How Much Storage Do You Really Need For Your Meta Quest 3S?

When purchasing a Meta Quest 3S, one of the first decisions you will face is how much storage you should select. With different models offering varying storage capacities, the question of how much space is truly necessary for a smooth experience is valid.

The Meta Quest 3S storage will affect how many games, apps, and experiences you can download, store, and enjoy on your device. With the increasing size of VR games and applications, it is vital to understand how storage plays a role in your overall experience.

Storage Options for Meta Quest 3S

The Meta Quest 3S offers two main storage options: 128 GB and 256 GB. The smaller 128 GB model is adequate for many users who plan to play a few lighter games or experience basic virtual reality applications. However, as VR technology progresses, the space required for larger and more complex games increases.

The 128 GB model, when factoring in the operating system and system files, leaves users with just about 102 GB of usable space. This space can fill up quickly depending on the type of content you decide to store.

Games like Beat Saber (1.5 GB) are light on storage, but games like GRID Legends (31 GB) will require a lot more space. If you enjoy large, expansive games or plan to download a variety of experiences, 128 GB can fill up quickly.

The 256 GB model gives users a lot more flexibility. With around 230 GB of usable space after accounting for the system files, this option can hold many more games, apps, and experiences. If you want to store high-quality games or multiple titles at once, the 256 GB model is a better option.

The Growing Size of Game Files

In the early days of VR, games were relatively small. Most titles were lightweight and easy to download onto the smaller storage models. However, as VR experiences become more complex, the file sizes for many games have increased significantly. For instance, the upcoming Asgard’s Wrath 2 is rumored to be around 121 GB on PC, and it may be just as large, if not larger, on the Quest 3S.

Some of the more graphically demanding games also tend to take up a lot of space. For example, Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners – Chapter 2 is a hefty 12.6 GB, while other popular games like Star Wars: Squadrons and Medal of Honor need 30 GB of storage space or more. As new titles emerge with better graphics, more complex gameplay, and new features for the Quest 3S, the space required for these games will presumably keep increasing.

What Happens If You Run Out of Storage?

Running out of storage can be frustrating, especially when your favorite games are installed on your headset. When you fill up your Meta Quest 3S storage, you may need to delete older content to make room for new titles. This can lead to a less-than-optimal experience, as you may have to constantly swap games in and out, depending on what you want to play.

Fortunately, Meta does allow you to delete games and apps from storage, but in doing so, you lose all your progress. Reinstalling a game also requires downloading it again, which can take time, especially for larger games.

If you own a 128 GB model, you may soon find yourself dealing with limited storage. To avoid this, make it a habit to regularly check your storage and manage your games efficiently.

Which Storage Option Is Right for You?

Choosing a 128 GB or 256 GB model will depend on your gaming habits. If you are a casual gamer who plans on using your Meta Quest 3S for occasional sessions, the 128 GB model will likely suffice. Light games, social VR experiences, and media consumption do not require much storage, so the smaller model should meet your needs.

However, if you are someone who wants to fully embrace the VR experience with a larger selection of games, including graphically demanding ones, the 256 GB model will be a better investment. It will future-proof your device, allowing you to download new titles without worrying about running out of space.

If you are into large open-world games or plan on using the Quest 3S for mixed-reality experiences, the additional storage will allow you to fully enjoy the immersive possibilities.

Alternatives to Increase Storage

If you own the 128 GB version of the Meta Quest 3S and feel hindered by the limited storage, there are alternative solutions. External storage options, such as microSD cards, can be used to expand storage. However, Meta does not currently allow direct support for external storage on the Quest 3S, meaning it may not be as seamless as simply upgrading to a larger internal storage model.

Another option is using cloud storage to back up certain games and data. Some games, especially smaller indie titles, can be backed up on the cloud, allowing you to free up space on your device. However, for large AAA titles, the lack of support for external storage will limit this option’s practicality.

Managing Meta Quest 3S Storage

Even with larger storage options, managing your available space is important. Regularly checking what games and apps are taking up the most space will allow you to stay organized. The Meta Quest 3S has built-in storage management tools that show you what is consuming your space, and these can help you determine what content to delete.

If you are unsure which games you will play most, leave storage space for the larger and more expansive titles. Casual games, which are often smaller, can be easily downloaded again later if needed.

The Role of Accessories in Your Experience

While storage is an important consideration, accessories can also help enhance your Meta Quest 3S experience. If you plan on using your headset for long periods, accessories like G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips can improve comfort and control. These accessories allow you to hold your controllers for longer sessions without experiencing discomfort, providing better grip and more ergonomic control.

Additionally, Quest 3S accessories like custom face cushions, head straps, and lens protectors can further enhance comfort and prolong the life of your headset. Although these do not affect storage directly, they do improve the overall experience, ensuring that you can fully enjoy your games without unnecessary distractions.

What About Software and Updates?

Aside from games, your Meta Quest 3S storage will be used for software updates and other system-related files. Meta frequently releases firmware updates for the Quest series to enhance performance, add features, or fix bugs. These updates may take up a chunk of space, especially as the system grows in complexity with each update.

Being mindful of these updates and knowing when to update your software can help keep your device optimized. Updates should not take up much storage on their own, but frequent large game updates and new system features can gradually chip away at your available space.

How Can KIWI Design Help?

At KIWI Design, we understand that you want the best VR experience possible. We offer a wide range of Quest 3S accessories to enhance your device’s usability. If you need more comfort for longer gaming sessions with the G4 Pro Performance Controller Grips, or protection for your device, KIWI Design offers products that can improve your overall experience.

If your Meta Quest 3S storage feels limiting, KIWI Design offers solutions to enhance your VR experience. From grip enhancements to comfort features, our accessories help you stay immersed without worrying about storage management.

With our accessories, you can get the most out of your Meta Quest 3S, even as storage becomes a key element in your gaming adventure.