Good news, VR gamers: you can finally, finally have a native Discord app running while you play fully immersive games on the Quest 3 or 3S. After years of workarounds and being stuck with proximity chat while playing on one of the best VR headsets, you can now download an official Discord app from the Meta Quest store.

This is excellent news for folks who play their VR games on Quest, either natively on the headset or streamed from a gaming PC. VR gamers who wanted to talk to friends on Discord until now have had to resort to using a workaround with the Quest's browser, but no longer.

As an added bonus, if you download and log into the Quest's new Discord app, you can claim a free month of Discord Nitro. The Meta Horizon store might tell you you only have a "limited time" to claim that offer, but it's confirmed to run from June 30th (yesterday) until September 30, giving you three whole months to get yourself some upgraded Discord goodness without paying a penny.

Talking to friends on Discord while playing games on Quest 3 or 3S will be a massive quality-of-life perk, but you can also make use of the usual suite of Discord app benefits. You can browse servers, send text messages, and watch or broadcast streamed gameplay within calls, which could be a really great way to share the joy of VR gaming with friends who don't have a headset of their own yet.

Could this potentially point to a native Discord app coming to the Steam Frame when it arrives? Possibly, even if the operating systems for both headsets are different, this could be a hint that Discord has been working on smoother VR integration.

Discord now holds real estate as the place for gamers to hang out and party chat mid-game on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, mobile platforms, and Meta Quest, meaning you can use it to talk with friends whether you're all playing VR games together or playing different games on separate platforms.

This could also be huge news for content creators, as capturing audio of voice chat and VR gameplay can prove problematic, depending on your setup. This could cut out the need for more middleman software or complicated audio workarounds if you play through SteamLink.

If you're keen to make use of that free Discord Nitro offer, you'll get access to HD streaming, the ability to upload 500MB files, custom soundboard and emojis, super reactions, and a more comprehensive profile and avatar customization suite.

See also the best gaming PCs, the best Xbox Series X controllers, and the best Meta Quest accessories.

We're a little under a week away from Amazon's big summer sale, but Meta Quest 3 owners who want to upgrade their VR setup for less than usual don't need to wait that long. The Meta Quest 3 accessory I use every day (even days when I don't use my headset) has already dropped to a historically low price, and that goes for the Meta Quest 3S version too.

Prime Day Meta Quest deals are always a staple of Amazon's big sales, but in recent offerings, I've seen more and more of them wait until the event's official start time to become available. What's more, you often need a Prime subscription to access them. Not this time; the PrismXR Carina D1 Charging Dock is already at $49.98 at Amazon, down from a full price of $69.99.

So out of all the possible Quest 3 chargers on the shelves at Amazon, why do I recommend this one?

Well, for starters, that price tag is competitive. For some reason, charging docks can set you back up to $100, with most of the decent ones that'll give you a place to charge and display your headset above the $70 line. Even on a bad day when it's at full price, the Carina D1 won't step over that line.

But this recommendation from me goes beyond price alone. For me, the biggest reason to opt for the PrismXR charging dock is controller charging. For some reason, Quest 3 and 3S controllers lose charge so fast, and since they don't have a USB-C charging port, that eventually costs you a fortune on AA batteries. In the box for the PrismXR Carina D1 are a set of rechargeable batteries, as well as some magnetic battery covers. Then, all you need to do is snap the controllers into place on the dock, and you won't need to pay the equivalent of a second pension to Duracell.

There admittedly are other docks out there that'll charge your controllers and headset together, but that brings me to the other reason I like the PrismXR version. Unlike its competitors, this one is pretty low profile. It matches the color and design language of the headset, and it stays low to the ground. That means you have loads of scope to store your headset anywhere that isn't on a top shelf or desktop. You can put it on a lower shelf, you can put it in a cube unit in your gaming room, you can put it on a unit underneath your desk - the world is your oyster, all because PrismXR hasn't made some massively tall, massively wide holster.

I'm also a fan of the fact that while testing out various third-party Elite headstraps for the Quest 3, I've been able to sit the headset in the dock regardless of which I'm using. That's a big win, since folks who upgrade their headset will rarely get all their accessories from the same brand.

For clarity, this dock does work for both the Quest 3 and 3S, but if you have either model of the 3S, you will need to buy a separate model of the dock because the dimensions are ever so slightly different. The good news is that the 3S version is actually even cheaper right now.

To read more, check out our selection of the best VR headsets, the best gaming PCs, and the best PC controllers.

Prime Day is right around the corner, and although I'm not hopeful we'll be seeing big discounts on the Meta Quest 3 and 3S in this June's sale, it might be one of Meta's last great opportunities to convince gamers to adopt its hardware. The Quest VR headsets have been the approachable VR device in the gaming market for years now, but that's arguably been due to a lack of competition.

The Steam Frame is now set for launch this summer, which will no doubt change things. It's unlikely that the Steam Frame is going to be targeting the same budget as the Quest 3S headsets; in fact, if there's a worry, it's that Valve's device will cost closer to $1,000. We still don't know the price of Valve's headset, but I'd put it somewhere in the ballpark of $500-$800 as a relatively safe bet (that gives me a generous amount of wiggle room to say I told you so).

By any account, a price tag like this will cause outrage among gamers, including the mainstream crowd who use and any all VR news story to post "VR gaming ded" all over the internet.

But I have to say, against the Meta Quest 3, which recently saw a price increase of $100, whatever cost the Steam Frame has probably won't look so bad.

With a more refined gaming appeal, Meta might have some stiff competition on its heels in a month or two, and we could arguably see a shift in the market in Valve's favour if the Frame doesn't cost too much more than $600.

Of course, Meta has always targeted a more mainstream crowd due to its attempts to get Quests on the faces of as many people as possible for its Metaverse strategy, but that's now dead and gone. With that being the case, gamers are one of the last hopes of a Meta Reality Labs division that needs some wins.

This year alone, we've seen layoffs at Reality Labs, game dev studio closures, and then even more layoffs and rumors that the focus on wearables will shift to smart glasses, not VR headsets.

All of this said, Prime Day is arriving in less than two weeks, and with it, no doubt a slew of Prime Day Meta Quest deals. I struggle to see big discounts and new bundles coming to the Quest 3 hardware, but accessories are a cornerstone of any of these Prime-exclusive sales.

While that Quest 3 price hike is still pretty recent and makes me hesitant to expect any discounts on the headsets, there's a small part of my brain arguing the opposite.

Yes, Reality Labs needs to pull in money, so discounts likely wouldn't help profit lines, but as a last throw of the dice before the Steam Frame arrives, Prime Day could be a great opportunity to punt as many headsets as possible with approachable offers. Even a $50 discount to the Quest 3 would look great against a Steam Frame that's likely going to cost $700 or more. Not to mention, if the Quest 3S headsets see a discount, it creates a resurgent look against PSVR 2, which is currently lapping up the good faith with gamers who don't want a standalone device.

But if the Steam Frame arrives and, by some miracle, it's closer to $600, suddenly, the Meta Quest 3 512GB model is a lot harder to justify for gamers.

I'm not optimistic for big savings, but Prime Day could be a very interesting time for the VR market, and could tell us a lot about Meta's attitude toward the future of duking it out for more consumer territory. Will it stand and fight, or will it continue a year where it's looked ready to duck and run in the face of new gaming competition?

For more Prime Day coverage, check out the best Prime Day Kindle deals, Prime day PC deals, and Prime Day gaming deals.

Last month, Meta increased its Quest 3S pricing. This week, Sony launched its Days of Play sale, cutting $100 off the already-cheaper-than-launch PlayStation VR 2. You can bet on which one's flying off the shelves right now.

With the cheapest Meta Quest 3S now coming in at $349.99, the PlayStation VR 2's $399.99 MSRP has been relatively unthreatening in the last few weeks. Now that Sony's sale on the table, dropping that PlayStation and PC headset down to $299.99, it's become the go-to for budget VR hunters. While the Quest 3S still sits sadly on the shelves, Amazon and Best Buy have already run out of stock of discounted PlayStation units.

After all, this is still one of the best VR headsets we've tested. It's hiding a powerful feature set, one that was far more befitting of the premium (more than the PS5) price point it received at launch.

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The PSVR 2 features a boosted HDR OLED. An increased per-eye resolution and a larger 110 degree field of view also work to provide far more benefits over Meta's lifestyle-geared device.

If you're investing in a VR headset for gaming the PlayStation VR 2 is exactly where I'd be looking right now. It's $50 cheaper than Meta's competitor, offers an (overall) better visual experience for gaming, and we even found its control tracking to be superior as well. If you're after more of a multimedia experience it's worth reinvestigating the Meta Quest 3S.

That's because PSVR 2 runs via either your PS5 or PC, remaining tethered to a device to showcase your games and movies. The Meta Quest 3S is more of an everyday device, with a standalone cable-free design and mixed reality features.

• See all VR headsets at Amazon

For more offers, we're also rounding up the latest PSVR 2 bundles. If you're in Meta's camp, though, check out the best Meta Quest accessories we've tested so far.

Meta has announced that, following months of layoffs of its VR workforce, it's raising the price of its VR headsets. In a statement made at the end of last week via a blog post, Meta said, "Starting April 19, 2026, we’ll be increasing the prices for our Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S headsets.

"We’re making this change because the cost of building high-performance VR hardware has risen significantly. The global surge in the price of critical components — specifically memory chips — is impacting almost every category of consumer electronics, including VR."

This is something we've seen in plenty of markets so far in 2026, but in VR land specifically, Valve's Steam Frame headset has been hit the hardest. Despite an initial launch billing for "early 2026", it still hasn't received a price and release date.

The new pricing for the Quest 3S headsets will bump them up by $50, while the Quest 3 will see a more significant increase. That brings the most affordable Quest 3 128GB SKU to $349 (up from $299), the 256GB up to $449, and the full-fat Quest 3 is seeing a full-fat price hike up to $599.

Some would say this price increase has been long overdue, as it's long been speculated that Meta has been selling its Quest 3 devices at a loss in an attempt to get on the faces of more users.

In the same blog post, Meta emphasised its dedication to the VR market, which certainly feels like a pre-emptive counter to what many are saying: that it's leaving VR behind in favor of AI.

"Meta remains committed to investing in VR and leading the category because we believe this is the future of computing. We have a long-term roadmap full of new hardware and experiences, and this adjustment helps us stay on track to deliver that future."

Of course, with new competition from a massive player in the gaming space in the form of the Steam Frame, Meta isn't the only one eying up this tech sector. Even as we await confirmation from Valve about how much its headset will cost, I can't help but feel this price increase from Meta plays right into Valve's hands.

I'd fully expect the Steam Frame to launch somewhere between $500-$1,000, and thanks to RAM shortages causing inflated prices, I'm no longer optimistic about which end of that scale it'll land on. I had no delusions that the Steam Frame would be more affordable than the Quest 3 or 3S headsets, so it was really a question in my mind of how much more expensive it would be.

In my eyes, the smaller the price difference between those devices, the better Valve looks, because, for its more convenient gaming chops, it doesn't cost much more than the value and budget options from Meta that don't have the same sort of Steam integrations.

With this price change, Meta is essentially going to make Valve look like a better alternative to folks who can afford to stretch their budgets. Then again, I don't think Zuck's Reality Labs workforce has much choice but to play to the current market conditions. Not only have layoffs been a public-facing speedbump for Meta, but mounting pressure over social media regulations, lawsuits, and a shift away from a pricey Metaverse strategy is leaving the Quest hardware more exposed than ever as a form of revenue.

$50 and $100 price increases aren't massive, and they certainly don't make too much of a difference in the buying decisions of a lot of gamers in the VR market (until Valve gives us an update, at least). The Quest 3 and 3S are still some of the best value options after these price hikes, although I do wonder how it'll impact deals and discounts as the year goes on. With other VR brands like Pimax and Pico looking at the higher-end VR market, Meta remains one of the more affordable options.

For more on VR, check out the best Meta Quest accessories and the best Meta Quest deals.

When the Meta Quest 3S launched, it was bundled with a true system-seller, a VR Batman game. I must admit, I was hesitant at first. Something about the thought of slowly gliding through a cityscape in fully immersive VR gave me motion sickness without even putting the headset on my face. But the game was received well, and the Quest 3S arrived in the best VR headset arena all the better for it.

But here's the strange bit. The Batman Arkham Shadow bundle was really only meant to be a launch bundle. Meta's previous launch bundle, the Asgard's Wrath 2 bundle for the full-fat Quest 3, only really lasted a year, but somehow, you can still find the Arkham Shadow bundle on the shelves.

If memory serves, I remember seeing a notice from Meta last year that, despite an extension, the Arkham Shadow bundle would be discontinued. In fairness, it is harder to find these days, and if you opt for the 128GB model of the Quest 3S at Best Buy, you'll need to pay more than its $299 MSRP. To me, that signals that it's probably not in production anymore, and retailers are just trying to shift the last of their stock.

For that reason, I'm surprised to see the 256GB model of the Arkham bundle below the $399 mark. Surely, if it's getting rarer, the price might start to go up? If I were you, and I was still desperate to kick off my VR game collection, I'd grab this offer from Best Buy while I could.

The truth is, we really never know how "limited" a limited edition from Meta is going to be. Remember the launch Meta Quest 3? The 128GB model that now no longer exists because it was discontinued after the launch of the Quest 3S? Or how about the Xbox Edition of the Quest 3S, which is all but gone now, and doesn't show any signs of returning despite being a pretty reasonable deal.

Where I'd draw the line with the remaining Arkham Shadow bundled Quest 3S headsets is their price. I wouldn't personally recommend paying more than MSRP for the bundle, because the whole idea is that you're getting the game at no extra cost. If you need to pay anything extra on top of the headset for the game, maybe question it. The game can still be bought on the Quest store, so before you buy, definitely check to see whether you can get the bundle, or the headset and the game separately for cheaper.

Either way, the Quest 3S is an excellent route into VR gaming. It's maybe one of the best (and one of the only) budget VR headsets ever made. For its more affordable price tag over the 512GB of the Meta Quest 3, you get the same processor and many of the same great specs and features, and of course, the same library of apps and games. If you've already owned a VR headset, I'd be more inclined to recommend that you opt for the Pancake lens-having Quest 3, since you'll appreciate the increased area of focus.

Either that, or wait and see what price the Steam Frame will cost, so you can know for sure that you're getting the correct headset going forward for your budget.

You could also take a look at the best Meta Quest accessories, and more of the best Meta Quest deals and bundles.

It would appear Meta isn't done laying off more of its workforce as it shifts focus from creating the Metaverse to AI. It's been reported by multiple outlets that the company is making cuts across multiple departments, including Facebook, sales, recruiting, and its VR division, Reality Labs. But while that happens, it seems Meta isn't actually done trying to make the best VR headsets yet.

At GDC this month, Meta's director of games, Chris Pruett said, "Our investment in Meta Quest and games for Quest remains very high.

"We've a lot going on – new hardware, new audiences, new games. And though we have some welcome competition, Meta remains the biggest investor in VR in the world by a large margin," reports GamesIndustry.Biz.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the fresh round of layoffs told the press: "Teams across Meta regularly restructure or implement changes to ensure they’re in the best position to achieve their goals. Where possible, we are finding other opportunities for employees whose positions may be impacted".

This all follows an initial round of layoffs at Reality Labs in January, during which Meta closed its three biggest game development studios that made Deadpool VR, Asgard's Wrath, and Resident Evil 4 VR.

It's definitely amber and red flags all over the shop for Meta's future in VR at the moment. It seems as though the big seller Zuckerberg's company wants to chase is its smart glasses, not necessarily the Quest headsets we know and love. The company's CEO even told investors at the start of the year that Reality Labs would be focusing on "glasses and wearables" from now on in an attempt to "make VR a profitable ecosystem over the coming years". But new Meta Quest headsets do seem to be on the way; they could just be taking a very different approach from the Quest 3 and 3S.

Rumors I reported on earlier in the week seem to suggest the next Quest headset will use Micro-OLED displays, which are a lot pricier than Meta's previous norm of LCD displays. This would put the upcoming Quest 4 or Quest Pro 2 in line with more luxurious spatial computing devices like Apple Vision Pro, GalaxyXR, or Pico's upcoming Project Swan.

But then again, as GamesIndustry.Biz reports, Pruett seemed to have an optimistic outlook when delivering his talk at GDC when touching on the recent Horizon Worlds controversy: "The cycle of experiment-learn-adjustment is typical for Meta. We are cautious not to make assumptions we cannot prove, and when our assumptions are disproved, we change course.

"But it's also important for our developer community to understand that we are listening, and their feedback on this particular aspect of our store played a significant role in our decision making."

The VR market for gaming definitely seems to be in a bit of a limbo phase right now. While we anxiously await the arrival of the Steam Frame, which could give the entire sector an uplift, bigger players like Meta and PlayStation aren't exactly giving clear-cut signs of doubling down.

It's amber and red flags for PC gamers at the moment too. Check out the best RAM for gaming, the best SSD for gaming, and the best CPU for gaming.

It's definitely seemed in recent months like Meta might be pulling back from the affordable end of the VR market. There have been layoffs and studio closures within its Reality Labs division, controversies around Horizon Worlds support, and all the while, the Steam Frame is eagerly waiting in the wings to steal the attention of gamers looking for the best VR headsets.

Now, rumors are swirling around Meta's next VR headset using micro-OLED displays that would put it in the same league as the Apple Vision Pro, Samsung Galaxy XR, and upcoming Pico Project Swan headset. All of those headsets cost a substantially larger sum than the brand's existing Meta Quest 3S and even Meta Quest 3 devices, with price tags well over the $1,000 and even $3,000 mark.

This could be the biggest telltale sign so far that Meta is changing its approach to consumer VR. Micro-OLED displays are pricey, and although PSVR 2 managed to keep that display tech in without a $1,000 price tag, it did so without any onboard processing power, which isn't the type of device Meta creates.

The rumors come from a Chinese VR news outlet (by way of UploadVR), which reported that a micro-OLED display-making brand (aptly) named SeeYA Technology is trying to clear existing supply in order to meet the manufacturing demands of Meta's next headset, which is codenamed Pheonix.

This is all very loose conjecture to take with a pinch of salt at the moment, but rumors around Project Phoenix of late do hint at it being a more premium product than the approachable Quest 3 range.

Meta/Oculus has always used LCD display tech in its headsets, and since the arrival of the Vision Pro, any headset using Micro-OLEDs has been targeting a much more premium spatial computing market with a higher price tag, which gets me thinking.

But for years now, I've been hearing from VR brands and people in the sector that Meta has been selling the Quest 3 devices at a loss, and with the proclaimed failure of its Metaverse strategy, it wouldn't surprise me as a VR headset reviewer if Meta now wanted to switch up its strategy. Now that it's switching to an AI-first mentality and isn't looking to get VR hardware on the faces of as many people as possible, could a more premium price tag seem more alluring?

The Steam Frame still doesn't have a price, and while I don't think it'll cost upwards of $1,000 if the RAMpocalypse doesn't impact it too much, I do think it'll be more expensive than the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S. It's confirmed to use LCD displays, so it definitely won't be trying to compete with the visual fidelity of Apple, Samsung, and Pico.

Until now, Meta's been the brand in my mind to try and undercut the rest of the VR competition, but I think we've seen in recent times that a headset that flies too close to he $1,000 mark hasn't taken off with gamers. For example, the HTC Vive Focus Vision has all the specs and features to capture the interest of PC gamers, but its $999 price tag has left it in a league of its own.

Meta could be the first brand to offer a standalone headset with micro-OLED displays for a reasonable price, but I'd be surprised since the cost of this technology has been slow to come down in price in the last decade when it comes to larger displays like TVs and monitors.

Meta might be adamant that it isn't getting out of VR and VR gaming, but closing down its three major game development studios is a pretty clear sign to me that gaming won't be as big a priority for what's to come. If Meta leans into spatial computing like these other brands are, it leaves the door open even wider for Valve to score an open goal with the Steam Frame. Yes, PSVR 2 is still around, but PlayStation doesn't seem as intent on making that the mainstay it could be.

A lot will hinge on the eventual pricing announcement for the Steam Frame, but if the RAM prices haven't impacted it too much, it could be the headset for gamers to invest in as time goes on.

If you're interested in VR, check out the best Meta Quest accessories, the best RAM for gaming, and the best gaming PCs.

One of my biggest pet peeves with the Meta Quest 3 and 3S is that their controllers take AA batteries and don't charge via USB-C. They also run out of battery constantly, seemingly while you aren't even using them, and it's a total pain coming back to your VR headset for the first time in a while and finding your controllers are dead.

I got so sick of that issue, especially because I had no other means of recharging some AA batteries, that I had to shoot for a more elegant solution. PrismXR's charging stand was the path I walked down, and I'm so glad I did. Not only does it charge and store my headset away neatly when I'm not using it, but it keeps my controllers powered up for the next time I need them. The best Meta Quest accessories are supposed to make a product like the Quest 3 better, and this definitely does by negating one of my pet peeves.

I really love the convenience of the PrismXR D1 Carina charging stand. Compared to a lot of other Meta Quest accessories that aim to charge and display your headset and controllers, this one does so neatly, without being too space-hungry with a wide stand, or one that's too high and won't fit on a shelf.

Not only that, but it comes with the specific parts you need to keep your controllers charged with your headset. In the box, you'll find some magnetic battery covers for your controllers that are easy to snap into place. Combine that with the included AA rechargeable batteries, and you've got a set of controllers that feels brand new. They'll now magnetically attach to the charging stand underneath your headset and will be ready to go for your next session.

All that, and it's technically not even the main draw of this product. There are no awkward wires or faff to keeping your headset on PrismXR's charging dock either. It utilizes the magnetic pins on the bottom of your headset to keep the battery topped up, so it really is a case of just placing the headset down and picking it up. Well, mostly.

There's solid clearance for you if you use an Elite head strap - I've tested this charging station with two different types. But it can make placing the headset down onto those pins a bit more of a headache, and I learned the hard way that if you don't put it down exactly so that there's a strong connection, the charging stand will beep at you... a lot.

