Meta has finally made it official: the heavily leaked Quest 3S VR headset is real, and it’s priced at a very appealing $299.99. If you’re feeling a bit of déjà vu, it’s because the 3S looks like a mashup of the Quest 2 and Quest 3. But here’s the surprising part — it’s much closer to the Quest 3 in terms of features and performance than we expected for a model that costs nearly half as much. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a VR headset, the Quest 3S might just tip you over.

So, what does the Quest 3S bring to the table? It’s equipped with the same mixed reality features and Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip found in the more expensive Quest 3. This means that, in terms of performance, you’re not missing out. Whether you’re gaming, exploring virtual worlds, or dipping into mixed reality, the Quest 3S can handle it. Plus, it uses the same Touch Plus controllers as the Quest 3.

And here’s a pleasant surprise: it actually boasts better battery life. While the Quest 3 averages about 2.2 hours of use, Meta says the 3S can last around 2.5 hours — a small but noticeable bump if you like to get lost in VR.

Now, the Quest 3S does come with a few compromises, but nothing deal-breaking. It’s a bit bulkier, and its front sensors are arranged in two triangular formations, compared to the Quest 3’s three pill-shaped cutouts. It also lacks a depth sensor, which might affect certain experiences. The most noticeable downgrade, though, is in the display. The 3S uses the same 1832 x 1920 per-eye resolution as the older Quest 2, which is a step down from the higher-res screens of the Quest 3. And you’ll have a slightly narrower field of view — something to consider if you’re looking for total immersion.

One new feature Meta added to the Quest 3S is an “Action Button” that lets you quickly switch between immersive VR and passthrough modes. This could be a game-changer for those who like to pop in and out of VR without navigating menus. While the Quest 3 and Quest Pro already let you switch using a “Double Tap” feature, having a physical button could make it more convenient, especially for regular users.

Preorders for the Quest 3S are open now, with the official release set for October 15th. And for a sweet little bonus, Meta is bundling the highly anticipated Batman: Arkham Shadow game, which launches on October 22nd, with purchases of either the Quest 3 or the Quest 3S.

With the launch of the Quest 3S, Meta is also closing the door on the Quest 2 and Quest Pro. According to the company, they’ll be selling off remaining stock until the end of the year or until it runs out — whichever comes first.