Latest news with #XboxEdition
Geek Culture
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Microsoft Unveils US$400 Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition VR Headset
Microsoft has announced the launch of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, marking the first limited edition Quest virtual reality (VR) headset ever released. Unveiled via a post on Xbox Wire, the headset is part of an ongoing partnership between Microsoft and Meta, and celebrates the expansion of Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta Quest headsets. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is unsurprisingly decked out in the console's aesthetics, with its chassis covered in Xbox's Carbon Black colourway with Velocity Green accents. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundle will include the following: 128GB Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition Matching Touch Plus controllers and a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller Elite Strap 3 months of Meta Horizon+ 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Users will be able to pair any Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, or Xbox Adaptive Controller to the headset using Bluetooth, with the device also being bundled with a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller that shares the same look as its other accessories. As part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, users will also be able to access Xbox Cloud Gaming via the Xbox app on Quest, allowing them to stream select cloud-playable games they own, even if they are not included with Game Pass Ultimate. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is now available at Meta's US website, Best Buy (USA), Argos (UK), and EE (UK) for US$399.99, with extremely limited quantities available, with Microsoft adding that 'Once they're gone, they're gone.' Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise 'duds' like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3 . He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.
CNET
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNET
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition Hands On: What $400 Gets You
I have major throwback memories to 2016 as I open up the limited-edition Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. This new VR bundle includes a black Quest 3S VR headset with Xbox green highlights, similarly colored Touch controllers and an Xbox controller, too. The original Oculus Rift headset I reviewed years ago also came with an Xbox controller inside, because back then Oculus didn't even have its VR Touch controllers yet. It was also black, not white like the current Quest headsets. It's funny how things come full circle. This Xbox-branded Quest was announced over a year ago, but it took till now to show up. It is far from anything like PlayStation VR 2. Really, it's just a Quest 3S in black with a few extra accessories thrown in. For $400, the deal isn't bad considering the included Meta Elite Strap and Xbox controllers run more than $100 total when bought separately. There's a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate trial code inside, too. But it's hardly anything anyone would need, and it's a little odd that the special bundle incorporates the lower-end 128GB capacity 3S instead of the better-visual-quality, larger-storage Quest 3. There's that Xbox logo on the side. Scott Stein/CNET The Quest headsets can stream Xbox GamePass games via cloud gaming in a Quest app, throwing 2D games on a bigger virtual screen in headset. That's something you can already do on Quest headsets now; you don't need this Xbox Quest for that. This is simply a limited-edition design drop, a little collector's item. But it also makes me wonder when (and if) Microsoft will start dipping its toes into VR and AR a bit more. Microsoft used to have its own VR hardware, and the HoloLens, and aspirations to be a key part of the XR landscape. (Also: Minecraft VR, RIP.) Times are different now, and this Xbox Quest is really just another flavor of Microsoft's "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign that's been pushing cloud gaming on tablets, TVs and everywhere else. The Xbox Quest 3S (left) next to the white Quest 3S (right). I like the return to the black color. Scott Stein/CNET And yet, Microsoft is also extending some of its gaming interests. An Xbox-branded Asus Xbox ROG Ally handheld coming later this year is expected to finesse the ways Xbox games play on Windows handhelds, a stepping stone toward Microsoft figuring out how to evolve better hardware of its own eventually, perhaps. Maybe this Xbox Quest experiment is another toe in the water to gauge interest in other things, too. Scott Stein/CNET For now, it's just a fun way to get a black Quest 3S. But it's also weird because the Quest 3S is not the best-quality Quest headset for visual fidelity. The Quest 3 has a better-resolution display and better lenses. And this is just the 128GB version of the Quest 3S, not the 256GB model. Xbox cloud streaming may not need more storage, but plenty of beefy Quest game downloads do. An Xbox Quest 3 would have made more sense to me, but it would have cost more than $400. My suggestion? I think Meta should bring back the black VR headset color option to all of its headsets, because it looks really good.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Backbone One Xbox Edition controller review – translucent design is a perfect Xbox Game Pass partner