Once you figure that out though, this might be one of the best Meta Quest 3 charging stands out there. While its current discount isn't massive, it's already cheaper than some of the more flamboyant head straps and charging stands you'll find at Amazon. I think it's pretty good value, and it's serving me just fine months after reviewing it.

If you're happy with flatscreen gaming for now, you might want to invest in one of the best PC controllers, one of the best gaming PCs, or the best gaming laptops instead.

Questioning whether the Steam Machine will arrive this year is seemingly getting on Valve's nerves, as it just reaffirmed that it's coming in 2026. In fact, the gaming PC giant now finds itself spelling things out for all of us who are wondering if RAMageddon will push the mini console rig hybrid back, and I really respect them for setting the record straight.

The fresh speculation regarding the Steam Machine's release date was sparked by a blog post on Friday. While the update didn't specifically mention any delays or changes beyond what was mentioned in February's FAQ, The Verge interpreted “we hope to ship in 2026” as a shift in launch expectations. The response to these reports? Well, Valve awkwardly got back to the outlet with a “nothing has actually changed on our end,” while tweaking the blog to say “we will be shipping all three products this year” (the Steam Frame VR headset, Machine, and controller).

For what it's worth, I really like how Valve is handling the Steam Machine and Steam Frame situation. Yes, I'd prefer a solid release date, and a heads-up whether the box will be affordable would be ace. However, the company has been quick to provide general updates and prevent anyone from getting the wrong end of the stick, and I feel like it could have just left us waiting for a solid update instead.

There is admittedly a tiny sceptic in me that's itching to tie this update to Microsoft's Xbox Project Helix announcement. I don't really think Valve felt compelled to reassure us all that its hardware is still coming this year, but the next-gen console is basically being pitched as a Steam Machine rival. I know I'm going to annoy specific people out there saying that, but we're talking about another device targeted at console gamers that apparently runs PC games. If it looks like a duck, runs Steam games like a duck, then well, y'know, quack quack.

Of course, it's still worth acknowledging how much RAM shortages and AI demand for components are disrupting the hardware scene. Not only is Valve's Steam Deck OLED currently out of stock, but it's getting harder to find other best gaming handheld contenders, traditional rigs, and even mainstream consoles like the PS5 for a reasonable price.

All that aside, though, it feels like Valve is really trying to keep our Steam Machine craving spirits up. I wouldn't want to be in any hardware maker's position in 2026, trying to launch what should be an ordinary piece of consumer tech in a world that's trading the needs of consumers for the demands of a massive water-guzzling data centre that can paraphrase what's already on the internet rather than, well, running PC games at 4K 60fps in your living room.

• More mini PCs at Amazon
• Steam Deck accessories at Amazon

Already got Valve's handheld? Swing by the best Steam Deck docks for ways to turn your portable into a console.

Pico has teased its new flagship XR headset, saying that it's gearing up for launch in 2026. That's a bold claim, because right now the VR market feels like it's in full anticipation mode for the arrival of Valve's Steam Frame headset, which has been delayed due to RAM shortages. Surprisingly, though, while Pico's previous VR headsets have felt like gaming-tilted competition to Meta, Pico's new Project Swan feels a lot more Apple Vision Pro coded.

Everything about Pico's developer special event felt like it was trying to emulate the hype of the Apple Vision Pro and Samsung GalaxyXR, actually. The initial teaser images feel eerily similar to both of those brands, and the majority of the event looked into Pico OS6, which has fancy XR features like automatically adapting to the light in your surroundings.

If the Apple Vision Pro and GalaxyXR are anything to go by, that likely means Pico's next headset won't be a rival to the Meta Quest 3 or even the Steam Frame, simply because high-fidelity micro-OLED displays usually mean a much higher price tag. So far, we don't have an inclination of price from Pico itself.

"For the last three years, we have been engineering a new flagship device," said Jiesi Ma, head of OS product at Pico.

"The goal of Project Swan is to break through the bottlenecks of XR. If this device is going to replace your monitor, you need to see text perfectly", he said. He went on to detail the aim of achieving a pixel density level of 40 - which trounces the 25PPD of the Meta Quest 3. Project Swan will do this by utilizing reengineered Micro-OLED displays and a custom optical design. Pico hasn't said yet whether this is Pancake lenses or a new system entirely.

Talking more about the processing power needed for these kinds of optics, Ma then said, "At every step, we must meet the rigorous demands of {the} human visual system. Standard software and hardware cannot keep up. So in 2022, we committed to designing our own custom silicon. We built an XR chip specifically for mixed reality."

Pico's Silicon will purportedly minimize system latency to 12ms, which Pico says is the difference between feeling like you're seeing something on a screen and feeling like it's real.

Project Swan won't solely rely on Pico's own processor though. It'll have a dual chip design with an as of yet unnamed "Flagship SoC" that supposedly doubles the graphical and computational power of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 (the processor used in the Pico 4 Ultra and Meta Quest 3 devices).

I'm certainly impressed by the specs and features Pico is teasing for Project Swan, but I was personally hoping the market would step away from this trend of "spatial computing", high-end, mixed-reality devices. For me, gaming is the true appeal of VR, and when a Vision Pro or GalaxyXR essentially wants you to replace so much of the technology you already have in your home for a $1,000+ investment, this type of headset isn't the most practical against the gaming ones that cost far less.

While Pico's shift away from a gaming-first strategy plays into Valve's hands, I don't think the Steam Frame is completely out of the woods yet. Just last week, I wrote about how the longer Valve waits to launch its new headset, the more other brands in this space will try to sweep up its hype. VirtualDesktop has already enabled foveated streaming on any and all eye-tracking headsets with access to its app, which will almost certainly be a boon for Pico's Project Swan.

Ma hasn't said when in 2026 the headset will launch, but did say that the company is in "the final stages of bringing this device to you". Interestingly, no mention was given to RAM shortages making manufacturing more difficult, and I'd be interested to know whether or not this has changed Pico's plans for Project Swan.

On another note, Samsung's GalaxyXR headset is yet to arrive in the UK, and seeing as Pico doesn't service the US, this type of high-end headset could be an interesting gap in the market for Pico to fill.

With no more word on when Valve will launch the Steam Frame, I'll be eagerly watching the finish line to see who can get their device out first.

Not done reading? Check out the best Meta Quest accessories, Meta Quest 3 vs Pico 4 Ultra, and the best gaming PCs.

RAMpocalypse be damned, PSVR 2 has returned to its lowest-ever price. While other computing tech and gaming hardware struggles to stay at MSRP, (or launch at all, in the case of the Steam Frame), Sony's VR headset is laughing at them all. It's dropped back to its lowest-ever price, which is going to be all the more tempting for folks who are awaiting launch and pricing news for Valve's upcoming visor.

It's hard to believe PSVR 2 launched at a higher cost than the PS5 it was designed to work alongside. Since its permanent price drop to $399, it's been an absolute steal in the VR gaming market, even giving the Meta Quest 3 headsets a run for their money in terms of features per dollar. We've seen it drop to $299 at Walmart and Amazon before, but if I'm not mistaken, this is the first time in 2026 it's received this deep a discount.

Of course, PSVR 2 can afford to drop in price while all the standalone headsets struggle due to RAM shortages. Reason being, PSVR 2 doesn't have any processing power or memory within the headset itself. Instead, it relies on the console or PC you hook it up to. It's essentially a very technically gifted display, as opposed to a computing device of its own.

In fact, PlayStation's architecture this generation is particularly futureproofed for the RAM-pocalypse, as even the PS5 shares RAM between its GPU and CPU. While that console still may come under fire from AI-induced memory shortages, it has less of a problem to solve than gaming PCs do.

And although I said it earlier today with news of Virtual Desktop opening up one of Steam Frame's most unique features to other headsets, the VR market isn't slowing down to wait for Valve. The Steam Frame could be a massive turning point in the industry if it's priced correctly, but while Valve is silent about the cost and launch date, other manufacturers have the opportunity to steal its thunder.

PSVR 2 being $100 off certainly seems as though it's trying to steal a market share. Like I said back in December (when we last saw PSVR 2 drop to this price), I highly doubt Steam Frame will be more affordable than this.

In my opinion, when it comes to gaming specs and features, PSVR 2 is far superior to the Meta Quest 3, so besides the part of me that wants to wait and see how the Steam Frame eventually compares, there's no hesitancy with me recommending you Sony's micro-OLED headset right now. If you have a PS5 or a gaming PC to link it up with, this is honestly one of the best VR headsets money can buy - especially when its $100 more affordable.

Navigating the RAMpocalypse? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best RAM for gaming, and the best CPU for gaming.

We're still awaiting confirmation from Valve on when its new Steam Frame VR headset will land on the shelves. Although it was initially slated for an "early 2026" launch along with the new Steam Machine and Controller, the global memory shortage due to AI is wreaking havoc on the company's plans.

I fully appreciate that launching a new headset right now would mean a catastrophic price of the Steam Frame, and nobody wants that. But while Valve stalls, the rest of the industry is making moves. Virtual Desktop, probably the most popular streaming app that links VR headsets with PCs, has just been issued with a new update that snipes one of the Steam Frame's coolest features.

As of update 1.34.16 of Virtual Desktop, every VR or XR headset on the shelves that can utilize eye-tracking can now use foveated streaming when gaming through the app. That means that GalaxyXR, Meta Quest Pro, and the upcoming Pimax Dream Air will all be able to stream high-res detail straight to where your eyeballs are looking, which was one of the cool twists I was looking forward to with Valve's Steam Frame.

It really does feel as though Valve is between a rock and a hard place with the Steam Frame in particular. Yes, the mini PC market is moving in on the appeal of the Steam Machine too, but VR headsets are, to a certain extent, a live entity. Standalone devices get updated regularly, and that means the Meta Quest 3 headsets and others like the Pico 4 Ultra can all make themselves more appealing while the Steam Frame suffers delays.

Right enough, the Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra don't have eye-tracking, so they're not going to gain from this particular foveated streaming bonus, but these devices are already priced accessibly, and the longer Valve waits, the higher the chance of them encroaching on other aspects while remaining at a lower price. If other headsets can use foveated streaming and, like the Frame, stream 2D games directly with that kind of eye-tracking ability, or link to a third-party controller, why bother waiting for the Steam Frame? Especially if its price is likely going to be higher due to the RAMpocalypse.

A prime example: hand-tracking wasn't really a big focus of the Meta Quest 3 until Apple Vision Pro revealed it wouldn't even have controllers. Then, Meta diverted more attention to its own version of hand tracking, and now it's a way that so many people use the XR menus on its headsets. As the Vision Pro cost $3,500 and the Quest 3 was under $500, it became a clear choice which headset had stolen the hype. The VR market is very competitive, so if it wants to avoid other headsets stealing the glory, Valve can't afford to wait too long.

Maybe I'm being too nervous because I'd love to see the Steam Frame be the VR market's Steam Deck moment, but I do feel like now that we have a clear idea of how Valve was planning to ignite more mainstream interest in this type of gaming, the rest of the market is free to benefit while we wait for launch.

For more on VR, take a look at the best Meta Quest accessories, the best PSVR 2 deals, and the best Meta Quest deals.

If you've tried pairing your everyday set of wireless earbuds with the Meta Quest 3 or 3S, you'll immediately understand my frustration. Sure, you'll be able to pair, connect, and listen to music or watch a YouTube video without any problems, but the second you try to play a VR game, a latency plague will absolutely kill the experience. While there are loads of Meta Quest accessories out there, it doesn't feel like there are nearly enough trying to solve this issue.

Yes, the Quest 3 and 3S have excellent integrated speakers that fire inward and really mitigate a lot of the need for earbuds, but if you don't want noises from your environment and you want to be completely immersed in one of VR's many horror or social games, I don't blame you for wanting to use earbuds or a headset.

If your regular Bluetooth earbuds aren't going to cut it, the next best option is to go for some of the best gaming earbuds that shoot for low-latency, but those can run you back a small fortune if you buy from SteelSeries, Sony, or Razer. I've finally found the perfect solution, and it comes from PrismXR. The Vega T1 earbuds have solved every issue I had with the Quest 3's audio connectivity, and for only $69.99/£69.99, they're flirting with your bank account versus the competition.

Design

If you're gaming in one of the best VR headsets, you already have enough assaulting your senses and putting extra weight on your head, so comfort is going to be very important. You can tell PrismXR has really thought about this when it comes to the design of the Vega earbuds because they feel really lightweight and sit super comfortably in my ears. Unlike more intrusive in-ear solutions like the Razer Moray in-ear monitors, these hang down without feeling like they're applying for a mortgage in your Eustachian tube.

Available in Black and White colorways, these earbuds come in a fairly standard pillbox charging case. Functionally, it works the same as any other wireless earbuds case - charge the case with USB-C, it'll store power and charge your buds.

I do take some issues with PrismXR's case though. It's a circular puck shape, and while the PrismXR logo on its top gives it some really nice character, it's pretty tough to immediately find the opening hinge when you pick it up or take it out of your pocket. The USB-C port does act like a signpost when you learn to look for it, but it's not the most intuitive bit of design work, and almost every time I've gone to use these buds, I've fumbled around like a drunk pirate trying to open his compass.

Features

When you open the case though, you won't just see two earbuds in there; you'll also find a small USB-C dongle. This is the secret to PrismXR's success. While normal Bluetooth connectivity you'd expect from wireless earbuds is present, a USB-C dongle means you can hook these up to a VR headset, gaming PC, or console and get latency-free audio as well.

The dongle even has a handy passthrough USB-C port, which is literally a godsend, seeing as we as humans apparently can't decide on a standard USB-C dongle shape. I can't tell you how many of these things I've slotted into a PC just to find that they block other USB ports, or the only other USB-C bay I have available (looking at you, SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Gen 2). A passthrough port for the Quest 3 means you'll be able to plug in your battery-expanding headstrap, a link cable, or this brand's nifty charging belt while wired for sound.

There isn't any ANC here, unfortunately, which really could have helped the Vega earbuds be even better for general use. The same goes for a companion app, which could have been really useful for controlling sound profiles and the like. You do get a microphone on either bud though, and there's even a way of connecting both Bluetooth and USB sources simultaneously.

The Vega earbuds do feature some basic touch controls, but these really aren't a strength. There's no obvious touchpad to aim for, and when I've tried to pause or play music when connected to my phone, it's been very, very inconsistent. Thankfully, there are some replacement rubber eartips included in the box to offer people with varying ear canal sizes a chance to get the right fit.

Performance

The moment of truth came when I was standing on the conductor's podium in MaestroVR. A few months prior, I had been testing out two different sets of wireless earbuds with the Quest 3 and had no joy due to latency. No matter, here I was. I tapped the baton on the podium, raised my arms, and on command, the virtual orchestra in front of me began playing Duel of the Fates. To my delight, they were in time, my swings were in time with them, and I could enjoy the game in even more immersive musical glory. No more playing Caravan and wanting to throw a chair at the drummer (yes, exactly like Whiplash).

Using that USB dongle, these earbuds are perfect for VR. There's no latency, and even when playing through Steamlink, the connection was really simple - my PC defaulted to using them as their go-to audio source because I even heard a few Slack message notifications pop in while conducting.

Native games on the Quest 3 also sounded great. Pistol Whip was much, much easier than it was a few months back since its pseudo-rhythm mechanics are very hard to master when you're a bullet or two behind a bass drop. The white noise of Powerwash Sim in VR was tranquil and again had no latency issues.

Steamlink was really going to be the biggest test for PrismXR's earbuds, because my worry was that even if they could handle native Quest game audio without latency, there might be a bit of a drag when streaming from a PC. I didn't find that was the case, and from now on, I'll be using these earbuds whenever I want more immersive audio than the headset can give me through its speakers.

I'm happy to say that practicality isn't the only strong suit here. I also did plenty of testing of these earbuds as a Bluetooth device connected to my phone, and as a non-VR gaming solution on PC. Playing Towerfall Ascension and Hunt: Showdown on PC went well - I felt as though I was getting a fine mix of bombastic soundtrack in the former and the subtleties of footsteps and ringing ears (in-game) from explosions in the latter. I'd gladly use these for sweatier, competitive gaming sessions in Hunt outwith testing, so I do think PrismXR's earbuds hold a lot of value for money if you're looking to consolidate your gaming audio across different platforms. I know I'll be using them from now on when I take my Asus ROG Ally X on the go with me.

Where I think audiophiles may disagree with me is when recommending PrismXR's buds as a general-use set for music. Having just reviewed the EarFun Air Pro 4, I did feel like these PrismXR buds (which have clearly been designed for gaming first and foremost) do sound a little bass-heavy. Without that added noise cancelling on top, it also feels like some detail in more treble-tilted soundscapes is missing.

Don't get me wrong, the quality here is actually a lot better than I thought it'd be for a $70 pair of earbuds that are this versatile. Out on a walk, I was able to enjoy loads of different musical genres with these in; they just didn't quite sing in the same way that EarFun's similarly priced buds did. Perhaps that speaks more to the amazing quality of that brand's APTX buds for the money.

Should you buy the PrismXR Vega T1 earbuds?

I've been pleasantly surprised by PrismXR's Vega earbuds. It'd be so easy for the low-latency features to be a crutch for them to lean on, since there are so few options on the shelves that can match them. But not once did I feel I had to accept sub-par audio quality in the name of it arriving at my eardrums on time. The Vega earbuds sound great and have a lot of versatility that lends them to wider use and gaming scenarios on other platforms.

Instead of staring down the barrel of a pricey $179 purchase for SteelSeries' gamebuds, or a $100+ buy for Razer's equivalent, I think PrismXR is an excellent choice. There are definitely features and a few perks missing if you want a general-use set of earbuds that will satiate the needs of an audiophile, but gamers looking for snappy audio that arrives when it needs to won't miss much.

How I tested the PrismXR Vega T1 earbuds

I used the PrismXR earbuds as my go-to wireless earbuds for around a week before writing this review. That means that besides VR gaming, I used them for listening to music on the go, and gaming on PC in non-VR. I, of course, used them for VR gaming too, connecting them to the Meta Quest 3 for native play and Steamlink gameplay.

I used the GamesRadar+ hardware team's testing playlist to put them through their musical paces too.

For more on how we test, take a look at the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

For more on gaming audio, check out the best computer speakers, the best gaming headsets, and the best wireless gaming headsets.

If you've been at all interested in VR, you may have heard of the Virtuix Omni One. It's been in the works for the last decade, going from proof of concept to a fully fledged VR treadmill designed to give people the absolute last word in immersive gaming at home. Now, its maker is joining the Made for Meta program, meaning it could see easy compatibility with the best VR headsets in the not-too-distant future.

If you haven't caught any word about the Virtuix Omni One until now, and you're scratching your head as to what a "VR treadmill" could actually be, maybe take a look at the trailer below to get yourself up to speed.

It's pretty much as it sounds - strapping into a harness, you connect your VR headset to it, put on some fancy slippers, and from then on, you can walk and move around as you actually would in a game, supposedly simulating the physical sensations of walking and running around the virtual environment in front of your eyes.

It's been a big 2026 for Virtuix so far, as the company went public shortly before this deal with Meta was announced. Now trading on Nasdaq, Virtuix seems to be delving deeper into the consumer VR world as well as defence contracting, which I can understand - the Omni One looks like a natural fit for combat simulations.

"Looking ahead, we believe our ‘dual-use’ strategy of supplementing high-volume consumer sales with high-margin defense contracts positions us for achieving continued growth and creating long-term value for our shareholders,” said Virtuix CEO Jan Goetgeluk.

Until now, Virtuix has partnered with the enterprise wing of Pico, one of the biggest rivals of Meta's Quest devices. Joining the Made for Meta program now means that it'll become an official Meta Quest accessory, along with head straps, ear buds, battery packs, and more that are already on the shelves. This should mean that simple compatibility is on the way for the standalone Quest 3 and Quest 3S devices. At the moment, gamers have to use a PCVR headset to link up to the Omni, or use a compatible Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headset.

On the new partnership with Meta, Goetgeluk said, "Joining the Made for Meta program expands our addressable market to millions of active Quest users who already own and love their VR headset and games library.

"We look forward to collaborating with Meta as we continue to scale our consumer business and bring our immersive, full-body gaming experience to a mass audience."

As futuristic and exciting as the Omni One treadmill is, I do have reservations about how it's going to land with consumers. Fancy VR tech like this is a true novelty, but it's hardly practical to have in your home unless you plan on making a VR loadout a mainstay. The Omni One has been referred to as a Peleton for VR gamers, and it will take up a significant amount of space in any room of a house.

Not only that, it'll set you back a small fortune, too. The Omni One costs $3,495 if it's bought with one of the compatible Pico 4 Ultra headsets. Even without a headset bundled in, it's an eye-watering $2,595 / £2,795. Even with financing options and payment plans available, that's more than you would need to pay to get a high-end gaming PC that would really let you get the most out of it.

Reservations about how an expensive accessory like this will perform with a wider net of consumers aside, I do think this partnership is a win for VR. This type of partnership will result in more VR treadmills in the wild, which will hopefully begin to bring the price of them down, and more developers to design for them. If there's an untapped market there, more hardware brands could come to develop their own versions.

Looking to get the most out of your VR headset? Also see the best RAM for gaming, the best CPU for gaming, and the best GPU for gaming.

Valve has just shared a much-needed update on the arrival and pricing of its new wave of hardware. The Steam Frame, Steam Controller, and Steam Machine release date were all slated for an early 2026 window, but it's just been revealed in a blog post that the brand isn't ready to share pricing and specific launch details yet due to the ongoing RAM supply shortages and price apocalypse.

This knock-on effect was expected by many, I think. While it might not be having such a big impact on the VR headset world, the AI-induced memory and storage market upheaval is projected to continue until at least 2028, and it's already wreaking havoc on the gaming PC world. The latest rumors even suggest that the next generation of Sony and Microsoft consoles could be delayed as a result.

