Surprising Game System Beat PlayStation and Nintendo Switch on Amazon in 2024

Meta Quest 3S: Amazon's 2024 Best-Selling Console

In a surprising upset, the Meta Quest 3S outsold Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch consoles on Amazon in 2024, securing the top spot for best-selling console. This is a remarkable achievement, particularly considering its October launch.

The Quest 3S, a more budget-friendly version of the Quest 3, offers a compelling entry point into VR gaming. Its wireless functionality and independence from powerful PCs or consoles contribute significantly to its appeal. This Amazon sales data strongly suggests a burgeoning interest in VR gaming.

While traditional consoles like the Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch remain popular, their Amazon rankings in 2024 paled in comparison to the Quest 3S. The Quest 3S ranked #11 overall in Amazon's video game sales, just behind gift cards and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. The PlayStation 5 Slim trailed at #17, and the Nintendo Switch landed at #53. Notably, Xbox consoles didn't even feature in the top 80, although some peripherals did. The PlayStation 5 Pro was also absent. Only a Nintendo microSDXC card and the PlayStation DualSense controller ranked higher than the Quest 3S.

Accessibility Fuels VR Growth

The absence of Sony's PlayStation VR2 from the Amazon list is noteworthy. While PSVR boasts a strong game library, the Quest 3S's untethered design and lack of reliance on external hardware likely contributed to its greater appeal. This freedom of movement and the elimination of the need for a powerful console or PC significantly lower the barrier to entry.

Interestingly, the discontinued Meta Quest 2 still ranked #27, while the original Meta Quest 3 didn't make the top 80. This suggests price sensitivity within the VR market. With the Quest 2 now unavailable and the Nintendo Switch 2 anticipated for 2025, the 2025 rankings will be fascinating to observe. Nintendo's potential success with the Switch 2 could significantly alter the landscape.

However, the 2024 results clearly indicate a growing, albeit gradual, acceptance of virtual reality gaming.

$349 $400 Save$51 $349 at Amazon$350 at Best Buy