Microsoft has made waves in the VR space, but not by launching its own headset. Instead, the company has teamed up with Meta to introduce the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. Priced at $399.99, this limited edition bundle brings Xbox fans closer to the VR world. Although Microsoft hasn’t released its own virtual reality headset, it seems eager to expand its gaming ecosystem through collaboration. 
The Quest 3S Xbox Edition allows Xbox fans to enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Quest platform, with an Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, or Xbox Adaptive Controller compatible via Bluetooth.
Available now at Best Buy and Meta.com, the bundle includes an exclusive Xbox Wireless Controller that features the same sleek design as other Xbox accessories. This move aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing “This is an Xbox” campaign, emphasizing Xbox’s presence across devices, not just consoles. With Game Pass Ultimate, users can stream over 100 supported titles, including their own games, thanks to the cloud-playable games library. However, while the Quest 3S Xbox Edition offers these streaming capabilities, it also highlights the absence of VR-focused games on Xbox itself.
Even with the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, Microsoft continues to avoid entering the VR hardware market, preferring to focus on cloud gaming and leave virtual reality to companies like Meta. Despite Sony’s PSVR2 and other VR headsets gaining traction, Microsoft has shown little interest in producing its own VR headset. The company’s stance on VR dates back to 2019, when Xbox head Phil Spencer stated that VR wasn’t a priority due to a lack of demand from gamers.
The limited availability of the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition means that once it sells out, it’s gone for good. But for Xbox fans who are eager to try VR, this is an opportunity to access a platform with the added benefit of Cloud Gaming. However, the question remains: will Xbox’s approach to VR content and hardware change in the future, or will it continue to focus on cloud-based gaming experiences?