All that to say, we still don't know a specific price and release date for Valve's Steam Frame, but we do know the brand is still on track to deliver a launch in the first half of 2026.

I think there's nothing more vital for the Steam Frame's success than its price. Meta may be taking a backward step from the VR gaming sphere, but its Quest 3 and 3S devices are still some of the most feature-rich and affordable headsets ever made. That gives the Steam Frame some serious competition out of the gate, and by all accounts, Meta has been selling the Quest 3 headsets at a loss in an attempt to get the Metaverse within people's grasp until now.

That likely makes things very tricky for Valve when it comes to pricing the Steam Frame, even without RAM inflation to contend with. But despite everything, part of me still thinks that if the chips fall correctly, Valve's headset could have the same impact on the VR gaming market as the brand's Steam Deck had on the handheld gaming world back in 2022.

Now, before you call me a Valve shill, hear me out. I'm aware that the VR market is a volatile one, as we've seen already in a still-young 2026 with Meta laying off a big chunk of its Reality Labs workforce. But I do think the VR market is in a similar place to the handheld market back in 2021.

In recent times, you've had brands like Apple, PlayStation, and Samsung show that there is a mainstream demand for this type of technology, but its pricing is a continual barrier. Meta comes along and makes things more affordable but with a pretty keen eye on exclusivity for its platform, and a larger audience suddenly appears. For me, that's like Nintendo laying the groundwork for a revitalised handheld market with the original Switch.

What happened next? Valve came along and made that type of gaming even more appealing to PC gamers with the Steam Deck, pricing it accessibly, and providing an alternative to the drawback of the Switch - its Nintendo exclusivity.

VR isn't as well-established as handheld gaming, but I think there are a lot of similarities here that Valve has likely picked up on.

You may be reading this thinking, "but every other news story about VR talks about how 'the death of VR gaming' is nigh". Funnily enough, similar things were said of handheld gaming before the Switch and Steam Deck came along. When the 3DS was discontinued, and PlayStation abandoned the Vita, everyone was hearing death knells.

Admittedly, the catch with all of this was that the Steam Deck was priced so affordably that it enticed people to try out a form of gaming they hadn't properly dabbled in for years. But it paid off; Steam Deck became the face of an emergent handheld PC market long after its release. We can see that Valve priced its handheld correctly because more premium options like the Rog Xbox Ally X feel completely unobtainable for most players.

While Nintendo laid the groundwork, Steam Deck reignited the current mass appeal we're seeing for best gaming handheld scene we see today, and the more I hear about the Steam Frame, the more excited I get about history repeating (if it's priced fairly).

In its new hardware blog, Valve shared updated pages that give us more details about the Steam Frame, Steam Machine, and Controller. The headset's page goes into detail about the differences between foveated rendering and streaming, gives us a closer look at the pancake lenses and speakers, and even details how its infrared LEDs can make tracking better in low-light scenarios.

Its controllers have TMR thumbsticks and a split-pad approach, which means playing non-VR games is going to be a big part of the headset's appeal. Not to mention, Steam has the biggest library of VR titles to support the device as soon as it launches - no problems with a lack of support here like there are with PSVR 2.

But once again, this all hinges on pricing. People are so quick to dismiss VR technology at this point that as soon as the Frame is outwith the reach of most people, it's going to be another HMD that never lived up to its potential because it won't reach the faces of enough gamers for the Steam Deck bug to spread.

No, that wasn't a subtle dig at the Apple Vision Pro.

As a VR gaming fan, I'm really excited for the arrival of the Steam Frame. With Meta seemingly withdrawing from the space (despite what its execs might be saying), Steam Frame could still become the headset to beat in the next five years.

For more on VR, take a look at the best Meta Quest accessories, and for more on RAM shortages, take a look at the best RAM for gaming, and the best gaming PCs.

Elite Head Straps for the Meta Quest 3 and 3S can run you up to $100 if you're not careful. There are legions of these head straps from smaller brands across Amazon and other e-tailers, but it's knowing who you can trust that makes things difficult. I've had Syntech on my radar for a while because I've been tracking the best Meta Quest accessories for years, but this brand usually specializes in smaller items like cases and cables.

A relatively unknown $50/£50 Elite head strap that flies under the radar versus BoboVR, KIWI Design, and Meta's own official one, this is an opportunity for Syntech to show up the competition as an underdog. With a removable battery pack and a stylish look that's reminiscent of the Apple Vision Pro, there's a lightweight and trendy appeal straight from the off.

Thankfully, it's got more than appearances working for it. There's a lot to like here, but I can't help but feel like Syntech's design is a little more complicated than it needs to be to really strike gold on the highly competitive Amazon shelves.

Design & Features

There are three core parts to the Syntech Elite Strap. The first is the standard halo ring that clips onto the sides of your Meta Quest 3 or 3S and loops around the back of your head. It's fitted with the standard tightening dial you'll find on a lot of VR headsets, as well as a cushion that supports the back of your noggin. Of course, there's also a strand of velcro that runs from the back, over the top, to the middle of the headset, which you can tighten and loosen as needed.

The second element of the Syntech strap is a grey, stretchy, velcro-covered strand that attaches to the sides of your device and goes over the top, forming a cross with the halo strap's velcro band. This part has a removable cushion that sits on the top of your head. Easy enough to understand it all, right? (not really).

The final component is a 10,000mAh battery pack that conveniently clips onto the back of the headstrap, complete with a fetching orange USB-C cable that connects it to your headset.

The dominant aspect of this head strap for me is the color of the secondary strap and that orange USB-C cable. It gives your Quest 3 a uniquely trendy, Apple Vision Pro look to it. Honestly, I like the design. Despite being a more complex head strap system than rival products, it has an identity to it, and hardly any opt for a splash of color like Syntech's does here.

Performance

Unfortunately, this three-part system does mean a slightly convoluted and confusing installation process. The whole thing comes with some assembly instructions, but the nature of having a slightly rigid halo strap, and then a bunch of velcro attachments that loop and fold over one another, just means the initial adjustment process can feel a bit clunky. The same feeling is there when you pick up the headset while Syntech's strap is installed. I'm never quite sure where to grab it from, because either strap will tip the headset in precarious directions.

There are pros and cons to this two-strap system. While wearing the headset, your head is braced both on top and at the back, which creates a really snug fit. It's so secure on your face - Blade and Sorcery and Pistol Whip both require erratic head movements, and my Quest 3 didn't feel like it was at risk of slipping off my head at any point during testing.

Surprisingly, nothing feels too tight either. Your head really does feel supported. On both the KIWI Design comfort strap and the PSVR 2's stock head strap, overtightening can lead to a bit of a headache thanks to a build-up of pressure around the top of your head. The upside of having two separate velcro straps is that there's loads of adjustability here to find the right shape.

The downside is that it can all feel a bit claustrophobic. In some ways, it's nice to feel totally immersed in your VR games, but I actually like a headstrap that allows me to see out of the bottom so I can still have some real-world situational awareness. Granted, while testing this head strap, I hadn't played Blade and Sorcery in a while, but I actually started getting a bit motion sick, and I wouldn't be surprised if the total blackout, secure fit this head strap gives me is potentially the reason why. Similarly, every time I put my headset on, that top cushion needs adjustment, and makes things more of an awkward squeeze.

I also found that, while you can adjust or remove that top head strap's cushioning, pressure is directed downward, which puts a lot of the weight of the Quest 3 directly on the bridge of my nose. Depending on your facial interface, that might not be an issue, but using the stock Quest 3 face cushion, my nose did feel like it was bearing the brunt of the head strap's weight.

If I had one wish here, it would be that the cushion for the back of the headset was the same kind of plush, soft padding that you get on top of your head. The rear cushioning feels a bit firmer, and it's covered in a less premium leatherette material than something like KIWI Design's. Comfort isn't an issue with Syntech's head strap though. I've been able to play plenty of lengthy sessions of Walkabout Mini Golf with it on, and although my hair-do is completely messed up by the end of it, I never feel like too much pressure or pain has made me want to come off the virtual links before hole 18.

And none of that makes mention of the handy battery pack provided with the head strap. You get a decent amount of power here, and I found mine essentially doubled the length of the Quest 3's life. That's impressive, and lasts just as long as the PrismXR charging belt. Unlike KIWI and other brands' head straps, this battery pack clips on, which means if it's recharging or you're not using it, you can take the extra weight off for a lighter feel. That's a design perk I wish more Elite straps thought about.

Should you buy the Syntech Elite Head Strap for Quest 3?

For $50, you get a really great deal with Syntech's Elite strap. Essentially, this is a modular head strap system that gives you a secure fit and loads of adjustability. The added battery life comes in handy, and the fact you can remove it if you prefer is a really nice touch.

Unfortunately, it does feel like a more complicated setup than other head straps, and the top cushion in particular can feel a bit intrusive. Thankfully, the design of this head strap is unique and gives your headset a bit more personality than the standard Meta eggshell white that most accessories try to match.

I wish the strap felt a bit more premium overall, or found a way of not putting so much pressure on my nose. But versus competitor head straps that cost $90 for a much heavier accessory with less adjustable parts, Syntech's definitely onto a value for money winner.

Looking to jazz up your PC VR loadout? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best RAM for gaming, and the best CPU for gaming.

Last week, Meta issued mass layoffs to its mixed reality workforce. Its three biggest VR game dev studios, the creators of Asgard's Wrath, Deadpool VR, and The Walking Dead 4 VR, were all disbanded, while wider Reality Labs employees lost their jobs. This led many onlookers to worry that, thanks to the Metaverse's failure, the brand's best VR headsets will now receive limited ongoing support.

Amidst all of this news, we've had a lack of official communication from Meta about where its VR ambitions lie from here on out. One employee, however, has broken silence on Twitter (X), which might hint at the future development of software for the Quest 3 devices.

Replying to a VR content creator who had pointed out the lack of comms from Meta, Dilmer Valecillos, Developer Advocate for the company, said, "I can tell you personally that we are not getting out of VR. I’ve been assigned to a team that is fully focused on VR programs and education."

Replying to a response that asked for more clarification on the statement above, he continued by saying, "I can’t speak to broader strategy, but my role and team are fully focused on VR. I genuinely love VR and wouldn’t be doing this work if I didn’t believe in its future."

It's hard to read past the winking emojis used in these brief exchanges. Is this a Meta employee in the know, hinting at something we don't know, or is this someone talking about a very small part of the wider Reality Labs workforce that doesn't apply to the VR gaming landscape? By his own admission, Valecillos can't actually speak to the broader strategy at the company.

When another reply asked if the ongoing development his team is doing involves games, Dilmer responded "Games and apps" with another winking face emoji.

It's worth noting that the "education" projects he's referring to could come under the umbrella of "gamified" experiences. This is becoming a more common use of VR headset tech, particularly by brands like HTC, which specialize more in enterprise headset uses for experiential events and training rather than consumer markets and gaming.

Personally, I'd take these Twitter responses with a pinch of salt and not read into them as anything official. With Meta issuing that many layoffs within its VR workforce, and shuttering arguably its biggest and most beneficial game dev studios, I think we can expect less support for us gamers on the official Meta Quest store with exclusive games.

It certainly seems as though Zuckerberg's company will be pivoting toward AI as 2026 continues. By all reports, the social media giant's collaboration with Ray-Ban to make smart glasses has been successful, so this could be the renewed focus of what's left of the Reality Labs workforce.

Meta's recent behaviour towards VR does tee up Valve to score somewhat of an open goal with its imminent Steam Frame though. Meta's standalone Quest 3 and 3S are arguably Valve's biggest mainstream competition at the moment, so it'll be interesting to see how the market plays out this year. Samsung also stands to gain from Meta pulling back from VR, since its Galaxy XR headset has recently hit the shelves and serves a similar purpose to the Apple Vision Pro and Meta's Quest devices.

For more, read up on the best Meta Quest accessories, the best gaming PC, and the best gaming PCs in the UK.

The imminent arrival of Valve's Steam Frame means the existing best VR headset rivals have a big fight on their hands in 2026, but instead of lacing up its gloves, it seems as though Meta is already backing away with its tail between its legs. Meta is issuing large-scale lay-offs to its Reality Labs gaming division, shuttering three studios that have made some of the publisher's biggest and most popular games for the Meta Quest 3, 3S, and Quest 2.

Twisted Pixel, the developer behind the recently launched Deadpool VR, has found itself in the line of fire. Sanzaru Games, the studio behind the Asgard's Wrath franchise, and Armature, which produced the widely loved VR port of Resident Evil 4, have also been closed, as reported by UploadVR.

For the last month or so, it's been clear that Meta's strategy is shifting away from the Metaverse (and thus, VR), as the global AI bubble continues to grow. Even though I've heard from a few folks in the industry that Meta is selling its Quest devices at a loss, I didn't expect the brand's shift to AI to mean a severe closure of some of its most successful gaming outfits - especially when the Steam Frame is about to try and steal a large part of its market share.

Asgard's Wrath 2 and Resident Evil 4 VR were bundled with the Quest 3 and Quest 2, respectively, arguably helping both headsets reach the mainstream popularity that they have. Meanwhile, Deadpool VR was released in November of 2025, but to my surprise, wasn't thrown into a new bundle with the Meta Quest 3 or 3S to help boost headset sales over the Holiday period.

This could still happen, but shuttering all three studios and, in the process, laying off hundreds of developers isn't an optimistic sign for the future of Meta's gaming plans for its Quest devices. Naturally, the majority of gaming support for this platform comes from linking to Steam or from third-party games on the Quest store.

In other words, regardless of what other outlets may love to report, this isn't even close to the death knell for VR gaming that some outlets have dubbed it.

In fact, I'd argue that Meta laying off three significant VR studios actually plays right into Valve's hands as it steers the market into its next phase.

Asgard's Wrath, Deadpool VR, and other homemade Quest games have all been exclusive to the Quest store, which means these games haven't appeared on Steam or been available to other VR headset owners. With the developers of these games now freed from their ties to one specific device, it's much more likely that should these developers find their feet at other studios or form new ones, their work will be available to a wider group of VR players across all headsets.

Speaking of which, the Steam Frame now has a much clearer route to market domination. If Meta is giving up the ghost on making its own VR games, it feels like a submission of any reason for gamers to buy a Quest 3 going forward. There is still tough competition out there from PSVR 2, the Pico 4 Ultra, along with HTC Vive and the new Samsung Galaxy XR headset, but PSVR 2 is the only other headset out there right now that prides itself on gaming alone.

Steam has access to countless VR experiences, which will likely entice plenty of gamers once it releases. PSVR 2 has a pretty limited VR game offering on the PlayStation store, but also has Steam VR support through its PC adapter, so it's clear that cutting out the middle man and going straight to Valve may be the best option for a lot of consumers from here on out.

For me, it's all going to hinge on the price of Valve's upcoming headset. The reason the Meta Quest 3 and 3S have been popular is due to accessible pricing, so if Meta can bridge the gap between pricey headsets and the mainstream gaming market that's never wanted to invest as heavily, while also showing the breadth of what's on its VR shelves, it's onto a winner.

For more, check out the best Meta Quest accessories, the best PSVR 2 bundles and deals, and the best gaming PCs.

One of the biggest surprises for me at CES this week is the collaboration between Asus and XREAL on a new set of high-end gaming glasses. The ROG XREAL R1 essentially puts a high-refresh-rate monitor on your face, giving you 240Hz, 1080p micro-OLED quality gaming you can take with you. As impressive as that sounds, my experience with other XR glasses really makes me wish this ambition was being channelled into a VR headset instead.

It wasn't all too long ago we were hearing rumblings about a new Asus VR headset that ran on Horizon OS, the same operating system as the Meta Quest 3 and 3S. As a VR lover, I was stoked. It's always felt to me like we need more options on the shelves, and an Asus visor that takes the efficient OS from Meta and tilts it more toward gaming specs is an exciting prospect.

It's since come out that Meta isn't as keen to share out its OS platform to other brands since it's become clear that the Metaverse has finally, officially failed. I have to admit though, Asus finding an alternative solution in the form of gaming glasses feels pretty disappointing.

Don't get me wrong, the idea of gaming glasses has always seemed appealing, and like the end goal of what VR headsets are trying to do. Portable handheld gaming is great, but if you're used to a high-refresh-rate display at home and you want some futuristic privacy in terms of what you're looking at, or better yet, a heads-up display like Tony Stark, a nifty pair of shades sounds terrific.

But in my experience, the technology isn't really there yet. I tried a pair of RayNeo Air 2 glasses last year, and not only were they awfully uncomfortable and unadjustable, but the way they integrated a virtual display into my environment was distracting, and didn't work nearly as seamlessly as on paper.

Now, to be fair, XREAL is a totally different brand. Its glasses could be a massive improvement, but all things considered, I'd rather use a phone screen, one of the best gaming handhelds, or just forgo gaming on the go and listen to some music with a set of earbuds.

While taking a full-scale VR headset like the Meta Quest 3S doesn't seem as sexy an alternative, I'd rather go on a flight with something that I know would work well and sit comfortably without giving me a headache.

To give XREAL and Asus some credit, the specs and features they've implemented in the R1 would definitely suggest that the technology is advancing. Namely, I love that you can pin your gaming display in place with these. Using the clever anchor mode on the R1 glasses, your virtual big screen can lock into a spot in your environment. There's also clever adaptive transparency, which will use the anchored screen to tint the lenses to let you focus on your gaming display. When you're looking away from the game, you'll have more transparent lenses so you can actually look around.

I love these features in particular, because one of my biggest issues with that previous pair of XREAL glasses was that the display projectors blocked a lot of my natural FOV, meaning I couldn't really use the glasses to walk around when I wasn't watching something on my phone or playing a game. The whole experience fell somewhere between peering through a medieval knight's helmet and giving myself a migraine.

Admittedly though, it's hard to knock a 240Hz refresh rate. For PC gamers, this could be a massive way to immerse themselves in flat-screen, cinematic gaming without opting for a VR headset like the upcoming Steam Frame.

And the glasses are supplied with Bose audio speakers to boot, which promise high-quality audio and will surely immerse you in a game without taking you completely out of your surroundings.

Like when I tested the RayNeo glasses though, I can't help but feel like there's still an air of pointlessness to this type of gadget. We humans have become pretty efficient at putting a screen where it's convenient to be seen. A phone isn't hard to look at, a laptop will sit on a table in front of you, a handheld gaming PC or a Switch 2 can move around as you want it to.

Yes, a 171-inch virtual screen powered by a dedicated X1 chip sounds great, but judging from the price of the XREAL Air 2 Ultra glasses, which cost about $700, you could get a VR headset or a decent gaming monitor, or both, for around the same amount of money.

Not to mention, to get the most out of these Asus glasses on most devices, you need to plug into a dock that'll then link up with your gaming platform of choice. It's great that you can plug in a DisplayPort cable straight from your GPU or an HDMI from a console for what I'm sure will be a lossless-ish picture quality. But I don't really see anyone buying a set of these sunglasses to replace their gaming monitor or TV they already have.

In fact, I was immediately turned off from the CES reveal demo for these glasses when the examples Asus and XREAL showed were someone anchoring their virtual display above their perfectly good gaming monitor, kicking back in a gaming chair, and playing on what is probably a worse display than the one directly in front of them.

Another scenario in the trailer showed someone at home, using the glasses on a couch to play their Xbox ROG Ally X - isn't the whole idea behind these glasses to take them on the go? I'm not sure the sound of a portable 1080p micro-OLED display is going to tempt me away from a 4K gaming monitor when I'm at home.

According to this press release, Asus launched the world's first 240Hz, 360Hz, and 540Hz gaming monitors. I'd really have loved to see that kind of ambition channelled into a VR headset designed for gaming. Imagine a higher-refresh VR headset than the 90-120Hz ones we have on PSVR 2 and Meta Quest 3, for example. I'm hoping to be proven wrong if I get to test a pair of Asus and XREAL's glasses out, but compared to a fully-fledged VR headset, this seems like a bit of a half-step.

If you're perfectly happy with the screens you have that don't sit on your face, check out the best gaming PCs, the best gaming PCs in the UK, and the best computer speakers.

I think Steam Frame has the potential to change the face of the VR gaming market. We've seen what the Steam Deck has done to the gaming handheld world, and we've already seen a resurgence of VR headsets in the mainstream thanks to devices from Apple, Meta, and arguably, Sony. But Steam Frame's impact all hinges on one thing: Price.

If Steam Frame is priced affordably, ie, under the $1,000 that Valve Index costs, there could be a real VR powerhouse on the way. Arguably, Valve needs to do a lot better than that with options like the Meta Quest 3S offering people a super-affordable alternative already. Not to mention the current leader for a pure VR gaming experience, PSVR 2, which is somehow still $100 cheaper nearly two weeks on from Black Friday.

A lot of rumours and leaks around Steam Frame would suggest it'll cost well over $500, which will no doubt bring a healthy dose of gamer rage to a social media platform near you in the not-too-distant future if true. We really don't know at this point what price the headset will target, but there are clear rivals already in play that Valve will no doubt be trying to compete with.

The Meta Quest 3 512GB model has been stubbornly priced at $499 this year, Pico 4 Ultra has enjoyed a few discounts down from its £529 price, and PSVR 2 has seemed newly affordable since its price permanently dropped to $399. I can see the Steam Frame taking on the Quest 3 in terms of price for sure, but I really don't think Valve will manage to push the cost of its new visor down to PSVR 2's current level.

So that prompts the question: Should you buy PSVR 2 now, or wait for Steam Frame to arrive? For my money, PSVR 2 could actually be a bigger rival to Steam Frame than the Quest 3 is. Meta's Quest headsets want to be more than gaming devices by offering mixed reality at a convenient price. PSVR 2 is a purebred gaming device, which is what Valve has cooked up too. There aren't color passthrough cameras on either device, but there are advanced controllers, features like foveated rendering, and an easy way to carry over games from an existing platform.

