"2024: Unexpected Game System Outperforms PlayStation, Nintendo Switch on Amazon"

Summary

• Meta Quest 3S surpasses Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch to become the top-selling console on Amazon in 2024.
• The affordability and standalone nature of the Meta Quest 3S make VR more accessible, requiring no tethering or powerful PC/console.
• The success of Meta Quest 3S on Amazon reflects a growing interest in virtual reality.

In a surprising turn of events, the Meta Quest 3S has outshone industry giants like Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch, claiming the title of the best-selling console on Amazon in 2024. This is a remarkable feat for the virtual reality headset, which only hit the market in October of the same year.

The Meta Quest 3S, a more budget-friendly version of the Meta Quest 3, offers a significant price reduction while sacrificing some specifications. Despite VR not yet being a mainstream choice for gamers, the combination of an affordable entry point and a robust selection of games has propelled the Meta Quest 3S to the forefront of Amazon's sales charts in 2024.

According to Amazon's best-seller list for 2024, the Meta Quest 3S not only topped the video game console category but also secured the #11 spot on the overall list of video games. This list was predominantly filled with gift cards and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. The PlayStation 5 slim trailed behind at #17, and the Nintendo Switch at #53. Xbox consoles did not feature in the top 80, though their peripherals did make an appearance. The PlayStation 5 Pro was also notably absent. The only products that ranked higher than the Meta Quest 3S were a Nintendo-branded microSDXC card at #8 and the PlayStation DualSense wireless controller at #9.

Meta Quest 3S Makes Virtual Reality More Accessible Than Ever

Sony's PlayStation VR 2 did not make the cut on Amazon's list. While the PSVR 2 boasts a strong game lineup, the Meta Quest 3S's ability to operate without any external devices sets it apart. This not only enhances user mobility, as the Meta Quest 3S is not tethered like the PlayStation VR, but also eliminates the need for an additional investment in a high-performance console or PC.

Interestingly, the Meta Quest 2 also featured on the list at #27, while the original Meta Quest 3 did not make the top 80. This suggests that affordability plays a significant role in consumer preference for VR devices. With the Meta Quest 2 now discontinued and the Nintendo Switch 2 set to launch in 2025, it will be fascinating to see how the rankings evolve. If Nintendo can replicate the success of the original Switch, it is poised to lead Amazon's video game sales in 2025. As we look ahead, the 2024 results are a promising sign of the growing interest in virtual reality.

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