Players looking for a premium way to play Xbox games on the go will find it in the Backbone One Xbox Edition controller – providing they're willing to pay the price. Backbone's green-toned upgrade is the same great way to play Xbox games on the go, made even more attractive thanks to its improved shell. With more handheld PC s than ever entering the handheld space – and the Nintendo Switch 2 set to shake it up again soon – playing games portably has never been more in fashion. Despite the ability to run AAA games natively, however, the hardware required to do so is often costly, making cloud-based streaming devices, that take advantage of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, an equally viable option. This is a field Backbone has dominated in, and is set to continue doing so, thanks to the recent launch of its new Backbone One: Xbox Edition controller. Coming in at £109.99 / $109.99 / AU$197, the Backbone One Xbox Edition is a much cheaper way to play games in handheld mode compared to the likes of native portable PCs such as the Steam Deck OLED or Asus ROG Ally, which sell for £479 / $549 / AU$865 and £699 / $699 / AU$1299 respectively; although, these are very different devices with different purposes. Versus previous Backbone models, the Xbox Edition is a lot more competitive by comparison, coming in at only roughly £10 / $10 / AU$18 more expensive despite the mostly improved design and features. At first glance, it doesn't seem to do much differently design-wise to the original model that launched all the way back in 2021. Look a little more intently, however, and what you'll find is the most refined version of the Backbone One handheld experience yet. One that learns the lessons of previous models such as the Backbone One: PlayStation Edition, integrates them, and then coats it all in an aesthetic that will surely appeal to players who have been with the Xbox brand since the very beginning. Backbone One: Xbox Edition – Design-wise, The Backbone One: Xbox Edition doesn't differ too much to what's come before. Inserting your iPhone or Android phone is as easy as pulling either side of the Backbone One shell, popping your device in place (while assuring that the USB-C port is plugged into the bottom) where it will then sit comfortably, and more importantly, firmly. A bit of real estate has been left to accommodate any potential bulk that might come from a phone case, though your mileage with getting this to sit neatly will vary. In terms of ports you get an additional USB-C on the right-side grip and a 3.5mm jack on the left, ensuring you can game with a good set of headphones. The main appeal of the Xbox Edition is, of course, the wonderful translucent green aesthetic, which harks back to a time when Nintendo allowed players to see into the innards of devices like the Game Boy; a tactic that Microsoft promptly followed, through the introduction of an original Xbox and accompanying 'Duke' gamepad that also made use of a translucent green tone. I'd say it works incredibly well here too on the Backbone One, being a much more affectionate way of paying tribute to Xbox via its history, as opposed to staying in keep with the Xbox Series X |S's current, less exciting matte black. Backbone One: Xbox Edition – As expected, the Backbone One: Xbox Edition works flawlessly with a range of cloud streaming apps. The most obvious one obviously being the Xbox app, which recently replaced the dedicated one for Xbox Game Pass as the main destination to stream games to your phone and play them. Obviously, a subscription is required, but those wanting to try out this device to its fullest should rest easy knowing that it comes with a full free month on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. In fact, I've been enjoying playing the likes of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered in handheld form using exactly this method. There is a standalone Backbone app too, which draws in all compatible games from any gaming subscriptions you might have and features them in one place. Priced at £3.99 / $3.99 / AU$6.25 (converted) per month, the app is a little on the pricier side for the service it ultimately provides, but it might suit players wanting to simplify their digital games library. This ties into the dedicated Backbone app button, which really is my only complaint in terms of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition's look. I don't disagree that it's handy for backing out to the main hub in an instant, but the garish orange button stands out from all the other understated black ones. Backbone One: Xbox Edition – Arguably the most impressive aspect of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition controller – yes, more so than its vintage translucent design – is how its buttons feel and perform. Always an important factor when you're gaming on the go or not, getting a good sense of feedback is essential. Whereas previous versions of the Backbone One have sometimes struggled with this aspect, in the Xbox Edition it has been refined so that the D-pad and face buttons always deliver a satisfying 'click' with each press. The same goes for whenever you need to click in the analogue sticks too, which makes sprinting in third- and first-person shooters feel nicely responsive. As for extended periods of play, I found that the Backbone One: Xbox Edition held up just fine, always feeling comfortable to hold thanks to its inherently ergonomic shape. I went in with a slight worry, wondering the kind of drain it would have on my phone's battery, but one of the few beauties of playing games via the cloud is that it can last for as long as you would have any other mobile app open for. Really, my only complaint when it comes to the Backbone One: Xbox Edition's performance is the two back triggers, which, unlike the face buttons, don't offer a satisfying sense of feedback and always feel spongey when pressed. It'd be good to see this resolved for future models. Final thoughts on the Backbone One: Xbox Edition There's no denying that the Backbone One: Xbox Edition is a premium way to enjoy cloud gaming on the go – if not the most premium. Unfortunately, that means it also comes with a premium price of £109.99 / $109.99 / AU$197, but if you're willing to make that initial investment, what you'll get is a low latency, hassle-free way to play all your favourite Xbox (and non-Xbox) games effortlessly whether you have an iPhone or Android device. The green translucent design is wildly nostalgic too, being a great way to celebrate Xbox's gaming legacy in a way those who have been in the eco-system since the start will appreciate.