The cautious and sensible thing to do if you play on PC would be to wait and see what price of entry Valve is demanding in early 2026. But if you currently own and play games on a PS5, PSVR 2's current deal is a no-brainer.

Even if you do play on PC, I think there's plenty of reason to jump on a $100 PSVR 2 discount while you have the chance. Along with the PC Adapter, you'd spend a total of $350 on a PC-ready version of PSVR 2, and I think that's realistically ~$150 less than the cheapest potential cost for Steam Frame.

PSVR 2 offers a stunning gaming experience for its price, which I feel can often go forgotten with Meta's mixed reality options on the shelves next to it. If you don't mind one wire being involved and have no want for passthrough apps, PSVR 2 wipes the floor with the Quest 3 when it comes to gaming. It has a 4K-per-eye set of OLED displays, which will give Steam Frame a lot to compete with when it arrives. There are capacitive sensors in the VR2 Sense controllers, which help to give you accurate hand movements in-game, a feature that Steam Frame will utilize as well. If you're playing on a PS5, you'll get to benefit from haptic feedback in PSVR 2's headband too.

I think PSVR 2 is still worth buying, even as Steam Frame waits in the wings. It might seem foolhardy to grab it now with such a close competitor right around the corner, but I'd disagree, especially when Valve is highly unlikely to price similar specs this affordably.

• PSVR 2: $299 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3: $499 at Amazon
• Pico 4 Ultra: £529 at Amazon

For more on VR, check out the best Meta Quest accessories. If you're happy with flat-screen gaming for now, take a look at the best 4K gaming monitor, and the best gaming TV.

Pretty soon after setting up my Quest 3, I realised how quickly the controllers lose battery. In fact, even if I didn't use them or the headset for a week or two, I'd frequently come back to find them completely drained. Having only used a charging stand that gave power to the headset itself, I knew my budget for batteries would thank me if I tried something that charged the controllers too.

So, to the best Meta Quest accessories I turned, and of all the available charging stands, PrismXR's filled the most gaps in the market for me. It charges the headset and the controllers, but also feels perfect for anyone who wants a pretty low-profile way of displaying their VR loadout. It doesn't have fancy RGB or stand too high for a lot of shelfing units, and its aesthetic matches the Quest 3's as though it was made by Meta itself.

For $69.99 / £69.99, it's roughly on par with the cost of most other charging docks, so let's see how it performs.

Design & Features

Having just reviewed the PrismXR charging belt for Quest 3 and 3S, I had high hopes for this dock as a follow-up. Just like the charging belt, this is fairly self-explanatory. The Carina D1 is a dock that you can plug in via USB-C that'll magnetically charge your headset and controllers.

Rather annoyingly, because this was designed with the Meta Quest 3 in mind before the 3S arrived on the scene, it has a fairly snug design that's bespoke for the original VR headset. For that reason, you'll need to opt for a separate version of this device for the Quest 3S, which leaves the door open for wrong purchases, but does help to create a neater match with whichever headset you own.

From a quick search of both charging docks on Amazon and at PrismXR's own website, they seem to do the exact same thing, and for the most part, are the same price. That said, I'd think about looking into the price history of either at your own leisure because, like any and all Quest 3 accessories, their prices fluctuate madly.

To keep the controllers charged, the D1 dock comes with rechargeable batteries, as well as different grip plates for your controllers so that they can attach magnetically. These feel exactly the same as the stock ones when using the controllers during VR play, and only take a minute to swap out.

Magnetics are the name of the game here, as magnetic charging pins are used to connect the bottom of the headset to the charging dock. For the overall aesthetic of the Carina D1, this helps to keep things nice and neat - there are no cables to be seen from the front.

Perhaps my favorite thing about the dock's design is that it has a handy head strap pedestal at the back, which allows for more compatibility with third-party accessories. I was worried my KIWI Design Comfort Battery Strap wouldn't fit, but thanks to this handy add-on, I had no problems.

In terms of technicals, the Carina D1 Charging Dock can Fast Charge up to 27W, which PrismXR says will take your Quest 3 from 0% to 50% in 45 minutes, and fully charge in 1hr50. The controllers have a quoted charging time of 2hr30.

There are also some handy LED indicators on the front of the stand that tell you what level of battery the headset and two controllers are, and as I'll come on to, there are audible indicating bleeps too.

Performance

I really like the look of the PrismXR charging dock. Its nest design means I was spoiled for choice for where to put it in my living space. It could fit in one of the shelves in my cube unit because it isn't too tall. It's not obnoxiously wide, so it can sit nicely with the other gaming hardware on my desk or a shelf. But at the same time, it still looks neat and tidy, and its white design lines up exactly with the color of the headset.

The only real test of this dock, besides its looks, is how it charges the headset and controllers. If I'm honest, I'd like it to be a bit quicker, but that's mainly because I'm used to plugging it in at the wall with a super-fast charger and seeing it juice up pretty speedily.

Arguably, for a charging stand, I don't think it necessarily needs to be super quick because it's where you put it when you know it'll be sitting to rest between sessions. Still, I found it took around an hour to charge the headset up to its 50% mark while the controllers were also connected - which I suppose matches up with the quoted 45-minute mark that I'll assume refers to just the headset being connected.

At least the indicating LEDs are a handy way to keep tabs on charging progress. What isn't so handy is a very loud beeping tone that the D1 will pierce your eardrums with. When you first connect the headset and controllers, it'll beep. When it finishes charging them? It'll beep, and sometimes, keep beeping. I've seen reports of these bleeps being buggy and incessant for multiple users. Certainly, the first time I used the D1, that's the experience I had when my headset reached full charge. Other reports seem to suggest that the beeping is due to a faulty connection, which would line up with my experience of other times when the headset reached full charge, then didn't beep at all. Either way, these beeps are loud and a very annoying point of convenience-gone-wrong if they continually bug out for people.

What's more unclear is whether or not the dock can turn itself off when the Quest 3 reaches full charge, because if not, it could cause you battery life issues further down the road. Unless you go and unplug the dock entirely or remove the headset so the magnetic pins aren't connected, it could keep charging your headset, or, in my case, beeping loudly. The times when I've used this charging stand and haven't been faced with annoying bleeps fill me with more confidence that this isn't an issue you'll definitely run into, but since this is a known issue for other users who have had larger connection problems, it's all a little unclear.

Considering this brand's charging belt will turn itself off when it detects a fully charged headset, it's a bit of a shame that the charging dock isn't more upfront that it will do so as well. If you touch the LEDs, they'll go to sleep, but I'm not sure whether that actually turns the charging power off. Thankfully, I've found that my headset will still sit fine on the dock when it's just out of place enough that the pins aren't touching. This isn't ideal though, and goes against the snug aesthetic the charging stand is going for.

Should you buy the Prism XR Carina D1 Charging Dock?

Irritating beeping aside, I do think this charging stand is one of the better and more versatile ones available for the Quest 3. PrismXR has made something that's well designed and caters to a large cross-section of VR gamers who have lots of storage needs and headstraps already integrated into their setups.

It's a shame that the charging isn't quicker, and there's definite friction with those indicating bleeps - which seem to be the most frequently reported issue in most customer reviews.

Regardless, this is a charging stand I'll be keeping in my loadout, mainly thanks to its convenience of charging the headset along with its controllers, which can prove tricky otherwise.

How I tested the PrismXR Carina D1 Charging Dock

I integrated the PrismXR Carina D1 Charging Dock into my gaming setup for a number of weeks before this review was written. Since receiving the testing sample from PrismXR, it's been my main method of charging my VR headset and controllers. To put it to the test, I set a timer on how long it took to charge the headset in various scenarios: when it was at 0%, when it was at 50% going to 100%, and a full charge. I compared my experience to my time spent with other Quest 3 accessories.

For more on how we test the latest gadgets, check out the GamesRadar+ hardware policy.

Happy with flat screen games for now? Take a look at the best PC controllers, the best gaming PCs, and the best gaming monitors

Cyber Monday Meta Ques deals are rolling onwards, but you won't have long to make the most of them. While the Quest 3 devices offer up some of the best VR feature sets we've seen at their respective prices, their rivals are also seeing discounts right now that are hard to ignore. PSVR 2 and Pico 4 Ultra are both seeing discounts that I'd also recommend right now, so I'm here to help you decide which is best for you.

Black Friday has given way to Cyber Monday, but these days that usually means that the majority of discounts that have been available for the last week or so have only a day left to go. Having reviewed a fair few VR headsets and accessories, I want to help you navigate this field of discounts. I believe, depending on you, your VR experience, your intended uses, and your budget, there's a perfect visor for you. And the best part about the Meta Quest headsets is that they're compatible with loads of accessories to make them a bit more "you".

I've shone a spotlight on a few of my favorite deals down below for you to browse through. These are the main contenders in the VR market to begin with, but if you scroll further down, you'll see a feed of live updates as I search for more bundles, give you my reviewer's perspective on the discounts this year, and offer my two cents on what's actually worth buying right now.

Quick links

• Meta Quest 3S: $249 at Best Buy
• Meta Quest 3S 256GB: $329 at Amazon
• PSVR 2: $299 at Amazon
• HTC Vive Pro 2: $592 at Amazon
• Accessories: Headstraps, link cables, and more at Amazon

UK

• Meta Quest 3S 128GB: £229 at Currys
• Meta Quest 3S 256GB: £318 at Amazon
• Pico 4 Ultra: £379 at Amazon
• PSVR 2: £299 at Amazon
• Meta Quest accessories: discounted head straps and charging stands

The best Cyber Monday Meta Quest deals

Live updates

Let's find some headset bundles and accessories

Let's get the ball rolling with some headset and accessory discounts. I'll be back in just a moment with a spotlight to shine on some offers, as well as some buying advice for you. Hold the line!

Should you buy the Quest 3S or PSVR 2 if you're on a budget?

Okay, I'm going to try to answer this as simply as I can.

↘️If you're on a really tight budget, the Quest 3S is $50 cheaper, so that may be the simplest way to decide.

↗️If you play games on a PS5 already, then I'd argue PSVR 2 is a better deal since it's going to pull better gaming performance from your existing console than the Quest 3S would in standalone mode.

↗️If you mainly play on PC, I'd go for PSVR 2 since its OLED panels and higher resolution are going to be massive bonuses for harnessing your GPU's power.

↘️If you plan to use a VR headset for more than just gaming, go for the Quest 3S, since PSVR 2 doesn't have a standalone mode or mixed-reality features.

PSVR 2 | $299 at Amazon
Meta Quest 3S | $249 at Best Buy

This could be a handy accessory for any USB-C powered headset

I reviewed this charging belt for the Quest 3 and 3S devices the other week, and I'm a big fan of it as an alternative to wearing a battery head strap that makes your device heavier on your head. VR headsets have spent years trying to strip down weight to increase comfort so that you can spend longer wearing them without needing to give your nose a break. While most battery straps will distribute that weight more evenly, it can still cause discomfort in more ways than one.

The PrismXR charging belt is seeing a discount down to $47.99 at Amazon in a Prime-exclusive Cyber Monday deal. This essentially doubled the lifespan of my Meta Quest 3, and it still comes in around the same sort of price as most battery head straps.

Read more: PrismXR Charging Belt review

PrismXR Battery Belt for Quest 3/S | $59.99 $47.49 at Amazon

It pains me to say it, but I wouldn't recommend this deal

As much as I'd love to recommend Amazon's deal on either the standalone HTC Vive Pro 2, or its full kit, I don't think its current price is worth it.

At Amazon, the headset on its own has an average price of $634, and while its current discount goes below that to $594 at Amazon, it's not even close to its lowest-ever cost of $475. For an older device that still needs motion trackers set up in the room you're using it in, that's not ideal. There are newer headsets with similar specs that are cheaper, so I'd go for one of those instead.

PSA: Members can get PSVR 2 marginally cheaper at BJ's Wholesale Club

If you're a member at BJ's Wholesale Club, you can get PSVR 2 for $10 less than you would at other retailers right now, and with free shipping, no less!

For the majority of shoppers, grabbing from Amazon or Best Buy is going to make more sense though.

PSVR 2 | $399.99 $289.99 at BJ's | $399.99 $299.99 at Amazon

The Quest 3S is even cheaper in the UK

I've seen a fair few deals headlines this Black Friday and Cyber Monday with reviewers claiming some hardware brands are going "zero profit" on their gaming hardware, and while I think that's a bit of a leap for a lot of deals this week, I think that might actually be the approach Meta is taking with the Quest 3S in the UK.

From talking to rival brands, apparently, Meta is selling its Quest 3 devices at a loss even when they're at full price. That's hard for us to confirm, but if it's true, deals like the £229 for the 128GB Quest 3S are absolutely burning a hole in Zuckerberg's pocket.

That said, Meta will probably make it back on the data they farm from your usage habits within a few weeks.

Either way, it's an excellent time to grab a Quest 3S if you're shopping in the UK.

Meta Quest 3S 128GB | £299.99 £229 at Currys | £299.99 £229 at Very

It might be worth checking the Meta store

If you're a Quest owner already, or you're about to be with one of the discounts that's available, it might be worth checking what games are currently discounted on Meta's software store. There's usually a sale event on the storefront, which means you can get new games, apps, and experiences for less. I'm not seeing one advertised, but I am seeing a few apps with individual discounts.

Visit the Meta store

The head strap I use for Quest 3 is on offer

The latest version of the Kiwi Design comfort head strap for Quest 3 and 3S is also seeing a Prime members' price drop for Cyber Monday. This one adds a lot of comfort to your headset, and if you opt for the battery-powered one in this deal, you'll get a longer lifespan for your play sessions too.

Kiwi Design Comfort Head Strap | $69.99 $55.98 at Amazon

The Meta Quest 3's price won't budge in the UK, so grab this instead

Again, this is one for UK shoppers because the headset I'm recommending isn't available on the other side of the Atlantic. (Sorry, US readers, I'll be with you in a moment).

The Pico 4 Ultra is an excellent headset, and an even better alternative to the Quest 3 than PSVR 2 is (if you want a standalone headset). For gaming, I think it actually outperforms the Quest 3 thanks to its increased RAM, better controllers, and more comfortable fit.

Seriously, if you're as annoyed as I am about the lack of full-fat Quest 3 discounts this Cyber Monday, go with its rival instead. For its current price, you're getting an absolute bargain.

Read more: Pico 4 Ultra review

Pico 4 Ultra | £529 £379 at Amazon

There's no Deadpool bundle, and I think that's a missed opportunitiy

Heading into Black Friday season, I was so sure there would be a Deadpool VR bundle for the Quest 3 / maybe the Quest 3S as well. It made so much sense to me. The game was launching just before the big sale, and in the last two years, we've had a Meta-published VR game bundled in for free with the Quest devices.

Especially with Steam Frame on the way, you'd think Meta would want to go out swinging this Holiday season with a game loads of people would want to play (I know I do). But alas, there's no Deadpool bundle, and to me, that's a missed trick for Meta.

I won't weep for one of the biggest tech companies in the world, but I am sorry to consumers who would have probably appreciated it. Ah well.

I'd steer clear of these third-party PSVR 2 adapters

If you shop at Amazon, you'll probably find some discounted PSVR 2 PC adapters that look just like the real thing. I've been seeing these come and go at Amazon since the official adapter launched, and I'd steer clear of them if I were you.

I've never gone hands-on with them, but they're always sold by brand-new vendors at Amazon that never have many user reviews to count on.

It's infuriating that Sony isn't slashing the price of the official PC adapter, but at least you'll have the reassurance that it'll work.

PSVR 2 PC Adapter | $59.99 at PlayStation Direct

I thought we might see the return of the Quest 3S Xbox Edition

The Xbox Edition of the Meta Quest 3S lasted a good few months in the middle of the year, but I must admit, even if it was a "limited edition" bundle, I did expect to see it poke its head back in the door during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

As it stands, you can get either of the other Quest 3S headsets for cheaper anyway.

This is one of the most popular head straps, but it's also one of the most expensive

The BOBOVR S3 has an overall 4.6-star rating on Amazon from 4,600 reviews. It's absolutely one of the more heavy-duty head straps out there, but it's one I've been eager to get my head around for a while.

Unfortunately, the folks at BOBOVR are proving difficult to get a hold of, so I haven't been able to test one out. I'd buy it myself, but it's one of the most expensive head straps for the Quest 3 you'll find.

If you're interested, it's seeing a Prime-exclusive Cyber Monday deal at Amazon, which brings it down from $89.99 to $71.99.

BOBOVR S3 Pro Battery Strap | $89.99 $71.99 at Amazon

I'm begging HTC for some good deals

HTC Vive is one of the biggest competitors to Meta's Quest headsets, but in my mind, it should be an even bigger one, especially thanks to its most recent HTC Vive Focus Vision headset.

Again, I'm yet to test this one out because the folks at HTC are playing their cards close to their chest, which could be a sign to read into, or me overthinking it. Either way, on specs, this thing should be one of the most popular headsets around. It launched to the tune of $999, but its current "discount" price is well above that.

Combine that with the HTC Vive Pro 2 deal I highlighted earlier and you've got two devices I'd love to recommend to PC gamers especially, and I'm unable to because they're simply not good deals.

This is the charging stand I'm currently using, and it's at a new record-low price

The PrismXR charging dock is seeing a great price for Cyber Monday, at a new low of $61.59, which beats its average cost by around $7. I like this one for its neat and tidy display design, but also because it charges the controllers as well as the headset - which you'll soon realise is a massive perk when owning a Quest 3.

PrismXR charging dock for Quest 3 | $76.99 $49.99 at Amazon

Should you wait for the Steam Frame?

A new Quest 3 competitor is entering the race in early 2026, and for gaming, it seems like a pretty sweet alternative to Meta's devices.

I think there are pros and cons to each one. If you're on a budget, I doubt Valve will manage to get the Frame down to the price of the Quest 3S, for example. But if you have no plans for mixed reality and just want a headset for gaming, I think the Frame has better specs and features.

Then again, we don't know what the price of the Steam Frame will be, so it's hard to make a decision. The best you can do at this stage is take in all the information you can about the Steam Frame to make an educated decision. Worst comes to worst, if you miss this deal on the Quest 3S, I wouldn't be surprised if we see it again soon.

Hey, maybe when the Steam Frame launches, we'll actually get a discount on the proper Quest 3, which has been sitting in its room in a huff since before Thanksgiving.

Read more: Everything we know about the Steam Frame

Meta Quest 3S | $399 $329 at Amazon

Friendly reminder: Meta Quest 3 also exists

The focus here so far has been on Meta Quest 3S and deals surrounding that specific headset. For good reason, too: there are actual deals to be had with significant discounts and bundles.

But it's worth remembering that the Meta Quest 3 (sans S) also exists and is technically a more robust piece of hardware. In our Meta Quest 3S review, we called it "maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created" and we stand by that. But if you're looking for an upgrade, and the Meta Quest 3 is technically an upgrade, the price difference isn't so significant that it should be ignored. That goes double for anyone upgrading from the likes of a Quest 2.

Meta Quest 3 | $499 at Amazon

Everybody wants to own a strap

For my money, when it comes to VR headsets, comfort is an intensely personal measurement. No two people are going to find the same strap or headset fits exactly the same way, which is why I typically recommend folks invest in something beyond the standard fit immediately.

It's hard to go wrong with the official Meta Quest Elite Strap – which works with both the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S – as an initial first steps. Your mileage may vary, but this thing has been a godsend for my gigantic melon of a head, and it's at a record-low price right now.

Meta Quest Elite Strap | $69.99 $55 at Amazon

My own Meta Quest 3 charger is on sale too

In general, PowerA is one of my preferred third-party brands for basically any kind of gaming hardware. Most of my controllers and charging stations come from PowerA, and the one I use for my Meta Quest 3 is no different. Amazon currently has this at a record-low price of $51.04 (ships and sold by Amazon, though there are some other third-party retailers there that look to be jockeying for cheapest) right now.

It's a fairly compact piece of kit, which might be my favorite part. My Quest 2 charging station from Anker is a beefy boy, so it was nice to see the Meta Quest 3 one take up less room overall.

PowerA Charging Station for Meta Quest 3/3S | $89.99 $51.04 at Amazon

You're gonna want a link cable

Is the official Meta Quest link cable just... a fancy cable? Yes. Has it made actually playing my PC VR games much easier? Also yes. There's a good chance you might already have one of these if you're a VR enthusiast given it worked with the Meta Quest 2, but if you're just now buying in: you're going to want one.

At 16-foot long, there's plenty of room to move around despite being tethered to a PC. And, from personal experience, while it might look cumbersome it's actually rather lightweight and doesn't hinder movement. While this isn't the absolute cheapest we've seen it, it's only a couple of bucks off, and that's close enough for something that's basically a necessity if you already have a big Steam library of games waiting for you.

Meta Quest Link Cable | $79.99 $63 at Amazon

One game suggestion for anyone new to VR

Since we're talking about connecting a Meta Quest 3/3S to PC, it's worth acknowledging there's a full-on Half-Life VR game available on Steam that you can play with your new VR headset.

Half-Life: Alyx is full price at $59.99 right now, and has admittedly dropped to under $20 several times in the past. It probably will in the future, and maybe even later this month! But if you can't wait, it's about as solid as any VR game and makes for a strong first game to include in anyone's VR library.

Half-Life: Alyx | $59.99 on Steam

Have bag, will travel

This Meta Quest 3 travel bag from PowerA isn't at a record-low price – we saw it about $6 cheaper this past summer – but it does have the distinction of being the one I actually like and use. It's roomy without feeling like cumbersome, and if you don't have a charging stand it's the next best way to store your Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S.

PowerA Travel Bag for Meta Quest 3/3S | $49.99 $19.99 at Amazon

It seems like only yesterday PSVR 2 launched to the tune of $549, and everyone was up in arms about how stupidly expensive it was. At the time, it was pricier than the PS5 it depended on, so naturally, people were going to be upset. If we could only peer into the future to the headset's current Black Friday discount, I think people would be shocked at how affordable the best VR headset now is in comparison.

