The Meta Quest 3S unexpectedly outperformed established gaming giants like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, securing the title of Amazon's best-selling console in 2024. This remarkable achievement is even more impressive considering its October launch.
The Quest 3S's affordability and standalone functionality—no need for a powerful PC or console—likely contributed significantly to its success. While VR gaming remains niche, the Quest 3S's accessible price point and game library proved a winning combination.
Amazon's 2024 best-seller list further highlights the Quest 3S's impact. It ranked #11 overall in the video game category, surpassing the PlayStation 5 Slim (#17) and Nintendo Switch (#53). Notably, Xbox consoles didn't even feature in the top 80, although some peripherals did. The only items outselling the Quest 3S were a Nintendo microSDXC card and the PlayStation DualSense controller. Even Sony's PlayStation VR2 failed to make the list.
Accessibility Fuels VR Growth
The Quest 3S's untethered design and standalone operation offer a key advantage over competitors like the tethered PlayStation VR2. This freedom of movement, coupled with its lower price point compared to the standard Meta Quest 3, likely broadened its appeal. The inclusion of the discontinued Meta Quest 2 at #27 on the list further suggests price sensitivity in the VR market.
The absence of the original Meta Quest 3 from the top 80 reinforces the significance of affordability. With the Nintendo Switch 2 slated for a 2025 release, the upcoming year's sales rankings will be fascinating to observe. Nintendo's potential dominance will depend on replicating the original Switch's success. However, 2024's results clearly indicate a growing, albeit gradual, interest in virtual reality.
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