade is one of the headset's best games. Release date: Aug. 9, 2016Genre: AdventureDeveloper: Hello GamesPlatforms: PSVR 2, Steam See at Playstation ILM Immersive has made several iconic VR games (if you haven't played Vader Immortal, you should try that too). Tales From The Galaxy's Edge is more free-roaming in its level designs, and is set in the wilds of Batuu, the planet from Disney's Star Wars theme parks. It's also more shooter-based, with some well-designed weapon mechanics. If you want to feel like you're living a Star Wars life for a while, this is your first VR destination (check out Star Wars: Squadrons for another good option for Steam VR). It's almost like a virtual Disney parks souvenir. Release date: Nov. 19, 2020Genre: AdventureDeveloper: ILM ImmersivePlatforms: PSVR 2, Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3 See at Meta Two lightsabers, slashing to music. Beat Saber is a music-rhythm movement and dance game that's done so well, it's already in arcades. Slash blocks in particular directions, avoid bombs, duck obstacles and suddenly it's a workout. It's a great rave-dance VR lightsaber workout, and with its frequent music packs and upgrades, it's become one of the all-time VR classics. Release date: May 1, 2018Genre: Rhythm ActionDeveloper: Beat GamesPlatforms: PSVR 2, Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Windows See at Meta Moss: Book II follows much the same format as the original Moss game, a platformer in which you guide adorable mouse Quill through various puzzles. This sequel sees a continuation of Quill's story, with fresh puzzles, wider, more interactive environments and beautiful visuals. The original Moss and Moss Book II are both fantastic, and you should play them both. But you might as well pick the newest one if you're a newcomer, since it stands on its own and has improved graphics. Release date: March 31, 2022Genre: AdventureDeveloper: PolyarcPlatforms: PSVR 2, Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta My overall favorite VR game just might be mini-golf. Walkabout's multiple golf courses are brilliantly designed, with extra-hard challenge modes and hidden golf balls to collect. The game's golf physics are perfect. The multiplayer modes are great for having friends join in online. Several increasingly good courses keep arriving as DLC, from one based on Jim Henson's Labyrinth to Wallace and Gromit course to a series of Jules Verne courses. Every time a new course comes out, I get excited. Seriously, you have no idea how good VR mini-golf is. And the Meow Wolf course is absolutely wonderful. Release date: March 24, 2020Genre: AdventureDeveloper: Mighty CoconutPlatforms: PSVR 2, Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta A bow and arrow, and waves of evil creatures. In Death Unchained's roguelike design, which changes the experience every time you play, is a challenge of pure survival and some incredibly satisfying archery mechanics. It won us over the moment it arrived on the scene, and remains one of the best arcade-like games on the Quest (it's just called In Death on PC). Release date: July 23, 2020Genre: ActionDeveloper: SuperbrightPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta Tabletop role-playing vibes come to this excellent turn-based VR game that cross-plays to any other platform. The clever design lays out a 3D dungeon map you move through while playing cards from your hand that deal damage. Along with Walkabout Mini Golf, this is the best casual multiplayer VR experience you can have. It's also almost like playing D&D in VR. Release date: May 6, 2021Genre: AdventureDeveloper: Resolution GamesPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam, PSVR 2, Vision Pro See at Meta Ever dream of being Iron Man? This game will have you hovering around in a jetpack, using your hands to aim and blast through a series of missions that are surprisingly kinetic and fun. Iron Man was originally a game on the PlayStation VR, but the move to Quest is far more fun because there are no wires to worry about getting tangled in. Release date: July 3, 2020Genre: ActionDeveloper: CamouflajPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta If you love zombies and survival action, Saints & Sinners and its Chapter 2 sequel are the way to go. These games look great on the PC and also play well on the Quest and PSVR 2. Survival horror and a surprisingly deep adventure make this and the original game must-haves. Release date: Jan. 23, 2020Genre: ActionDeveloper: Skydance InteractivePlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam, PSVR 2 See at Steam Named after the real-life cognitive phenomenon and designed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the creator of Rez Infinite and