PlayStation's Black Friday deals have arrived, and chief among them, in my opinion, is a discount to PSVR 2 that brings it down to $299 at Amazon. That price applies to the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle as well as the standalone headset, so whether you plan on using Sony's visor for PC or PS5 gameplay, you get an excellent price of entry.

PSVR 2 is still, in my eyes, the best VR headset on the shelves when it comes to pure gaming. The Meta Quest 3, the Pico 4 Ultra, and a few PC headsets are still excellent in their own ways, and the Quest devices are definitely more versatile thanks to their mixed reality chops, but when it comes to gaming, I think none of them hold a candle to PSVR 2.

You may think I'm just shilling for PlayStation when I say that, but I do 90% of my gaming on PC these days - I'm actually not a big fan of how PlayStation has gone about things this console generation, and PSVR 2 is the exception. I think, for me, it all comes down to the excellent feature set aboard PlayStation VR 2. Those OLED displays, the higher resolution per eye than the Quest 3, the creative haptic feedback in the headband, the foveated rendering - all of it adds up to a VR device that, when gaming, is undeniably premium for its cost (keep in mind that PCVR headsets with lesser features can still set you back $1,000).

Even against the upcoming Steam Frame, I think PSVR 2 is going to be the biggest rival and arguably the headset for Valve to beat. Yes, because it's wireless and is more popular, the Quest 3 is Valve's obvious opponent, but I think PSVR 2 was clearly designed for gaming and nothing else, and the Steam Frame shares that philosophy. Both headsets have black and white passthrough and foveated rendering, for example, which tells me the priority isn't mixed reality, it's being immersed by excellent gaming chops.

We still don't know the price of the Steam Frame, but I'd be willing to bet you that it won't be less than $350 - and PSVR 2 is currently $299. Even for PC players who would need to fork out for a PC Adapter that costs $49.99, that would still come comfortably under the 512GB Meta Quest 3.

The one thing I think holds PSVR 2 back in today's market isn't its wired connection, as you might expect. Truth be told, you end up zoning that one cable out when you're playing a game. In my eyes, its drawback is a lack of support from Sony. Personally, I think you could say the same for the PS5 too, but that might just be me. With SteamVR now an option for this device, I think the excuses for casting it off versus wireless headsets are actually very little if you're buying a headset specifically for gaming.

• PSVR 2: $299 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S: $249 at Amazon
• Pico 4 Ultra: £379 at Amazon

To keep up with more discounts over the next few weeks, take a look at Black Friday VR headset deals, Black Friday Meta Quest deals, and Black Friday gaming PC deals.

Black Friday is two weeks today, and yet Best Buy has already pulled the trigger on a brand new bundle for the Meta Quest 3S. I haven't seen any official word about this new bundle from Meta, and so far, no other stores have it up for grabs. It drops the Quest 3S, which is one of the best VR headsets, back to its lowest-ever price, and bundles in a free game for your trouble.

If you grab the 128GB model of the Quest 3S for $249 at Best Buy just now, you'll get The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners at no extra cost. I've seen the most affordable Quest 3S dip to this price before, but I didn't expect we'd get this discount again until Black Friday proper on the 28th. I really don't expect this device to see a further price cut in a few weeks, so if you have your heart set on this headset, now's a good time to buy.

I'm a little surprised to see a new bundle on the Meta Quest 3S right now, because all my money has been on a new official bundle coming from Meta when Deadpool VR launches on the 18th of November. This is a Quest exclusive game that lots of people are going to be excited to play, and since Meta had a hand in its development, I wouldn't be surprised if we see it bundled in like Batman Arkham Shadow and Asgard's Wrath 2 before it.

If you buy this headset from Amazon right now, you won't get the $50 saving, but you will get a different bundled game in the form of Gorilla Tag. As fun as that game seems, I'd much rather take the zombie-slashing, big-franchise title that is The Walking Dead.

This is the most affordable current-gen VR headset on the shelves right now, and it's one I'd happily recommend to anyone looking to buy their first VR device. You get the same processor and a lot of the same mixed-reality features as the flagship Meta Quest 3 512GB. You'll also have access to the same library of games.

While I'm surprised to see this new bundle and a bunch of stores discounting the best budget VR headset early, I did predict that we'd begin to see more VR headset deals pretty much the moment Valve finally revealed its long-awaited Steam Frame headset. For the record, I do think anyone wanting to use a VR device solely for gaming purposes should maybe wait to see how much Valve is going to charge, but I absolutely don't see the Steam Frame being less expensive than the Quest 3S is in this bundle.

As someone who covers the VR market for a living, I'd expect the Steam Frame to be roughly the same price as the Meta Quest 3 512GB, or potentially a bit more expensive. If you're on a budget or you're just dipping your toes in the water of this VR stuff, maybe look to get a Quest 3S. If you know you want better gaming specs, and you're not interested in mixed reality, then I'd hold off and see what Steam Frame has in store in early 2026.

• Meta Quest 3 512GB: $499 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S: $249 at Best Buy
• Pico 4 Ultra: £529 at Amazon

If you're shopping for a new visor right now, check out some Black Friday VR headset deals, Black Friday Meta Quest deals, and Black Friday gaming PC deals.

After years of rumours, leaks, and speculation, Valve has officially unveiled the Steam Frame, its second VR headset. Just as the rumours predicted, it'll run on Steam OS (the same operating system as the Steam Deck) as a standalone device that doesn't need to be tethered to a PC to run games. While that's great news on its own, it seems like this device will combine some of my favorite parts of all the best VR headsets.

We're yet to receive a price for this new headset, which could really determine its place in the market. We do, however, know that it'll launch in early 2026, which corresponds with rumours about the previously codenamed Valve Deckard we've heard up until now.

Whenever it launches, Steam Frame is arriving in a vastly different market than the Valve Index did. It's going to face direct competition from the likes of PSVR 2, the Quest 3 devices, and the Pico 4 Ultra, but there's also the new Galaxy XR and the HTC Vive Focus Vision to think about. In my eyes, I think the Steam Frame is set up for success, not least because it combines some of the best features of PSVR 2 and the Meta Quest 3, either of which could be dubbed the best head-mounted display for gamers, depending on who you ask.

For starters, Valve's Frame will utilize the pancake lenses from the Meta Quest 3, combining them with PSVR 2's foveated rendering and eye tracking capabilities. Like the Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra, it'll utilize an LCD display, but at a higher resolution, like PSVR 2, that means you get 4K resolution per eye.

Integrated speakers in the headstrap, like the ones found on the Quest 3, mean you'll get spatial 3D audio, but since this isn't a mixed reality device and it's geared specifically at gamers, its passthrough is in black and white and mainly functions to track you within a room-scale boundary, like PSVR 2.

To prevent the need for some of the best Meta Quest accessories, the Steam Frame will utilize a rechargeable battery on the back of the headstrap, which isn't too dissimilar to what the HTC Vive Focus Vision uses.

It doesn't seem like the Steam Frame has any connectivity for HDMI or Display Port, however, which means you won't be able to directly tether it to a gaming PC's GPU for a visually lossless gaming experience. Valve says you can use an included wireless adapter that uses a Wi-Fi 6E, low-latency connection to stream between the headset and PC, though, presumably using an app like Steam Link.

Last, but certainly not least, the Steam Frame's controllers will use TMR thumbsticks (which is a first for this type of gaming), highly detailed haptic feedback, and capacitive sensors to detect various touches and small movements you make on their grips. Valve also says there will be input parity with more traditional gamepads too, which makes sense, since the left controller even has a D-pad, which is often overlooked on VR controllers.

The news comes by way of a larger announcement that sees Valve also launching a new version of the Steam Machine, as well as a brand new Steam Controller.

Looking to upgrade your PC so it's VR-ready? Check out the best RAM for gaming, the best CPU for gaming, and the best graphics card.

In Norse mythology, Thor doesn't just have his famous hammer; he wears a belt called Megingjörð, which makes him even more powerful. I'm not totally surprised that the MCU version of the character doesn't make mention or use of this accessory, because it's definitely one of his quirkiest belongings. As Meta Quest accessories go, PrismXR's charging belt feels like a similarly bizarre and out-of-place sidekick to a wireless headset, but actually, I think this brand might be onto something.

The battery life of the Meta Quest 3 and 3S isn't the reason they appear on our best VR headset list, so they could definitely use a boost. The problem is that the most popular way of bolstering their battery is with a pricey head strap that has a battery pack on it. Adding more weight to the headset certainly doesn't feel ideal, especially if you already find wearing a headset uncomfortable, or you tend to suffer from motion sickness while playing VR.

I think PrismXR's Carina W1 Charging Belt is actually an ingenious alternative, and although it creates some trade-offs with more conventional means of extending your battery life, it's a really great solution that shouldn't be overlooked due to its quirkiness. For $59.99 / £59.99 though, you could arguably be getting a more versatile accessory elsewhere, so is it going to be worth it for you?

Design & Features

Coming in either white or black, the Carina Charging Belt is actually very simple in its design. It literally is a battery pack with belt straps attached to either side, but it's ergonomically shaped so that it doesn't dig into your spine. The battery pack itself is meant to sit on the small of your back, and a single USB-C cable then connects from its top up to your headset. In the box, you get a small version of a link cable included, fit with a right-angled end, which means there's no annoying cable tension on one side of your head.

The belt fastens using some handy magnetic panels, which makes it super easy to take on and off. A few cable management velcro loops are also included in your purchase so that you can fasten the cable to your Meta Quest 3 or 3S's headstrap.

The battery pack has a 30W output for fast charging, although its 10,000mAh battery will need a more substantial power adapter than some standard USB-C plugs to get the most out of it. The Carina is officially compatible with 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, and has compatibility with other variants, but you'll need a beefier connection to charge it at full speed. For example, I plugged it in via a simple USB-C phone charger for my Honor 400 Pro, and while it did fill the battery, it did so at a snail's pace. It wasn't until I used the power adapter for the Asus ROG Ally X that I got it to charge the entire battery in well under 2 hours. Worth keeping in mind that if you have USB-C charger for a laptop, that may be the better option here.

The Carina has a power button you can use to check how much life it has left, which is indicated by four LED lights. When charging the Meta Quest 3S or Quest 3 with it, the belt will automatically detect when it's at capacity and turn itself off to save your headset's longevity.

Although the conventional idea is to wear this around your waist, PrismXR has also designed it to be worn like a bandolier across your shoulder if that suits you better. The bands of the belt are adjustable thanks to velcro, so it should cater to lots of different body shapes. There's a standard and small size, but the wait bands have some elasticity to them. The small size will cater to 30-38-inches, and the standard goes from 38-50. I'm a man with a 32-inch waist, however, and the standard size fit me just fine on a pretty relaxed fit, so it seems like those sizes are faily fluid.

Just go easy on the actual battery pack, since it looks more flexible than it is, and the user manual makes it very clear that you shouldn't try to fold it or bend it too much.

Performance

To test the PrismXR charging belt out, I drained my Meta Quest 3's battery down until it was almost empty (under 10%), then charged the belt up and connected it. For the next few sessions, I ran the Quest 3 with it, and I got about 4-4.5 hours out of it before having to charge both devices. By around 2.5-3 hours, the Carina had emptied completely, but it had charged the Quest 3 quickly enough that the headset now had about 50-60% of its battery left, which supplied it with enough life to sustain the following hour and a bit.

If these timings seem a little approximate, it's because it's very tricky to precisely time how long this will last, depending on your use of the headset, or whether you have the PrismXR belt connected to a different device entirely. PrismXR mentions Insta360 Link portable cameras and phones in its marketing materials, so there's definitely versatility as to how you use this belt of power.

Even using approximate timings, I'd say that the Carina can comfortably double the battery life of a Quest 3 headset if you're using it to play games. For my tests, I was using SteamLink to play Walkabout Mini Golf, as well as multitasking YouTube tutorials for finding lost balls and fox hunt clues (I'm only human).

It might seem like this belt would just be a different discomfort than if you were to add a battery pack head strap, but honestly, it's a really comfortable accessory to wear when you're gaming. Truth be told, when I was fully immersed in my games, I forgot I was wearing a bit of a strange belt around my waist.

What's harder to ignore, despite the Velcro cable management, is that it does add a wire into your immediate proximity. For a wireless VR experience, that does feel like more of a drawback, and there were a few times I had to whip the cable around to my back because it had fallen around my left shoulder. If that's an annoyance for you, you might be better off with a charging head strap.

Additionally, if you're someone who feels the strain of "faff" before getting your headset on to play VR games, it must be said that putting a belt on does feel like an extra step in the process. All told, it maybe adds 15-20 seconds extra into the set-up stage, which really doesn't amount to much, but for a form of gaming that comes under a lot of criticism for being a faff to use, PrismXR's charging belt isn't exactly going to streamline that.

Should you buy the PrismXR Carina Charging Belt for Quest 3?

It's a trade-off, I think.

This is a really great alternative to what can be really pricey and cumbersome head straps for Quest 3. This charging belt is quirky, but it has the same end result - you double the length of your headset's battery, but you do so without the annoying weight and strain on your head, face, and nose.

Attaching it to your body's centre of gravity makes it unnoticeable when you're actually playing games, so it's really up to you which form of battery extension you'd prefer. For me, the thing I did notice was the longer lifespan it gave my headset, and for me, that's a win - anything so that I don't have to cut my rounds of Walkabout Mini Golf short.

I will say however, that at $59.99 / £59.99, you are spending the equivalent of some charging head straps, which I'm not sure is fair. The build quality of this belt is great, but charging is really all it does, and you don't even get a power adapter included for that money to get the most out of it. A charging strap for the same money will likely give you some added comfort as well, so it's arguably the better investment. I'd definitely recommend PrismXR's charging belt, but ideally, grab it at one of the fairly regular times when it's got $10-$20 off.

Whether you're sticking to flat screen gaming for now, or upgrading your rig to be VR-ready, you should know about the best gaming PCs, the best gaming PCs in the UK, and the best RAM for gaming.

The big new VR headset news of the week is the grand unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy XR, but if the price tag of this $1,799.99 headset scares you off, a deal on the best VR headset for entry-level buyers seems timed perfectly to sway over budget-oriented VR fans.

Over at Meta's official store, the Meta Quest 3S at 256GB has been discounted down to $329.99, and we've never seen it go cheaper than this since its launch in December of last year. That's $1,470 less than the Galaxy VR's price, although of course the new Samsung headset does a lot that the Quest 3S isn't cut out for.

In the US, the 128GB model is also discounted by $50, down to $249.99, but in the UK such a reduction isn't available. No other retailers have the Meta Quest 3S discounted at the time of writing.

While this is the cheapest we've ever seen the Meta Quest 3s drop to, it's not actually the first time it's gone this low, with Prime Day earlier in October seeing Amazon offer the headset for the same prices.

However Meta offers a year-long warranty on your purchase if you buy from its own store, so you're protected in case you damage the headset. Amazon offers protection plans but they cost you extra, so this is a nice little perk.

Included with the headset, you get Batman: Arkham Shadow and a three-month trial to Meta Horizon+. The latter is a subscription service that has a catalog plus two specific titles each month, so you won't need to buy games for the headset straight away.

Should you buy the Meta Quest 3S?

I know that technically this isn't a new low price cut for the Meta Quest 3S, but the extra warranty could be enough of a sweetener to win over some safety-conscious buyers.

If you've been sitting on the fence, waiting for VR headsets to get cheap enough to justify buying one, then perhaps this is the discount you've been waiting for. The Quest 3S at this new price is substantially cheaper than the standard Meta Quest 3, as well as plenty of rival VR sets.

The one thing to give you pause should be Black Friday VR headset deals, which will kick off in the next month. It's hard to say for sure whether the Meta Quest 3S will get discounted to a lower price than its current one, but based on precedent, we'll probably see other headsets cut to within reach of the 3S.

Last year we saw deals on PSVR 2 bundles that came close to Quest 3S prices, and previous Quest models often get pretty hearty discounts too. If you're dead-set on buying a Meta headset, you can ignore all of this, but if you're keeping your options open, it may be worth waiting for the deals.

• See all VR headsets at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S 128GB | $299.99 $249.99 at Meta Store
• Meta Quest 3S 256GB | $399.99 $329.99 at Meta Store

Use our guide to prepare for the Black Friday gaming deals, peruse the best Meta Quest accessories, or learn what to expect with the Black Friday Meta Quest deals.

Samsung and Google have finally unveiled Project Moohan, which we now know will be called Galaxy XR. Although it copies a lot (and I mean, a lot) of homework from Apple Vision Pro, the tech giant has righted one of the biggest wrongs of that high-end VR headset by including controllers that will cater to gamers.

The Apple Vision Pro famously launched to an excruciatingly expensive $3,500, but despite blending a lot of the same features and specs, Samsung has managed to keep the cost of the Galaxy XR to almost half that. You can already buy Samsung's latest Galaxy device in the US or Korea, and in the States, it'll set you back $1,799 at Samsung. Options also exist to cut down the payments to monthly installments.

Rather bizarrely, Samsung has made absolutely no mention of other markets, and even if Apple Vision Pro staggered its launch to other territories, it's a bit strange that Samsung hasn't even mentioned wider launches yet. More on that as it develops, I guess.

The Galaxy XR travel case and Galaxy XR Controllers are sold separately, which does throw a bit of a spanner in the works if you plan to use this headset predominantly for gaming. The controllers will set you back $249.99 at full price, although I'm seeing an introductory offer that brings them down to $174.99. While hand tracking is available, I wouldn't recommend it for most immersive VR games - many don't even support it.

That means for gamers looking to make the most of the new headset's gaming potential, you're all in for a hefty investment of $1,974 (right now, it'd be $2,048) without that discount on the controllers. For context, you could find an RTX 5070 Ti/5080 gaming PC for that cost, and although this headset is versatile and has a massively variable use-case, that's a huge price to pay for what most gamers will use as a secondary peripheral. By contrast, the HTC Vive Focus Vision is one of the priciest modern-day PCVR headsets, and it costs $999.99.

On the other hand, Galaxy XR does have some excellent specs and features, and you can tell that Samsung wanted to concentrate on gamers more than Apple Vision Pro has ever managed to. Straight out of the gate, the brand was quick to show a demonstration of PC Link working, which will let anyone with a gaming PC completely link their rig to the Galaxy headset, including the use of any connected mice and keyboards. You can link a Bluetooth PC controller to the headset as well and use that to play 2D games, although a live demonstration included someone playing Stardew Valley with gesture controls.

With companion controllers, this device lends itself a lot more to fully immersive VR gaming, and I'm happy to say that Samsung has shown off what might just be the best VR game ever made (objectively speaking, of course) - Walkabout Mini Golf VR. That seems like the tip of the iceberg, but thanks to the Android platform and the Google Play store, it's confirmed that there will be a wider library of VR games (presumably a similar selection to what's available on the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra) that you'll be able to play natively on the headset itself.

The demonstrations also mentioned SteamVR, so I'd assume other wireless connection apps like SteamLink will also be present on GalaxyXR. Hands-on experiences at the launch event have found that the controllers use a single AA battery each, and that the headset has a secondary USB-C port on it, which doesn't have power delivery, but will be able to transfer data to or from a PC - meaning a link cable would work as another method of linking up to a computer.

The headset is fixed to the device, meaning that you won't be able to make use of the best Meta Quest accessories and swap out headbands to your liking - this is likely due to touchpads on the sides of the headstrap being an integral way of controlling the device.

A big allure of Galaxy XR (at least, in Samsung's eyes) is how handy the AI features and Google Gemini integrations are. The initial gaming showcase had Gemini working as an AI guide companion that can pull up articles, give you hints and tips, or show videos from YouTube while you're playing. With full mixed-reality features, you can organise multiple screens and videos around your space, which will be possible thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.

In terms of gaming, that was about as much information as I've managed to gather on Samsung's new headset. For the most part, Galaxy XR has been touted as a spatial computing headset that harnesses AI and looks to get mixed reality into the hands of more people.

I do think Samsung has been more careful to include gaming as an option here, though, which makes me optimistic. For me, the fact that controllers have been made for it is a big sign that gamers are a market Samsung wants to attract. With a cost as high as this, I'm not sure how many the brand will actually speak to. The Meta Quest 3S offers a very similar experience starting at just $299.99.

• Meta Quest 3: $499 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S: $299 at Amazon
• Pico 4 Ultra: £529 at Amazon

For more on VR, take a look at everything we know about Valve Deckard, Black Friday Meta Quest deals, and Black Friday VR headset deals.

Samsung and Google have been in the kitchen together for a long time, and although they've cooked up a lot of mobile and smart devices, the one that's been teased, rumoured, and anticipated the most in recent years is their VR headset. We've known about Project Moohan for a while now, but it seems that it's finally ready to come out of the oven.

Samsung has announced that a new Galaxy Event will take place on October 21 at 10:00am ET / 03:00am BST, which will tell us more about the brand's XR ambitions. Of course, like any big tech and hardware announcement these days, the "invitation" press release really wants to focus on the Multimodal AI that's going to be baked into the device, but you know everyone will really be there to see the shiny new headset.

"Project Moohan is the groundbreaking first product built for the open and scalable Android XR platform," reads the announcement.

"It seamlessly blends everyday utility with immersive new experiences. This is where the true potential of XR comes alive, unlocking a whole new dimension of possibilities."

We still don't know a lot about Project Moohan, other than what it looks like. We don't know its price, or how it can be used, or what apps will be available on it, or whether or not it's going to lean more heavily into being an Apple Vision Pro rival, or a Meta Quest 3 alternative. Despite that, you can already register to buy the new headset, and get $100 credit for your trouble.

Certainly, if you judge by the look of Project Moohan, it certainly appears to be more like a luxury headset that's going to be Samsung's take on Apple Vision Pro. Personally, I'd be shocked if Samsung has watched Apple's first attempt at Spatial Computing from the sidelines for this long and hasn't wanted to avoid its slip-ups.

