If you are stuck between the Xbox Quest 3 and the Xbox Series X, you are not alone. With gaming technology growing in wildly different directions, it makes sense to pause and ask, “Which experience is right for me?”
The Xbox Quest 3, officially called the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, is a portable virtual reality and mixed reality headset that streams Xbox games using Xbox Cloud Gaming. The Xbox Series X, on the other hand, is a traditional home console known for ultra-powerful performance, true 4K resolution, and access to the full Xbox game library.
So, how do these two compare? And is the Meta Quest 3S Xbox USA release a worthy investment?
Let us break it down in detail so you can make the right choice based on how you like to game.
What Exactly Is the Xbox Quest 3?
First, let us clarify the name. Many people refer to the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition as the Xbox Quest 3, even though it is actually a collaboration between Meta and Xbox. This package comes with the enhanced Meta Quest 3S headset, Meta’s latest motion-sensing controllers, and a special edition Xbox Wireless Controller. It is designed to let you:
- Play virtual reality and mixed reality games natively
- Stream over one hundred Xbox games using Xbox Cloud Gaming
- Use a massive virtual screen to play regular Xbox titles anywhere
This headset is portable, wireless, and immersive, giving gamers a new way to experience the Xbox ecosystem.
READ MORE: The Future of Xbox Series X: Upcoming Features and Updates You Need to Know
Xbox Quest 3 Versus Xbox Series X
Now let us take a closer look at how the Xbox Quest 3 and Xbox Series X stack up in different categories.
Gaming Experience
Xbox Quest 3 (Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition)
- Designed for virtual reality and mixed reality experiences
- Streams Xbox games through the cloud using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
- Allows you to play on a virtual screen the size of a movie theater
- Focuses on spatial interaction, hand tracking, and immersive visuals
Xbox Series X
- Delivers classic console gameplay at up to 4K resolution with 120 frames per second
- Full access to the Xbox library including games from Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox
- Features physical disc support for collectors and those who prefer owning physical media
- Offers lightning fast load times and elite gaming visuals
If your focus is experimental, immersive, and mobile gaming, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is your style. If you want powerful, traditional gameplay with stunning visuals, the Xbox Series X is the clear winner.
Performance and Power
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
- Powered by the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, optimized for virtual and mixed reality
- Dual LCD displays at 2064 by 2208 per eye, running at 90 to 120 hertz
- Best for VR experiences, not raw processing power
- Xbox games are streamed, not installed
Xbox Series X
- Runs on an eight core AMD Zen 2 CPU with a twelve teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
- Delivers native 4K gaming at up to 120 frames per second
- Includes a one terabyte SSD for super fast storage and installation
- Games are run locally for optimal performance
If you care about frame rate, load times, and ray tracing, the Xbox Series X has no competition here. But if your priority is a new dimension of immersive play, then the Xbox Quest 3 is equally compelling.
Portability and Convenience
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
- Fully portable and completely wireless
- No TV, no console, no furniture required
- Perfect for playing while traveling
- Perfect for travelers, students, or gamers who prefer flexibility
Xbox Series X
- Built for the living room or entertainment center
- Requires a television or monitor setup
- Not designed for portability
- Great for families and gamers with a permanent gaming space
If you want to game while traveling or lounging wherever you feel like it, then the Meta Quest 3S Xbox USA edition is a brilliant option.
Game Library and Compatibility
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition
- Supports native VR titles from Meta
- Includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, unlocking 100 plus Xbox games for cloud streaming
- Games are not downloaded, only streamed
- No support for physical discs
Xbox Series X
- Full backward compatibility with titles from Xbox One, Xbox 360, and original Xbox
- Allows both digital downloads and physical discs
- Games are installed locally, which means no streaming delay
- A robust library of past and present blockbuster games
If you are a long time Xbox gamer or you like collecting physical editions of your favorite games, the Xbox Series X easily wins. But if you want a taste of everything through cloud gaming, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition gets you started right out of the box.
Meta Quest 3 vs 3S: What is the Difference?
The Meta Quest 3S is a more affordable version of the Quest 3, designed with a similar architecture but with a slightly lower resolution display and lighter build. The difference between the Meta Quest 3 and 3S mainly boils down to a few key features.
- Quest 3 has better displays
- Quest 3S is more budget friendly
- Both support the Xbox Cloud Gaming bundle
- Both can be used with the Xbox Wireless Controller
The difference is minor if you are buying it strictly for Xbox Cloud Gaming, since the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is already optimized for that purpose.
READ ALSO: Is Xbox Series X Still Worth Buying in 2025? Pros and Cons
Meta Quest 3S Xbox Games Release Date
The good news is there is no need to wait for a Meta Quest 3S Xbox games release date. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition does not run Xbox games directly from the device. Instead, it connects to Xbox’s cloud gaming library immediately. This means you can log in with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate account and start playing right away.
You are not waiting for releases. You are streaming the same titles you would play on a console. That includes hits like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon, Starfield, and more—on a floating screen as big as your wall.
Final Word
Your choice depends on your playstyle. If you are a traditional gamer, the Xbox Series X is the ultimate machine. But if you are curious about spatial computing and want a fresh, mobile way to play, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, better known as the Xbox Quest 3, will completely change how you experience games.
Either way, the Xbox universe is giving you more ways to play than ever before. And that is a win, no matter which one you choose.
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