The most popular gaming console on Amazon right now may surprise you

1 week ago 7
Meta Quest 3S
Kerry Wan/ZDNET

The battle between Xbox and PlayStation for video game console supremacy has been raging for decades, but neither of those is the hottest device right now.

Looking at Amazon's current best-selling items in the video game category, the Meta Quest 3S is currently the top video game console. The 128GB version of Meta's newest wearable is the number nine best-selling item in Amazon video games. The only listings ahead of it are gift cards and a single video game. 

Also: I tested Meta's limited edition Ray-Ban smart glasses, and they're a near-perfect wearable for me

The PS5 is the number 14 item, with the 512GB version of the Quest 3 taking spot number 15. An Xbox console doesn't make an appearance until spot 82.

It's not exactly surprising given that the 3S went on sale a few days ago and the other consoles are now years into their life cycle, but it does show how much excitement there is for a budget-friendly version of Meta's VR headset. 

The device, which starts at just $300, is significantly cheaper than the Quest 3 and comes with two Touch Plus Controllers, a power adapter, a subscription to Meta Quest Plus, and a copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. 

If you're curious, the biggest differences between the 3 and the 3S are in the display. The resolution of the more affordable device is 1,832 x 1,920 compared to 2,064 x 2,208 and the 3S uses a Fresnel lens with three-position inter-axial adjustment (essentially what the Quest 2 uses), while the Quest 3 has a pancake lens with continuous IAD adjustment (what the Quest Pro uses).

Also: The iPad Mini 7 is almost perfect - except for one critical missing feature

The 3S has a good display quality, but it's a noticeable dip from the Quest 3. If you're new to the world of VR, though, the 3S will be just fine. In fact, it's a very solid middle ground between the 2 and the 3. If that quality is important to you, Meta recently unveiled a $25-per-month, no-interest payment option.

Editorial standards
Read Entire Article