For starters, even if Project Moohan is the high-end device that it appears to be, it needs to avoid the $3,500 starting price that Apple went for. Experimental dip of the toe in XR waters, the Vision Pro may have been, but it's one that ended up as a meme-ified concept device more than something people are rushing to adopt.

More importantly, I think Samsung and Google need to appeal to arguably one of the biggest use-cases for this technology - gaming.

Apple has never been a brand that's big into gaming, and even if it showed a demo of someone using a DualSense controller during the Vision Pro's reveal, the brand failed to draw in gamers by securing support for games to play on the headset post-launch. Being able to link up a controller and play games on a virtual big screen is one thing, but it totally misses the appeal of VR as a way to play.

I do hold out more hope for Project Moohan as a platform for gaming - even if the main marketing appeal from Samsung will be to capitalize on the mainstream mixed-reality hype that Apple showed exists. Android has always had more support for gaming than Apple's platforms typically have, and I think the fact that plenty of gaming applications with Android support already exist plays into Samsung and Google's hands.

Horizon OS, the OS for Meta's Quest 3 headsets, is built on Android, and although there are likely plenty of technicalities, I'm sure the fact that all of the Quest store games and applications run on a form of Android already will mean developers find it easier to port them to Samsung's own version.

Samsung is no stranger to VR. The first headset I ever tried was a Samsung Gear, which used the brand's Galaxy phones as slot-in displays, but gave you access to what was then Oculus' applications and games. Google is also no stranger to gaming - never forget the disaster that was Stadia. Even if that wasn't a good example of success in the gaming market, it's experience, and I bet with hardware backing from Samsung, there's room to better capitalize on what Google wanted to do. Qualcomm has been drafted in to make the processor for Project Moohan, and its chips power some of the best gaming phones, as well as the Meta Quest 3S and 3, and the Pico 4 Ultra - all of which are great gaming headsets.

This is all conjecture, mind you, and we'll need to tune into the Galaxy Event to find out more. Personally, I think a big tell that this is a device for gamers (other than the price), will be whether or not it comes with controllers. Hand tracking and clever gesture controls make the Apple Vision Pro seem efficient and streamlined, but controllers are still necessary for playing games, and the inclusion of controllers for Project Moohan will be a sign that gamers are going to be catered to.

This could all very easily be wishful thinking, but it's hard to imagine that another brand that competes so closely with Apple would want to roll out the exact same flawed device as the Vision Pro and not improve on the formula. I'd like to think Samsung is smart enough to expand things, take a slightly different tactic, and appeal to a more mainstream market. That all remains to be seen on October 21st.

• Meta Quest 3: $499 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S: $299 at Amazon
• Shop for VR headsets at Amazon

For more on Samsung's gaming hardware, check out the best SSDs for gaming, the best gaming monitor, and the best gaming TVs.

I've been writing about tech long enough to know that leaks often make us less certain about upcoming devices, not more, and that's certainly the case with Valve Deckard news coming from the grapevine.

This potential upcoming Valve VR headset, which could potentially actually be called the Steam Frame and will potentially be a stand-alone device that doesn't need to be plugged into a PC to run, may also come in two variants. Potentially.

This comes from esteemed VR leaker and Twitter user SadlyItsDadly, who shared code from the latest SteamVR beta, which mentions both 'Deckard DV1' and 'Deckard DV2'. The post explains that 'DV' denotes that these are the final-stage internal models, prior to 'PV', which would be the consumer-ready headset.

The takeaway here is that there seem to be two different versions of Deckard in the works, and we could speculate about the differences until pigs fly, except that another piece of news gives us some extra information.

According to UploadVR, a Chinese analyst group called XR Research (never heard of them? No, me neither) has put out a grand piece of speculation about Deckard sales.

The firm states that the headset will release this year, as it's already entered mass production, and is estimated to sell 400,000-600,000 units each year. This figure is, according to the source, in line with the Apple Vision Pro, and behind many other rivals in the VR space.

One could argue that it doesn't bode well for Deckard that it's already being compared to the Apple Vision Pro, a headset subject to more memes than sales, but this is where it links to SadlyItsDadly's news.

If there are two versions of the Deckard, and one of them is speculated to only sell a limited amount of units akin to Apple's pricey pair of goggles, it's very possible that this could be a more premium and souped-up version. We could see it launch alongside another version of the device, which sells a lot more, but could come out a little later.

This is simple speculation for now, albeit speculation I come to knowing full well how these tech companies work (we always need a 'Pro' version of everything these days). But it's speculation based on information from the hitherto-unknown XR Research, so we're already drowning this in so much salt that fast food companies are getting jealous. Perhaps we could only see one version later this year after all. Perhaps we could see zero.

What we do know for sure is that Valve is making big investments in new headsets. We know this because Gabe Newell said so himself all the way back in 2021. So, unless the Valve Index 2 is around the corner, then Deckard it is.

Do you need to beef up your gaming setup before the second Valve headset arrives? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best CPU for gaming, and the best RAM for gaming.

The next few months are going to be a great time to buy a VR headset if you've been waiting for prices to drop. Case in point: the Quest 3S models are currently discounted for the Prime Big Deal Days sale, and with Black Friday right around the corner, it likely won't be long until we see some of the other best VR headsets going for less than they usually do.

This is the first time since the Meta Quest 3 launched in 2023 that we're going to have a Black Friday where a new Quest device isn't landing on the shelves, and to me, that signals that we're going to get some new bundles and discounts on the existing ones. Today's Prime Day discount definitely affirms that. The Quest 3S has been down to $249 at Amazon before, but it feels like the flagship Quest 3 512GB has its eyes on the next stop on the deals train.

The question for me, if I were shopping for a new VR headset right now, would be whether to grab the best budget option in the Meta Quest 3S now, or wait and see what options Black Friday presents. While the deal above may seem tempting, I'd certainly lean more into the Black Friday camp.

There are reasons for that, though, which I'll come to in a second. To be clear, the deal I've highlighted above is still great, and depending on what type of user you are, it might be worth just beating the Black Friday rush altogether and grabbing one in the last few hours of Prime Day. If you just want a budget headset that can still play all the games you want and do the mixed-reality tasks you fancy, the Quest 3S is an amazing device. No VR headset that advanced has ever come to market at such an affordable price, and it plays remarkably well compared to more pricey HMDs (head-mounted displays) like the Meta Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra.

So for first-time users who are getting into VR for the first time, I'd say the deal above is perfect. It's something that'll allow you to dip your toes in the virtual waters and see if this type of gaming is for you.

But if you're already a fan of VR, or you know you'll want a higher spec device than the entry-level option, I'd wait. I have a feeling this Black Friday is going to be particularly competitive in terms of VR prices. PSVR 2 has been dipping down in price to around the same level as the Quest 3S 256GB model, and Sony clearly enjoys keeping Meta on its toes. Beyond that, I feel as though we'll get a new bundle with the Quest 3 and 3S after Deadpool VR drops. That could absolutely prompt a discount on the 512GB Meta Quest 3, which established VR enthusiasts would appreciate.

But perhaps the biggest reason to wait is what's not on the shelves yet. There are multiple rumoured devices that are supposedly coming to the VR market. With Valve Deckard supposedly waiting in the wings to launch somewhere between now and early 2026, the whole VR gaming market should be collectively holding its breath to see what a sequel to the Index could look like. Don't forget, we're also meant to finally be getting Samsung and Google's Android headset that looks an awful lot like the Apple Vision Pro. In my opinion, we still don't know enough about that, but it's very possible that it arrives this year with some gaming potential to really take the fight to the Quest 3.

Then there's Asus and its Horizon OS headset that's heavily speculated; there's a supposed Pico headset that apparently will also take on an Apple Vision Pro approach. There are honestly loads of balls in the air right now in the VR market, and as someone who loves this technology, I'd rather wait and see what transpires in the coming month or two before I go investing in a budget headset right now.

But remember, that's just me. If I were shopping for my first-ever VR headset, or buying for someone I know hasn't had a lot of experience with mixed realities before, I'd be a lot more inclined to check out that Quest 3S deal while it's still around.

• View all VR headsets at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S 128GB: $249 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S 256GB: $329 at Amazon

For more shopping advice this deals season, look to our Black Friday VR headset deals page, or our Black Friday Meta Quest deals and Prime Day Meta Quest deals pages.

October's Big Deal Days event is right around the corner, and although waiting for the official start time of the sale might mean more access to great discounts on all sorts of gaming hardware, I'd advise UK gamers not to wait if they're planning to shop for one of the best VR headsets.

The Pico 4 Ultra, for those who don't know, is a competitor to the Meta Quest 3. It shares the same processor but has more RAM and is overall an excellent device for VR gaming. I'd say that it's easily on par, if not slightly better to use than the Quest 3, and before Prime Day has even begun, it's seeing up to £179 off right now. You can get £100 off the headset and controllers, but you could also go for a bundle with motion trackers and a free Season Pass for Premier League Player (a free-to-play VR football game) and pay the same £429 at Amazon as if you were just buying the headset.

Alternatively, If you want to go a step further and grab even more accessories, you could get the motion trackers and a facial interface for the normal price of the headset, which is £529 at Amazon.

I'd recommend the Pico 4 Ultra any day of the week, but when it's discounted like this and Prime Day Meta Quest deals are yet to even begin properly? That's even more tempting. Yes, it's possible that the Meta Quest 3 512GB model goes on offer for either Prime Day or Black Friday this year, but I'd be surprised if it managed to come down to lower than the £429 you'll pay here.

Admittedly, the Meta Quest 3S is the cheapest option, but the specs on the Pico 4 Ultra outclass it. You get the same processor, but the same pancake lenses that people love about the full-fat Quest 3. When I reviewed the Pico 4 Ultra, I was amazed at how comfortable it was. It's almost the same size as the Quest 3, and is actually slightly heavier, but the way its weight is distributed across its clever headband system means it feels really light on your head.

Now, I know what you're thinking. If Meta Quest 3 is more popular, isn't it the obvious choice? Or at least, shouldn't you wait until Prime Day actually begins so we can see which one ends up cheaper? That's a wise thing to do, but I've seen some rather oddly timed offers around the Pico 4 Ultra when it comes to these big events. Since this isn't officially part of the Big Deal Days sale, and it isn't exclusive to Prime members, you never know if it might end sooner. For that reason, I'd consider this now.

To really dive into the nitty-gritty of why I think Pico 4 Ultra might actually be better than the Quest 3, I wrote up a handy round-by-round battle about the Quest 3 vs Pico 4 Ultra. And I swear, it's not just because I'm not a big fan of Meta as a company - although I can't lie, that does come into things. If you're like me and you want any alternative to giving more of your time, money, and data to Zuckerberg's empire, I'd consider the Pico 4 Ultra.

The biggest caution I'd give you about the Pico 4 Ultra is that there is technically better access to games and apps on the Quest 3 as a result of the Horizon OS being more widely adopted and well-known. But anyone who tells you that there aren't games and apps on Pico is lying, or doesn't know enough. The biggest heavy-hitting games make their way over there, and most of the ones you'll want to play are on both platforms already. That might not even be an issue if you don't want to play games natively - if you're just looking to use SteamLink or hook up to SteamVR through any other means, you'll have the same library you have on your PC. In terms of mixed-reality apps, you have everything you need on the Pico 4 Ultra.

For me, the Pico 4 Ultra has a better gaming experience, not least because its controllers are slightly longer and don't suffer from as many tracking issues. I know which one I'd rather spend my money on, but in truth, these devices are such a close call that it'll come down to you. Still, I'd consider this deal because Meta isn't the only player in the VR arena these days.

US VR deals

• PSVR 2: $399 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3S: $380 at Amazon
• Meta Quest 3: $499 at Amazon

Do you want to upgrade your flat-screen gaming setup instead? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best RAM for gaming, and the best computer speakers.

When it comes to Marvel there's one character who always springs to mind first when the word 'meta' is thrown into the mix. He goes by many names: the Merc with the Mouth, the Regenerating Degenerate, Wade Wilson. Most know him as Deadpool, the fast-talking, gun-slinging, incredibly-annoying-but-lovable antihero who now has his own VR game on, fittingly enough, Meta Quest 3.

Playing at Gamescom 2025, standing in a spacious booth with a window so passersby can look at my no doubt perfect moves (I am terrified of what they saw), I'm dropped into the world of Deadpool VR. Without a moment to spare, Neil Patrick Harris as the voice of Wade starts monologuing at a pace even Ryan Reynolds would struggle to match. No complaints so far.

Quips and zips

When it comes to movement, we're a far cry from the old days of pointing and clicking. Deadpool VR has you control the character with the left joystick, with the right stick allowing you to rotate in small increments left and right. The intended movement though is for you to twist and turn your body. Now, as a player with a penchant for efficiency when platforming and fighting, I struggled initially to get on board with what the Meta Quest 3 title was asking of me.

While using my grappling hook to ascend a small cliff, I found myself standing diagonally from it, meaning I had to aim more precisely, which was a challenge as the game's controls weren't as precise as I'd hoped, although this was likely a calibration issue more than a design one. However, I eventually got with the program when faced with a platforming section that required multiple rotations.

Armed with a double jump and a slide mechanic, I spend much of my hands-on trying to reconcile the in-game height with remaining stationary in reality, as if two halves of my brain were butting against each other. This came to a head when I nearly lost my balance, prompting me to streamline my traversal methods. Luckily this moment came just before my first meaningful combat sequence.

Daddy needs to express some rage

Deadpool VR offers an array of firearms but predominantly you'll use Wade's pair of Desert Eagles to shoot down enemies. The foes in question being red-clad ninja-esque minions who dodge and leap about the arena, throwing shuriken before approaching with blades drawn. Lucky for me, Wade has blades too, and I'm able to draw out swords from behind both of my shoulders, cleaving my attackers in two without a care in the world.

During the session, developer Twisted Pixel's lead game manager Phil Therien starts watching my playthrough, telling me that the true nature of combat is creativity. Taking this on board I throw a handgun into the face of one assailant before drawing a sword to slash at another bad guy loitering to my left, all the while emptying my remaining Desert Eagle into any and all unfriendly faces I see. The more creative your kills, including special animation you unlock by finishing stunned foes, the higher the score you get at the end of combat sections.

Grabbing other firearms around the map like shotguns and blasting through enemies before slinging the weapon at them and then catching it to find it magically reloaded is about as satisfying as a first-person shooter can get. Casually flicking a grenade to my right and blowing a miniboss into the afterlife while flinging a sword to my left and into the head of some unlucky goon feels equally perfect.

The only real negative is Deadpool himself who just won't shut up. I know this is on brand, and Neil Patrick Harris delivers with every line, but there's moments where I could've torn clean into Wade Wilson like Wolverine and not felt a shred of remorse. The upside of this though was I channeled my rage into the game, unleashing bullets and blades in a manner Wade Wilson himself would've been proud of.

Deadpool VR is easily the most entertaining VR game I've played to date thanks to its creative combat and self-aware humor, highlighted whenever Wade addresses the player directly. However, I'm not sure I could handle an entire game of the Merc with a Mouth unless I can nail it shut.

Check out our best Marvel games ranking for more comic adventures!

There are lots of reasons I'd recommend the Meta Quest 3 and its more affordable Quest 3S sibling. These headsets are some of the most approachable, feature-rich, and powerful VR devices ever put on the shelves. But even the best VR headsets have their flaws, and one of the Quest 3's weaknesses is its lack of support for wireless audio devices.

I've just tested three types of wireless earbuds and one wireless gaming headset with the Meta Quest 3, and even after firmware updates in 2024 were supposed to improve Bluetooth latency, I can confirm that audio lag is still a massive issue if you aren't rocking earbuds that have low latency as standard. You can absolutely use wireless earbuds on the Quest 3 if you're just watching YouTube videos or streaming content, but the second you launch a game, you'll start to notice a second or two delay between what's happening in front of your eyes and what you hear.

And yet, I'd still recommend the Quest 3 and 3S, partly because their on-board speakers are so good you don't always need to go looking for the best Meta Quest accessories. The integrated speakers have always been one of my favorite things about these devices, but ironically, I never hear others talk about them.

The speakers fire inward, meaning you won't exactly disturb anyone around you, and they convey positional audio surprisingly well. At the same time as immersing you with great audio quality, you can still hear your surroundings in the real world, which stays true to the mixed-reality promises of these headsets. Still, there are plenty of reasons people would want compatibility with other audio devices. Being able to properly close yourself into a VR game with noise-cancelling audio is the ultimate step in immersion, but that's not really an option with a Quest 3 device unless you're not using a wired headset.

The Meta Quest 3S doesn't even have a 3.5mm headphone jack, meaning if you do need to use a wireless headset or pair of earbuds, you could be stuck with latency issues.

I thought I would be safe with the low-latency earbuds I have. I tried out the mostly great OpenRock S2 earbuds. I've heard a few people talk about how VR's all-encompassing level of immersion makes them uncomfortable because they don't feel safe in their environment. Open earbuds would theoretically solve this issue on other headsets since you'd get immersive audio but you'd still be able to hear what was going on around you - a bit like Meta's internal speakers. I also tried the EarFun Air Pro 4s, but it suffered from the same issue that OpenRock's did.

Both of these have low-latency modes you activate through their bespoke mobile apps when they're connected to your phone, but this doesn't carry over when you connect to a different device. Meta's Quest store doesn't have the same access to mobile apps, and therefore you can't activate low-latency when you head into VR games.

I tested both of these, as well as a USB-C gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7, and that didn't work at all unless I wired it up via the 3.5mm jack. A little latency might not seem like too much of an issue, but it just so happens that a lot of the most popular VR games are rhythm games where timing your actions with music is essential. Pistol Whip, Beat Saber, or my personal favorite, Maestro VR all play so much worse when your audio isn't in sync.

While conducting a virtual orchestra to play Duel of the Fates, I was about to recreate Whiplash by throwing things at my musicians for not keeping to my time. Bluetooth audio on Quest 3 just isn't an option when gaming, and although a few people have reported less latency with higher-tech gaming earbuds, I don't think most users should need to fork out for a specific set of earbuds just for VR play.

In short, this sucks. Even with excellent 3D speakers onboard, it's a real shame Meta didn't frontload the Quest 3 devices with better compatibility for the best gaming headsets and earbuds. Maybe further software updates will improve things in the future, or perhaps earbud makers could start making apps for the Quest store. On either front, I'm not optimistic.

Looking to enhance your VR gameplay? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best RAM for gaming, and the best graphics cards.

VR gloves aren't exactly a new idea. With intuitive hand tracking being built into most VR headsets these days, the need for controllers is changing. Interacting without clunky controllers can streamline the use of these devices, but they're not ideal. The biggest drawback to controllerless VR? It has to be a lack of feel.

For that reason, haptic gloves have been making small ripples in the market, but they haven't exactly taken off yet. That said, Japanese developer Sharp unveiled a glove-controller hybrid last week, which I sincerely hope is the future. I've been on the lookout for potential new ways for gamers to interact with VR games, and this seems like the best of both worlds.

"Don't you want to touch this and that?" Asks Sharp's website, ominously.

"Have you ever felt frustrated when playing VR because you couldn't touch the objects right in front of you? We can solve that frustration! With the VR haptic controller, you can not only feel the touch, but you can also feel the texture (smooth, rough, etc.)"

Unfortunately, the reference image to the side of that text shows a hand using this glove to touch... an anime character's hair? Let's hope this is being made more for gaming feedback than for any other nefarious purposes that VR headsets are often associated with...

Sharp's new hybrid controller is being released as a prototype in Japan to begin with, with pre-registration already closed following last week's announcement. It combines the typical layout of a VR controller with the maneuverability and comfort of a glove. There's a slot for each of your fingers and your thumb to slide into, and according to the marketing materials, each one includes multi-segmented drive tactile elements on the fingertips. In other words, there are electrodes with divided vibrators on them that will convey a tactile, precise feel when touching objects.

But building the typical elements of a controller into play as well could be the difference maker here. The drawbacks of hand tracking and gloves are that it can be very hard to interact in games that are designed to be played with controllers. Pinching mixed-reality menus is great, but when there's no way to move your character forward in a game, things get tricky.

Sharp's Prototype has a thumbstick and three buttons for you to use, which, in my mind, makes it a lot more viable since it'd be easier to build support into for various games. This is the other problem with VR controllers; the third-party market just isn't there because headsets are often designed to be used with their partnering controllers. Yes, you can link up one of the best Xbox Series X controllers to a Meta Quest 3S and play Xbox games, but one of those won't work for VR titles.

"To add haptic content to objects, you need to be able to operate a game engine (to the extent that you can upload a world to Social VR)" says Sharp's website page for the controller.

"We aim to present tactile sensations to five fingertips on each hand, but we will adjust the number of tactile sensations based on survey results, etc...

"The haptics are not at a level that replicates the real thing, but by changing the parameters, we are able to achieve a variety of tactile sensations. Rather than keeping it in-house until the developers are satisfied, we plan to work together with users to improve the quality of the content.

And how much will one of these prototype glove controllers set you back? Well, the device, which right now doesn't even have an official name, has a provisional price of ¥ 100,000, which equates to $671 USD, or £505 in the UK. Not exactly cheap, but hey, if the glove fits.

There are plenty of controllers out there to try. Check out the best PC controllers, the best PS5 controllers, and the best Nintendo Switch controllers.

I was hoping we might see a Meta Quest 3S discount this week courtesy of Prime Day, and my wish has come true. What I didn't expect, however, was it to be bundled with a game that's never had ties to the Quest 3 devices before. It isn't Asgard's Wrath 2 that was available for free with the Quest 3, and it's not Batman: Arkham Shadow. In fact, you can get one of the best VR headsets on the shelves right now with Gorilla Tag bundled in for no extra cost.

Not only that, the bundle itself will cost you $50 less than the regular price of the headset on its own, and that makes it the most affordable price we've ever seen the Quest 3S drop to. For $249 at Amazon, you get a mixed-reality headset that can play games, do spatial computing, and allow you to watch streaming content from the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.