the classic Lumines, this is Tetris in VR. And it's incredible. Music and visuals sync with your moves to create synaesthetic, hypnotic flow gaming. It's also a great way to show off the PSVR 2's high-contrast display. On the PSVR 2 and PC, it doubles as a 2D game. Release date: Nov. 9, 2018Genre: PuzzleDeveloper: EnhancePlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam, PSVR 2 See at Playstation The multiplayer battle royale experience of Population One is very Fortnite-like. In fact, it's extremely Fortnite-like. That's a good thing. There are few large-scale multiplayer VR games right now, and this is one of the best. Dropping down from above, navigating the shrinking map, climbing and hunting for supplies, and excellent controls make this a must-play team shooter. Plus, there are constant season updates. Release date: Oct. 22, 2020Genre: ActionDeveloper: BigBox VRPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta Ping-pong in VR is a workout. The table tennis physics in Eleven Table Tennis are superb, making this one of the most realistic simulations you can have in a headset. The difficulty levels ramp up to some seriously unforgiving levels, too. Get good at this, and you might just improve your ping-pong game. Release date: Feb. 27, 2020Genre: SportsDeveloper: For Fun LabsPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta VR is a great format for escape room experiences. I Expect You to Die is a game you can play seated, leaning over desks and flipping switches, using telekinetic powers to control items from afar. The puzzle designs can be as challenging as any escape room I've ever been in. The series has three games now, but you might as well start with the newest one. Release date: Aug. 17, 2023Genre: PuzzleDeveloper: Schell GamesPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta You have no idea how intense VR rock climbing can be until you've tried The Climb 2. You use your hands to reach up and grab ledges, grab ropes and zipline. It sounds easy, and yet discovering ledges, holding the right grip and keeping focus can be a real challenge. It's also absolutely beautiful. Release date: March 24, 2021Genre: ActionDeveloper: CrytekPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3 See at Meta One of the best VR games only requires one person to wear a headset. In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, one player is in a tiny room, faced with a fiendish bomb to defuse. Everyone else has the hilariously complex bomb defusal manual and both sides have to describe the bomb, and the instructions, before it explodes. A party game classic. Release date: July 26, 2015Genre: PuzzleDeveloper: Steel Crate GamesPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta With or without VR, Superhot has a brilliant conceit: Time only moves when you move. Which means you can be utterly surrounded by enemies bristling with machine guns or ones ready to slice you into pieces, and still defeat them all by -- oh so slowly -- brushing their weapons aside, dodging bullets, throwing pots and pans, etc. Every level plays like a puzzle as much as a shooter, and you come out looking like an action hero every time. Release date: Dec. 5, 2016Genre: ActionDeveloper: Superhot TeamPlatforms: Quest 2, Quest 3S, Quest 3, Steam See at Meta That's a totally subjective question, but my personal answer for "Best VR Game Ever" is Walkabout Mini Golf: its collection of immersive mini golf courses are phenomenal, and it's a great multiplayer soclal game to try. But Half Life: Alyx also remains one of the most impressive immersive adventures available in a headset. VR always feels like it's somewhere in between life and death. Meta's Quest headsets remain strong sellers, but the state of VR games overall feels like it's stalled out a little since it's not as profitable a territory for developers compared to mobile or standard PC/console designs which can be ported to other hardware more easily. Good VR games tend to not be very playable out of a VR headset, although there are a good handful of 2D games that have VR-playable modes. Absolutely. In fact, VR gaming is one of my favorite ways of getting fit. If you play a game like Beat Saber and track your heart rate, you'll see the impact. Just keep in mind that sweating in VR can easily happen, and you should get a silicone sweat-resistant face mask for yours if you're considering getting super-active. CNET has a wide variety of writers with decades of collected experience playing games and experiencing VR. While we're not always able to catch everything that's new, we pay attention to how much time we spend in VR games and how much of an impact they make on us. We jump between all the VR platforms to help make our decisions.