You might be asking just what Gorilla Tag is - and to be fair, it's not exactly one of the better-known VR games. Have you ever wanted to play a game of tag with your friends, but you're over the age of 7? Ok, well, Gorilla Tag lets you do that in a VR environment where you're all playing as legless monkeys.

The game originally launched in 2021, but is still receiving updates. While the core concept was playing tag and swinging around the trees in VR, the expansions since launch have brought more social hangout spaces, cosmetics, and mines to explore.

This Prime Day Meta Quest deal only applies to the 128GB version of the headset, which is a shame for anyone wanting to check out the larger-capacity 256GB version. For those shoppers, the Arkham Shadow bundle is still available, although you'll need to pay $329 for it. In fairness, that's still a $70 discount on the $399 device.

Of course, now, there's a secret third option in the mix thanks to the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition, which is surprisingly still available at Best Buy despite being a limited edition. That bundle costs £399 and leaves out the free games in lieu of 128GB of storage, an Elite head strap, an Xbox controller, and a 3-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

No matter which version of the Meta Quest 3S you opt for this Prime Day, you're getting a really versatile headset that, when I reviewed it, continually surprised me with the number of features on offer for its price. Even a few years ago, the concept of a budget mixed-reality headset was pretty far-fetched, and the Quest 3S has completely changed that.

Looking for something else?

• VR headsets: View all deals at Amazon
• Meta Quest accessories: Link cables, head straps, and carry cases
• Meta Quest charging stands: Prime Day deals starting at $18

There's more where that came from. Check out Prime Day PC deals, Prime Day Kindle deals, and Prime Day PS5 deals.

I've been waiting for Xbox to release a VR headset for years. PlayStation first joined the market all the way back in 2016 when it launched PSVR, and it's still one of the top dogs thanks to PSVR 2. Sony has pretty much been scoring open goals in the console VR market for almost a decade now because Microsoft won't meet it on the field, so I really thought we'd see an Xbox headset of some kind well before now. Yes, the wider best VR headset race is a pretty competitive one, but to me, Microsoft has always seemed a natural runner for it.

I mean, let's think about it. Microsoft makes Windows, it has a well-established gaming workforce through its Xbox studios and hardware teams, and if there's one thing Game Pass is missing compared to Steam and the PlayStation store, it's VR games. With such an increased emphasis on PC play from Xbox, doesn't VR seem like a natural next step to you?

All of that adds up in my head, so long before we had leaks about Project Brooklyn (the mid-generation Xbox Series X refresh that never arrived), and before the idea of an Xbox handheld was a glint in Phil Spencer's eye, I was silently hoping for an Xbox VR headset. And what do I have to show for all that time waiting? The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition.

This new, limited edition headset sums up Xbox's entire hardware strategy in recent times. It's lost the console race, and Phil Spencer has admitted that publicly more than once. So instead of making new devices on its own, it's seeing what's already successful out there, making Xbox-flavoured versions of them, and using Game Pass and Play Anywhere to claim it's theirs. Everything is an Xbox, right?

There's an awful lot of hype around the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, but for a Limited Edition of the Meta Quest 3S (a very popular device already), I'm a little surprised to still see it readily available for $399 at Best Buy, and £379 at Argos in the UK. Xbox warned that this headset would be in really short supply, so I'm a bit curious as to why it hasn't vanished already.

It's not like the Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a bad deal by any means. If I'm honest, it might be the best value Quest 3 bundle deal, and that's coming from someone who covers their prices on a weekly basis. You get a black version of the headset, an Elite head strap, 3 months of Game Pass Ultimate, and an Xbox controller. Is that enough to warrant a $100 jump in price? I'm not entirely convinced, but next to the 256GB of the headset on its own for the same amount of money, it's certainly pulling my eye.

But I'd be lying if I said this Xbox-flavored VR headset was what I had been waiting for. What I wanted was a VR headset that would take the fight to Meta, not join it. With a refined version of Windows, you could make a mixed-reality interface that positions itself as an alternative to Meta's HorizonOS. That wouldn't be totally out of the question, since it looks like the upcoming Valve Deckard will be doing just that with SteamOS.

The VR market is screaming out for more affordable mixed-reality HMDs (head-mounted displays), and if Microsoft were to make its own, it'd be a massive thorn in Sony's paw. PSVR 2 launched just before mixed-reality became the norm, and if it had some standalone power for spatial computing, it'd be taking the fight to Meta's Quest headsets even more than it currently is.

Microsoft hasn't made its own VR games before, which may be why it's hesitant to swan dive into the market. Right now, it's got a toe firmly in the water, but I think we all know what it could do to create more interest.

Game Pass is still one of the best value subscriptions for any gamer not playing on a PlayStation. Mobile, Xbox, PC, Laptop, TV, and now Quest players can all benefit from Play Anywhere, but why not go a step further? If Game Pass managed to secure a few VR titles for headset users, it'd be even more appealing. Particularly this year, when the PlayStation Plus library has lost a few of its standout VR titles like Walkabout Mini Golf VR, Kayak Mirage, Before Your Eyes, and Job Simulator.

Whatever deal Microsoft and Meta have struck, though, I'm sure there's likely been an agreement for Game Pass not to include VR games since it'd likely harm Meta Quest+, which offers its own free VR titles each month. No matter what form it takes, I'd love to see more of Microsoft in the VR market. I personally hope that the Quest 3S Xbox Edition is a success so that it shows Phil Spencer's team that the demand for Xbox in VR is there.

For more on VR, check out the best PSVR 2 deals and bundles, or the best Meta Quest accessories. If you want a rig that's VR-ready, check out the best gaming PCs.

Reach is a upcoming new VR release from nDreams Elevation that aims to fully immerse you in its ground-breaking cinematic VR action. And, while its pushing the boundaries of movement and interaction in VR its the game's revolutionary combat system that really seals the deal.

Fight like never before

Thanks to next-generation VR, Reach takes the genre to new heights with full-body awareness and true-to-life interactions that track your every move as you fight. Whether you engage with mysterious combatants in intense head on skirmishes, or via a more stealthy, sneaky approach, Reach's gesture based traversal and interactive environments, powered by Unreal Engine 5, will bring the combat alive as you fight - with never before seen fluidity as you outsmart and out-manoeuvre the enemy.

All this carnage will see you initially wield a range of more conventional weaponry you’ll probably be familiar with. However, Reach's story takes you across realities to uncover the secrets of an underground civilisation, and will see you discovering and using more fantastical weapons. Things like an elemental bow capable of freezing or shocking opponents, for example, and a chakram you can ricochet of walls and enemies alike.

Master the movement and the tools provided and you'll fulfil the story's role of a reluctant hero, thrown into a perilous journey across realities to uncover the secrets of an underground civilization and the world above them. Reach's next level movement and combat makes you an unstoppable action hero and formidable weapon, as you wield extraordinary abilities to fight while jumping, climbing, and zip-lining across breathtaking environments with smooth, intuitive traversal designed for VR, .

Releasing later this year exclusively to VR, Reach is available to wishlist now on Meta Store, Playstation Store, and Steam. Are you ready to make the leap?

The leaks from last weekend were correct; Xbox and Meta are collaborating on a VR headset. The Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition is the very first limited-edition Quest, and even if it doesn't change much from the original Quest 3S, it might be the best VR headset package for Xbox gamers. Long-term VR fans like me, who were hoping it'd be Microsoft's official answer to PSVR 2, might want to set expectations a little lower.

It takes the 128GB Meta Quest 3S and gives it and its Touch Plus controllers an Xbox-ified color scheme. To be honest, that's really it in terms of the hardware changes to speak about. So, you might be asking what warrants the $399 price when the regular Quest 3S 128GB usually only costs $299.

Well, the rest of your money really goes toward a bundle, which doesn't actually sound too bad. You get an Elite Head Strap, which usually costs $128 on its own because it adds some extra battery life to the headset. You also get a limited-edition Xbox Wireless Controller (Black and Green to match the headset), 3 months of Meta Horizon+, and 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Of course, if you want to continue playing Game Pass thereafter, you'll need to pay a monthly subscription like anybody, but this might be a nice deal for anyone looking for a way to take their Game Pass gaming sessions on the go.

If you're not all that fussed about the Xbox color scheme, the Elite Strap, and the added controller, it is my duty to tell you that the regular 128GB Quest 3S will also be able to play Game Pass games when you hook up a controller to it via Bluetooth. If you already pay for a Game Pass subscription, this bundle could essentially be yours for $100 cheaper by just paying for the normal Quest 3S headset.

The Meta Quest 3S runs on the brand's own HorizonOS software, so it's not like this new headset will even make the experience more Xbox-coded. It should be mentioned that while Game Pass support on Quest 3 has been in place for a while, the Game Pass library and the Xbox store have no VR titles included. Maybe this collaboration hints that Xbox will start paying attention to this genre of gaming in an attempt to entice more PC gamers.

So with that in mind, the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition will let you play those flat-screen games on Game Pass on a device that looks a little more suited to it. It will, of course, have access to all the games on the Meta Quest virtual store too, if you want to play lots of VR games that way. You can also use apps like SteamLink to connect the Quest 3S to your gaming PC and SteamVR library.

For this cost, you could also get the 256GB Meta Quest 3S, although you'll only get the regular white headset and none of the extra bundled goodies. PSVR 2 isn't all that much more expensive these days, although it doesn't have the standalone capabilities of the Quest 3, and you may struggle to play Xbox games on it.

Looking to soup up your current headset? Look out for the best Meta Quest accessories. If you're on the PlayStation side, you might like to know about the best PSVR 2 deals and bundles, and for more immersive audio, check out the best gaming earbuds.

Reach is a ground-breaking cinematic action-adventure that promises to give you new levels of immersion, adventure and exploration. That's thanks to its next-generation physics and in-game interactions that mean you don’t play Reach, you live it.

You play as a reluctant hero trying to uncover the truth, plunged into the unknown and caught between colliding realities where your actions will determine the fate of an underground civilization. It's a story brought to life through epic action moments as you plot your own path across breathtaking environments that react to your every action.

What makes the adventure and exploration so immersive is the game's next-generation physics. This gives a true-to-life sense of presence in the world, thanks to full-body awareness and true-to-life interactions that react to your every action and fully immerse you in a spectacular adventure.

Reach lets you move with incredible fluidity through stunning worlds both familiar and fantastical, climbing, jumping and ziplining with ease using advanced physics and gesture-based traversal. Whether you're jumping across rooftops or hauling yourself over ledges, Reach's intuitive traversal design makes every movement smooth. You won't just be playing a game, you'll be living through epic action moments as you fight enemies with an arsenal of versatile and unique weapons; trailblazing through environments that react to your every action.

Master these skills and you'll become a true hero, as you overcome mythical threats, uncover secrets and piece together the truth. Reach is releasing later this year exclusively to VR and is available to wishlist now on Meta Store, Playstation Store, and Steam.

The Meta Quest 3S is currently back down to its lowest price yet, but this offer won't last long. Meta itself has cut up to $50 off its affordable VR headset this weekend, with discounts running up until 12pm ET on Monday June 16.

You'll find both the 128GB and 256GB versions up for grabs in this weekend's sale with the former coming in at just $269.99 (was $299.99). That's a $30 discount I've seen a few times this year so far, but it's a fantastic offer on one of the best VR headsets nonetheless. Of course, if you're going for the big saving you'll want to check out the 256GB model.

This $399.99 device has dropped $50 from its final price to meet us at $349.99 this weekend. That's a solid result considering I've only ever seen discounts dip this low once before the current sale.

128GB vs 256GB: which Meta Quest 3S should you buy?

Duncan reviewed the Meta Quest 3S when it first launched, and while there are a few hints that this isn't the brand's flagship device it's still a fantastic affordable headset. The value on offer in this standalone experience is unparalleled on the market right now (unless you already have a PS5 to run PSVR 2). Sure, those fresnel lenses aren't going to offer you the same clarity and field of vision as the more premium Meta Quest 3's pancake lenses, and Duncan did experience some issues with controller tracking.

For $269.99, though, you're getting access to a huge library of games and an overall VR experience that isn't too dissimilar from high-end models.

If you're ready to dive into this mixed-reality world, there's just one question left to answer: how much storage do you need?

The 256GB model offers a larger price cut in this weekend's sale, but considering Meta Quest 3S games and apps are rarely large enough to really make that 128GB version sweat I don't think it's the better buy. Of course, if you already know you're going to be running the heaviest games (or downloading high quality video files to your device), that larger model makes sense. However, for the everyday thrill-seeker, 128GB is just fine.

We're also rounding up all the latest Meta Quest 3 deals and the best Meta Quest accessories to kit out your new headset. Or, take a look at the best gaming earbuds for some audio options.

We've just had a new update from Valve about the Steam Frame, so I'm here to tell you everything we know so far. Originally slated for a release in "early 2026", the Steam Frame's price and official launch date should have been with us by now. Valve took to a new hardware blog to say that a release in the first half of 2026 is still on course, but amidst a RAM pricing crisis, we aren't getting a proper price and launch announcement just yet.

We did, however, get some more handy information and close-up looks at a few finer details of the Steam Frame in this new blog post though, so it's time to re-examine everything we know. From the outset, it looks as though Gabe Newell's company is taking a really different approach with this headset than it did with the Valve Index. Valve's first headset earned a spot among the best VR headsets, but it was very much billed as a high-end device that was still in the early era of at-home VR gaming devices. Steam Frame looks like it wants to fit in with a new era of Valve's hardware which is priced more reasonably, although we await confirmation on that.

Accompanying this head-mounted display (HMD) is a new Steam Controller, and the latest iteration of the Steam Machine, both of which are billed for launch at the same time as the Frame. But now that we've had a bit more information from Valve, let's have a closer look at what this headset can do, what we can expect, and if it'll be right for you or not.

What is Steam Frame?

The Steam Frame is one-third of a new family of gaming hardware coming from Valve. It runs on SteamOS as a standalone device, but thanks to a wireless adapter bundled in with it, it can stream a low-latency connection to a gaming PC to make the most of beefier computing hardware.

We know it's arriving in early 2026, but our wait for an official release date and price is ongoing. The most that we know about it comes from Valve's official announcement video, which you can watch below.

What are the Steam Frame's specs?

Thanks to Valve's blog post, we have some updated spec tables about both the headset and its controllers. Namely, the headstrap is modular, meaning that besides the integrated dual audio drivers and rechargeable battery on the rear, the headstrap is lightweight at only 245g. The Core module can be separated from the headstrap for others - maybe suggesting we'll get some third-party options that aren't too dissimilar to the best Meta Quest accessories.

We also know now that glasses can be worn inside the headset, although it will depend on the thickness and width of the frames. Valve said in its recent blog post that many of the team creating Steam Frame are glasses wearers, but an updated table of specs says that the max width of glasses in the headset will be 140mm.

On the matter of controllers, we now know that they'll operate via one replaceable AA battery each, with a 40-hour battery life. They'll each weigh 130g with the battery in.

When will Steam Frame launch?

We know that Steam Frame will launch in the first half of 2026, but that's a pretty generous window for now. It's hard to predict an exact date, since it will largely depend on the ongoing RAM supply shortage.

I would personally guess that late March or early April is the earliest we'd see the new Steam hardware hit the shelves. This is just speculation though, and we're still waiting for official confirmation from Valve about when Steam Frame will launch. The latest blog post from Valve on the issue said:

"Our goal of shipping all three products in the first half of the year has not changed. But we have work to do to land on concrete pricing and launch dates that we can confidently announce, being mindful of how quickly the circumstances around both of those things can change."

How much will Steam Frame cost?

Similarly to the launch date, we still don't know an official price from Valve for the Steam Frame. Again, this has been impacted by global memory supply shortages and price inflation.

"When we announced these products in November, we planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now," read a blog post from Valve.

"But the memory and storage shortages you've likely heard about across the industry have rapidly increased since then.  The limited availability and growing prices of these critical components mean we must revisit our exact shipping schedule and pricing."

I, for one, think that an accessible price is critical to the Steam Frame's success. If Valve wants to strike a balance between usable technology for modern gaming and a price that means a mainstream audience can adopt it, as it did with the original Steam Deck, this will be a crucial decision.

Personally, I think the team Frame needs to be as close to the $500 mark as possible to be successful, especially against the Meta Quest 3 and 3S, but I think a more realistic expectation will be between $600-$700.

What we do know is that the VR market has shifted dramatically since the Valve Index arrived, and not every standalone device is created equal - or priced the same.

Back in the Valve Index's day, PC-tethered headsets were the name of the game, but they were a luxury item that cost at least $1,000. Thankfully, the hardware has come a long way since, because you don't need silly room tracking modules, or even wires, if you don't want them.

Now, we have headsets like PSVR 2, which beats the Valve Index in a few of its specs and features, and costs under $500. Taking up a bigger chunk of the market, though, are standalone devices, and since it's rumoured that Valve Deckard will fit into this niche, its prices could point to a more reasonable (and affordable) device than last time.

I'd personally guess that, based on its specs, the Steam Frame won't cost as little as the Meta Quest 3S, but probably a little more than the 512GB Quest 3 and Pico 4 Ultra. If Valve really wants to take the fight to Meta, it should be aiming as close to the Quest 3's price spot as possible.

I certainly don't see the Frame costing as much as Galaxy XR or Apple Vision Pro, mainly because it's not targeting a spatial computing, high-end niche market, and it doesn't have the really expensive OLED panels those headsets do.

Perhaps most appropriate for comparison is the HTC Vive Focus Vision, a PC-tilted but still standalone VR device. It's designed for visually lossless VR gaming on PC, so it's a natural competitor to whatever Valve is cooking up. That headset costs $999 - which aligns it closer to the original Valve Index.

I'd personally like to think that Valve has learned from the affordability of its Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED, so I'd hope the Valve Index undercuts HTC. But it entirely depends upon the chipset used, because if it can offer substantially more power than a Quest 3 or Pico 4 Ultra, it'll be worth the extra money versus one of the best gaming handhelds.

Some need-to-know Steam Frame Features

We now know the difference between foveated rendering, found in other VR headsets up until now, and the foveated streaming which Valve is referring to in the Steam Frame. In fairness, they seem very, very similar, but foveated streaming will allow for wider use in games that don't support it from a developer level.

Foveated rendering is when eye tracking data is used to render high resolution pixels to the specific area a player is looking at. Foveated streaming uses the same eye-tracking data to communicate with the PC you're using streams high resolution data to where the player is looking. Essentially, it moves the power demand from the headset to the PC you're playing on, and applies it to all the signals travelling between the two. Valve claims this is so quick you won't notice it.

While SteamOS might not be the easiest integration for streaming services, you will be able to watch content from streaming platforms using the integrated browser, which Valve says can work in a theatrical mode.

What games will Steam Frame be able to play?

Since it runs on Steam OS, Frame will be able to play your entire Steam library - both flat screen and immersive titles. The controllers have a split-gamepad design, which will make playing flat screen games a lot more intuitive, although you will be able to pair the headset with the new Steam Controller, and presumably, a few other best PC controller contenders.

Unlimited access to SteamVR gives the Frame loads of titles to play at launch, but we haven't heard any confirmation of any new VR games made by Valve for the new headset - like we did with Half Life: Alyx.

"Valve Deckard" and what we heard about the Steam Frame in leaks and rumors

Speculation that Valve was making a new VR headset actually started way back in 2021. Gabe Newell, Valve's CEO, said at a panel talk that the company was making big investments in new headsets. While that's hardly a confirmation that it's been working on a new device since then, it showed that Valve has VR plans beyond the original Index.

More recently, speculation and rumours from Gabe Follower on Twitter (who has a notable track record of releasing Valve's plans ahead of time) said that Deckard will be a new standalone VR headset that will run on a refined version of SteamOS. That means it'll be able to be used without the addition of a gaming PC, and that it'll run on the same operating system as Valve's Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED.

The purported bonus of running on this OS isn't just that it puts Valve's SteamVR library front and center, but that non-VR games that already run on a Steam Deck will be playable on Valve Deckard for even more portable, play-on-the-go versatility.

Even though the device is titled to be a standalone headset, it's also possible that the Valve Deckard stays true to its roots and has either HDMI or DisplayPort connectivity for those who want a more powerful, visually lossless VR experience.

According to leaked schematics, Deckard will be paired with controllers that are codenamed "Roy" and look fairly similar to standard VR controllers we've seen already. It looks as though, like Meta Quest 3, Valve has ditched the tracking rings on these ones, though.

In April of 2025, SadlyItsBradley, one of the most well-known sources of VR leaks on the internet, came out with news that Valve has apparently been importing equipment to manufacture HMDs (head-mounted displays) and facial interfaces in the US. The "insider" posted shipping manifests and images attesting to this report, which can be seen below.

This led a lot of press to believe that Valve Deckard might not be so far off its rumored 2025 timeline, and that it would seem the headset is being manufactured, at least in part, in the US.

According to a more recent set of reports in May, which again, should be taken with a pinch of salt, the founder of Lynx, a French startup in the XR space, has some knowledge of Valve Deckard. Stan Larroque said on Twitter, "The design of Valve next HMD is quite amazing!

"I would be equally pissed if Lynx nextgen ID got leaked so I won't share more. I'm just excited for good new XR HMDs. The HMD-making world is so small, we all share the same suppliers for some components."

Larroque later claimed that Deckard won't launch until 2026, but this is the first bit of speculation that points to a launch date outside of 2025.

The latest news about Valve Deckard before the official announcement came from a report from UploadVR, which seems to suggest that Valve's next VR headset had entered mass production.

The report stemmed from a Chinese analyst group called XR Research Institute, which apparently claimed that the launch was set for 2025, in the holiday season. While that turned out to be untrue, it's believable that the device has entered production. I'm still unsure about the quantities it cited, however.

XR Research Group estimated that the new Valve headset is set for a production run of 400,000 to 600,000 units per year - which is a similar ballpark figure to the Apple Vision Pro's production numbers. That does hint that this headset will cater to a higher-end market, since the sales figures of the Meta Quest 3 and 3S are both slated to be in the millions, and they're at more affordable prices. Since Steam Frame shares the same design ideology as the Steam Deck (an accessible and fairly affordable gaming device, I'm not sure this will be accurate).

Perhaps most interestingly, renowned VR leaker SadlyItsBradley also posted some code from an updated SteamVR beta, which people took to suggest that not one, but two different Valve headsets are on the way. This could mean that two different SKUs are headed for the shelves - but Valve hasn't confirmed this, so I don't think it's worth believing for now.

Upgrading your PC for Valve Deckard's arrival? Take a look at the best RAM for gaming, the best CPU for gaming, and the best graphics cards.

Despite being one of Marvel's more popular characters, the brash and self-aware anti-hero Deadpool hasn't had as many opportunities to be in games as you'd think. It's an odd fact, given how quirky and clued into video game culture the comic book character is. But now, things are changing with Deadpool VR, the next Meta Quest-exclusive VR game that's following in the footsteps of the excellent Batman: Arkham Shadow.

Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025, Deadpool VR for the Meta Quest 3 aims to put players into the shoes of Marvel's most oddball anti-hero. Before the reveal, I got the opportunity to play early portions of Deadpool VR's story campaign, along with speaking with game director Daniel Bullock and lead design manager Phil Therien from developer Twisted Pixel about bringing the off-the-wall mercenary into VR for the first time.

"Wait 'til they get a load of me…"

"It's really all about being the cool, all-encompassing Deadpool experience," says lead design manager Phil Therien on Deadpool VR. "He has the weapons, he's got the wit, the humor, and his own trademark way to solve problems. We've got all that throughout our game, so really, we've been kind of bottled up like what it is like to be Deadpool in VR."

In Deadpool VR, the so-called Merc with a Mouth (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris) gets dragged into a conflict with the interdimensional invader Mojo and the secretive defense agency SHIELD. After being transported to the gladiatorial dimension Mojoworld, Deadpool – who's uniquely aware of being in a video game – charts a path of carnage to take down a rogue's gallery of villains and get himself back to Earth.

Much like the recent Batman: Arkham Shadow, Deadpool VR aims to capture the experience of being a superhero within VR. Compared to Batman or Iron Man, however, playing as Deadpool opens more possibilities for fast, slapstick violence that's both gory and goofy, all punctuated by the character's deep-cut commentary that pokes fun at video game tropes – such as how the game has rooms solely designed for clearing out a certain number of enemies before allowing passage forward.

It's an action-comedy through and through, and Deadpool VR certainly delivers the Marvel-style experience of being an obnoxious, powered-up nerd who loves video game violence. The opening of the game certainly sets the tone well. Set aboard a SHIELD heli-carrier, Deadpool is captured and in pieces. From the perspective of Deadpool's disembodied head on an operating table, I have to guide his body – as if playing a 3rd-person action game – to stealthily take down a scientist so that he can put himself back together. After getting his gear back and cutting down some SHIELD soldiers, I'm off to the races to slice and dice foes.

"A cheap trick and a cheesy one-liner.."

I'm impressed by how Deadpool VR capitalizes on the freeform nature of the character's combat style and the wacky hijinks that accompany reckless action. As I move with the left-control stick and use free look with the VR headset, I quickly adapt to the quick swapping between swords and pistols to create fun combos, where I can slice an enemy with a sword in one hand and then finish them off with my pistol in the other. Put it all together and I'm able to parry bullets by swinging my twin swords and then going in for a dive-kick attack and a head stomp.

Speaking with the lead design manager, the developers tell me they want to emphasize the freeform action and the spectacle of being Deadpool, who can wall run, fire his twin pistols, and cut down enemies with his swords. Over its last three years in development, they saw the recent Batman: Arkham Shadow, which gave them added confidence for their take on Deadpool.

"I think one of the things that I especially appreciated [with Batman: Arkham Shadow] was just how they treated the UI and how it made it flow into combat in a way where it didn't feel like just pushing UI, and it actually blended really well with the movement," says Therien. "That was really huge for us and the type of game we wanted to make because, obviously, the more you move in VR, the more challenging it can be. However, they did it well, especially when it came to things like turning around. For me, that's one of the big takeaways. I think they did a really good job with that."

Even when the game falls into those familiar, awkward issues of collision and disorientation that can come with action-heavy VR games, I still find the game's pacing and open-ended approach to be easygoing – mainly for the fact that it makes me feel like an absolute menace to my enemies.

A detail that I find amusing is that you can monitor Deadpool's health by the amount of damage he has sustained to his body. Once you take enough damage, Deadpool will lose an entire limb, which will temporarily prevent weapons from being used in that hand until it grows back – which slowly goes from a short, stubby baby hand to a full-grown hand with the costume intact. Deadpool VR is also on brand for featuring secrets and easter eggs, as each stage has hidden areas that can be unlocked, which reference alternate versions of Deadpool, such as Lady Deadpool.

According to game director Daniel Bullock, Deadpool VR does lean into the developer's history of comedic games such as the 'Splosion Man series and LocoCycle, but elevates that further with a game that tries to get players to embrace being an absolute menace to his enemies.

"There's no doubt that when we were toying around with the idea of a game about Deadpool, it was a natural fit for our studio," he says. "When we look at our history and our relationships with comedic writers, and just sort of the culture of the studio, it just lends itself so perfectly to this character. So we're super excited to get into it and really flex our muscles [with the concept]."

Despite being a character that feels like it's just for the fans, Deadpool can be a tricky character to nail – but Deadpool VR is looking to keep its focus on delivering a spectacle of goofy carnage. Of course, VR can be a tricky style of gaming to immerse yourself in, but the straightforward and punchy action Deadpool VR offers could be a solid ride for many, and I'm looking forward to seeing how far this game will push Deadpool's fourth-wall breaking, which already hits a bit different within this new perspective.

Want to keep the headset on? Here's our best VR games ranking!

It's Days of Play season, and that means you can currently get a lot of Sony's PlayStation hardware for cheaper. Last year, we saw a pretty excellent discount on PSVR 2, which foreshadowed the headset's permanent price drop at the beginning of 2025. Since that brought the cost of Sony's headset down to below the cost of the Meta Quest 3, I really didn't expect to see it get another price drop in this year's sale.

I'm happy to say that I was wrong, though, because PSVR 2 and its Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle have both dropped down by $50 / £50, bringing their prices down to just $349 at Amazon. Considering the Meta Quest 3S (the best budget VR headset right now) is only $299 at its cheapest, this is an incredible time to buy Sony's device.

The best VR headsets these days are capable of excellent things, and PSVR 2 is, in my opinion, the cream of the crop. For a visor that was initially shunned at launch for costing almost the same as the PS5, it's had quite a redemption arc, especially as more people have tried it and appreciated its gaming features versus the Meta competition.

Should you buy PSVR 2?

So what makes PSVR 2 the best VR headset on the shelves for gaming? In my opinion, having spent loads of time in the Quest 3 headsets, the Pico 4 Ultra, and PSVR 2, it's all to do with a feature set that's been designed for gaming specifically. For those other standalone devices, they've been built from the ground up to do a bit of everything. They've got mixed-reality fluff that not everyone wants from a headset, they've got good gaming chops, but they've compromised a bit on them.

PSVR 2 has an OLED display versus the LCD panels inside the other headsets. It has a 4K resolution per eye and a solid FOV. It also has eye tracking and foveated rendering, which usually sets you back a whole lot more cash in the VR market. Its controllers have capacitive sensors in them for immersive hand tracking in-game, and there's even haptic feedback in the headband. I'd argue that PSVR 2 isn't the most comfortable headset today, and its wire can be a little bit pesky at times, but for the excellent, well-rounded gaming features on offer here, it's no short of a bargain for its current price.

If you're looking to make the most of your gaming PC, the only caveat I'd offer you with PSVR 2 is that you're going to need to channel it through USB-C, which may not be ideal. For a visually lossless experience, you'll need a more PC-tailored option, like the HTC Vive Focus Vision, or something older like the Valve Index.

If you do have an urge to use the spatial computing features of a standalone headset, options like the Meta Quest 3S will give you a bit of everything, but personally, I think PSVR 2's gaming chops outweigh the mixed-reality use potential of its biggest rivals.

Looking to build an all-out VR powerhouse? Check out the best CPU for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best graphics cards.

"I'm so sorry, I'm wrecking your beautiful podracer," was not a sentence I expected to blurt out at this year's Star Wars Celebration, but that was before I was invited to be one of the very first people to play a taster of Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset.

Now, my regular GamesRadar+ beat is movies and TV – hence my attendance at Star Wars Celebration in Japan this year – but I got myself strapped into the Meta Quest headset and prepared to enter the elite sport of podracing because, well, it just sounded like so much damn fun.

Naturally, though, my podracing prowess didn't quite match my enthusiasm, which is what led to me frantically apologizing to director Jose Perez III when I crashed (and exploded) my vehicle. Well, these things happen.

Back to the track

I was a little surprised when I first entered the game's VR space, mostly because I'd been anticipating a first person podrace where I'd be careening around a track in an experience that would likely have given me worse motion sickness than my flight to Tokyo. Instead, though, the podrace in the demo takes place on a floating holoboard – though, a section of the story does take place in an immersive first person point of view, and I had a good time looking around the racer garage and noting the diligent attention to detail during an exposition scene.

My key impression from the brief demo is how much fun I had. As a prequels kid, I'll always love podracing, and getting to pilot a racer around the track had me grinning. The game board makes a lot of sense, because it allows you to keep an easier eye on your opponents and the track itself than a first person perspective would.

But, I got a little too carried away with using my boosters, which led to me jumping over – and then into – obstacles and crashing my way around the course. It also led to my podracer just outright exploding after I put it through maybe too much stress with my haphazard driving style. Luckily, a second chance was swiftly delivered, and this time I managed to place fourth on the leaderboard – a surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.

Podracing, of course, is most closely associated with the prequels, thanks to Anakin Skywalker and Sebulba's famous showdown in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. But Beyond Victory is set much later on the Star Wars timeline – though it brings back that podracing legend Sebulba – and it revolves around a new, original character, Volo Bolus.

"Reign of the Empire was the perfect era to put this in," Perez tells me after I've finished trying the game. "You've got Volo Bolus who is dealing with a struggling garage; his garage is falling apart. You've got the Empire just bringing down all of the pain across the galaxy, and how does an everyday person get through in that world? I think that's such a fun Star Wars story to tell, when you start with somebody that's at the bottom, and what does it mean to go through this? That was really the main thing, we just wanted that oppression of the Empire to be there, so that you could see the struggles of these everyday people that just happen to be racers and into podracing and own a garage."

And, yes, Sebulba is making his return to Star Wars. So, why bring him back specifically? "It's Sebulba," Perez says, understandably. "How can you do podracing and not go directly to Sebulba? Whenever we're getting to work on any of these experiences, for me, it's like, I'm a huge Star Wars nerd. So any time I get to bring an iconic character in, it's there. And Sebulba is one of those characters that everybody knows, but you don't really know that much about him. You know he's kind of a jerk, maybe. But this is a lot of years later; this is ten years before the Battle of Yavin. What's happened to Sebulba, what has he been through, and how does he relate to Volo? Is he still this bad guy, maybe he's turned over a new leaf? I think it's just really fun to get to explore that story in this era and think about what happened to that character 30 years later."

Now this is podracing

This weekend's Star Wars Celebration is the first time people will get to try the game, too, which has Perez excited – not just because people will be playing the demo, but because there's far more still to come.

"I worked on this thing, so I want people to love it," he says. "I just want people to get a little bit of that nostalgia – having been somebody that loved the prequels, getting to see Sebulba there and have that experience, I want people to feel that and walk away knowing that this is a very, very small part of a project. There's three different modes. We've got our adventure mode, which is our story. We've got our arcade mode, which we just played when you did the podracing thing, and that's also in the story. Then we've got this playset mode that I hope people are champing at the bit to figure out what that actually means. I'm here for the Star Wars fans and I'm hoping I'm giving them something that they like."

When I say I hope no one wrecks their podracer as badly as I did, Perez has an easy answer: "Volo works on pods, it'll be fine. They'll bring it back in, they can fix it up later. It's all good."

Star Wars: Beyond Victory – A Mixed Reality Playset is still in development. If you're attending Star Wars Celebration 2025, head to Hall 4, Booth #20-5 to try your own podracing skills.

There might be talks of a trade war on the horizon, and there may be rumblings of a global recession in the air thanks to all the tariff drama going on right now. Because of all that, things aren't getting any cheaper. We've already heard news about some technology getting more expensive, and there aren't many discounted bits of gaming tech floating around as everyone collectively tightens their belts. But in spite of it all, one of the most coveted bits of gaming hardware is seeing a miraculous 10% discount.

The Meta Quest 3S at full price is already one of, if not the, best budget VR headset ever made, but its $299.99 price tag has taken a cut at Amazon, dropping the 128GB model to $269. The same is true of the 256GB SKU which is seeing the same $30 off. That brings it down to $369 (was $399.99) at Amazon. Since its launch in October last year, the Quest 3S has never dropped in price by this degree. It had a few tiny discounts over the Christmas Holiday, but it has never been cheaper than it is right now.

I first spotted the Quest 3S's price take a tumble right before I clocked off on Friday evening, but it was only seeing a discount in the UK. Given all of the goings on in the world, I didn't expect that price cut to make its way over the Atlantic, but here we are, talking about the fact you can get one of the best VR headsets for cheaper right now. It's safe to say we're in a pretty unpredictable place economically at the moment, so don't expect this discount to last for long.

Should you buy the Meta Quest 3S?

It's difficult to find a reason not to recommend the Meta Quest 3S, in all honesty. This is a headset so strong that it actually calls into question who should spend the extra cash on a full-fat Meta Quest 3. For most users, this is all the VR headset they'll need to enjoy fully immersive gaming and a few bits of spatial computing. If you aren't mainlining VR as your primary gaming platform, the Quest 3S gets you almost all of the same specs and features for much cheaper.

There are two caveats to that. Firstly, if you ask me, the biggest win for the Quest 3 over the 3S is the pancake lenses. It's amazing how much of a difference they make, and if you can afford to put down the extra cash for them, I'd argue they're worth it. Again, that's really only going to be true if you play a lot of VR games, whether that's standalone or through a linked gaming PC. If you usually play with just the power of the headset, the Quest 3 and 3S both harness the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, so you're not going to notice a big difference in terms of power being kicked into your eyeballs.

Speaking of that processor, I'd use it as an excuse to justify this purchase here and now. Qualcomm's outsourced manufacturing happens in Taiwan, elsewhere in Asia, and other territories, so I'd fully expect this to be a rare discount for 2025, should the USA's disruptive Tariffs continue into the year.

The second caveat is that if you already own a PS5, I'd spend money on a PSVR 2 instead. Admittedly, you're not going to get the same standalone experience of spatial computing capabilities, but if you only plan to use a VR headset for gaming, be it on a PS5 or PC, Sony's headset is going to give you a better time of it.

For more, check out the best Meta Quest accessories, the best gaming laptops, and the best RAM for gaming.

You might think that since VR gaming is one of the most immersive genres out there, there are few things that can pull you out of a game and spoil the fun, but I'd argue the opposite. Because VR is so good at putting you in the shoes of a virtual character, it only takes a slight knock to break that immersion entirely. One of the most common annoyances? When a headset and its controllers fail to track where you and your body are.

The Pico 4 Ultra stands apart from a lot of the best VR headsets in that respect, because it launched with motion trackers you can attach to your ankles so that the headset can do a better job of placing you and your limbs in a gaming world. Today, Pico has taken things a step further, launching the Motion Tracker Waist Version, which costs £37.69 at Amazon.

This new tracker is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It's a small sensor on a waistband that you wrap around yourself like a belt, and it'll help your headset keep track of your mid-section when using all sorts of VR apps. When I first read the press release for this new Pico 4 Ultra accessory, I laughed it off a bit. It seems like a silly extra that no one will really need, especially if they already have this device's other motion trackers. But then I thought about its practical uses, and it started to make a lot of sense.

See, headsets already do a pretty good job of tracking your arms and legs. Don't get me wrong, sometimes with standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S, controller tracking falls flat on its face, but for the most part, modern headsets do a good job of keeping tabs on your hands. Thanks to movement stick controls, your legs are often taken care of too, and unless you're fully moving around in a big open space, your legs don't really need that much tracking in VR games.

What headsets could really use is a better reference point for your mid-section, because a lot of the time they can fail to distinguish the distances between you, your mid-section, and the floor. In VR games this can mean the headset getting very confused when you sit or lie down, since its entire reference for measuring your body works on things like your height. When you're in exercising apps, this can mean things like burpee movements registering completely wrong, leading to the display bugging out and making you want to throw up. Plenty of VR games use utility belts, so an actual belt tracking where the rest of your body is could help to keep this at an accurate level.

If this proves to be a successful and useful add-on, I could see it becoming a mainstay of VR devices. I understand not everyone will want to throw on a belt to play VR games, but the amount it could add if developers had use of it could be huge. Holstering guns always feels a bit off in VR, so having something that can read your position more accurately could make a world of difference. It would also mean more games that could transition easily between sitting and standing gameplay.

Pico has an amazing VR headset on its hands, and when you square up a fight between the Meta Quest 3 vs Pico 4 UItra, there's not a lot to decide it. Granted, you'll need to be in the UK or EU to be able to purchase the Pico option, but it actually has slightly better specs than the Quest 3.

The new motion tracker launches today alongside a new firmware update for the Pico 4 Ultra headset which brings optimizations, AI virtual scene updates, Spatial photo gallery enhancements, and more.

Looking for more VR add-ons? Check out the best Meta Quest accessories. If you're sticking to flat-screen gaming for now, take a look at the best PC controllers and the best gaming PCs.

No Man's Sky has yet another free update. This time, you'll be able to become a paleontologist with the Relics update which lets you dig up the bones of ancient alien creatures. Be warned though, some of them were buried for a reason.

In this new update, which is available now on PC, console, and VR, you can uncover the lost remains of strange beasts. In keeping with No Man's Sky's procedurally generated worlds, there's no right or wrong way to reconfigure the bones once you find them. In fact, you can piece them together to create whatever weird and wonderful skeletones you like.

You'll then be able to display your collection of, well, I'm not sure if they'll be called dinosaurs officially, but let's just call them dinosaurs for now, in a makeshift museum that will be part of your base. Your friends and other players can then visit and marvel at your discoveries.

Just be careful. The bones you can dig up have different rarity levels, and some of the more uncommon ones can be guarded by Stone Ghosts and Stone Golems. That being said, nothing could stop me trying to unearth the skeleton of a Titan Worm.

The last free No Man's Sky update, Worlds Part 2, revamped the lighting, water, and added huge gas giants to the game. So, while this is a smaller, more focused update, it's intended to make the game feel "broader and more real," like the fishing update did back in 2024. You can read the full patch notes right here.

It's been almost a decade since No Man's Sky first released, and all the free updates have turned it into a game people love. The Worlds Part 2 update saw a peak concurrent player count of 43,695, which is the highest recorded for that time of year since it launched. It even got back into Steam's top-sellers chart.

When you're done digging, check out some of the other best space games you can play.

The Meta Quest 3 has been out of the deals limelight for some time now, but that's all changed this week. The original 512GB headset is now available with a free $50 gift card in the US (and some hefty savings in the UK), making for a compelling offer on the full Batman Arkham Shadow bundle.

Both Best Buy and Amazon are including free credit with the $499.99 headset, though I'd stick with the former for this one. You can nab $50 worth of Amazon credit instead, but the site states that you'll be waiting 30 days after shipping for your cash and it's only redeemable on items sold by Amazon itself. That strips out a surprising number of gadgets and gizmos, whereas Best Buy will allow you to spend your $50 on anything on the site.

The last time I saw a gift card offer like this was Black Friday, where various retailers offered free Meta or retailer credit between $75 and $100. Before that, it had been months since any kind of savings were available on one of the best VR headsets. This is also the first time I've seen the Meta Quest 3 take any kind of promotion in 2025, so if you've been holding off on the full-fat headset it's well worth jumping in.

UK shoppers are also getting in on the action, with a return to a record-low £469 sale price (was £619) at Very matching last year's Black Friday discount.

Should you buy the 512GB Meta Quest 3?

There's an elephant in the room here, and it's much cheaper than the 512GB model. The newer Meta Quest 3S launched late last year, at $299.99 / £289.99 - a considerable shift downwards from the original 512GB model's $499.99 / £619. We rated the classic headset highly in our Meta Quest 3 review on launch, but whether you opt for the pricier model comes down to two key differences between the two.

The first is obvious; storage. The Meta Quest 3S only comes with up to 256GB of storage (though that $299.99 / £289.99 MSRP relates to the 128GB model), whereas you're getting double that with this offer. If you're going to be playing hefty games and storing larger media files on your headset, it's well worth going above that limit. You'll need to have a lot of games to warrant the leap based on storage alone, though. Considering most Meta games only clock in at a few gigabytes there's already a good amount of space for an expansive library in the cheaper models.

The second difference is one that will likely have more sway for those looking for the best VR experience possible. The Meta Quest 3S can squeeze into its lower price tag by replacing the original's pancake lenses with cheaper fresnel lenses. It essentially means a lower quality viewing experience, reducing your area of focus, dropping clarity (and, separately, per-eye resolution), and introducing more chance of artifacts (annoying visual glitches in the picture). This was the biggest downgrade we noticed when we reviewed the Quest 3S.

If you plan on using your headset for a considerable amount of time, outside of casual gaming and the odd VR YouTube video, this difference in lenses is enough to push you towards the Quest 3. You are still getting the same core virtual and mixed reality experience with the 3S, though, so if you're just dipping your toe into these waters there's plenty of cash to be saved with the cheaper model.

We're also rounding up all the best Meta Quest accessories and the best PSVR 2 bundles for more offers. Or, to keep a close eye on similar discounts, check out the latest Meta Quest deals on the web.