Metaverse — Weekly News Digest (2025-11-15 to 2025-11-21, JST)
John: Hey everyone, John here from our regular Metaverse digest! This week’s highlights cover new VR hardware deals, fresh games for Meta Quest headsets, and what’s trending in next-gen immersive experiences. Whether you’re shopping deals, curious about updates, or love keeping up with the latest in XR, AI avatars, and virtual economies—there’s something here for you. If you’d like a simple starter guide to crypto exchanges, take a look at this beginner-friendly overview.
Lila: Hi John! Readers are buzzing about those big Black Friday VR headsets sales, new games on Quest, and what’s coming for avatars and virtual hangouts. What should beginners watch out for in a busy news week like this?
Top Stories: Meta Quest Deals and Marketplace Moves
John: Let’s dive in! Starting on 2025-11-18 (JST), Meta launched its Black Friday sales for the Quest 3S, slashing the price to its lowest yet. At Costco, you can pick up a Quest 3S (128GB) bundled with a Horizon+ subscription for as little as ¥22,500 (equivalent value), with nearly 50% off compared to the regular price. Amazon dropped the price of the Quest 3S (256GB) and tossed in a bundle with Batman Arkham Shadow as a freebie—a big deal for VR newcomers this holiday season. These deals have been trending widely because they’re unmatched and well-timed for holiday gifting[3][7][9].
Lila: That’s huge! Why are these Quest deals getting so much attention?
John: Meta’s Quest series is the world’s most popular standalone VR platform, and these sales are deeper than we’ve seen before—perfect for new users or upgrades. Plus, with bundled subscription content and top games included, it’s a much lower risk way to step into VR, whether for gaming or creative use. Meta has also confirmed there will be no Quest 4 until late 2026, so current headsets will keep getting updates through next year[1][3].
Lila: What’s the best way for someone new to VR to compare models or bundles?
- Check if the bundle includes a top-rated game or Horizon+; these add a lot of value.
- Compare storage sizes (128GB vs 256GB) if you plan to install lots of games.
- Look for official warranty and store return options, especially during sales events.
- Search for recent user reviews to spot any hardware issues—YouTube and tech sites help.
- Always buy from trusted retailers. If a price looks too good to be true, double-check it’s official!
XR & VR Hardware: Quest 3 Still Shines
John: YouTubers and reviewers gave us another round of verdicts on the Meta Quest 3 this week (2025-11-20, JST). After over two years since its launch, the Quest 3 is still widely considered the best overall standalone VR headset. It’s gotten many software updates, notably fixing hand tracking, and offering very solid performance for both VR and mixed reality (MR) games. The price has even dropped from its ¥85,000 launch cost (about $650) to around ¥65,000 ($500) now, adding to its appeal[1].
Lila: So it’s worth getting a Quest 3 today instead of waiting for a next-gen headset?
John: Absolutely—there’s still no Quest 4 coming before 2026. Meta continues to support Quest 3 with regular updates and exclusive games. Plus, features promised but not yet delivered (like deeper home customizations) are still on the roadmap. So, right now, the Quest 3 offers a great balance of price and future-proofing[1].
Lila: What do you mean by “mixed reality” in this context?
John: Mixed Reality (MR) means merging virtual objects with your real surroundings, so you can play games or interact with content layered over your living room. The Quest 3 does this using built-in cameras that show a color video feed, over which virtual elements appear.
Fresh VR Games & Content: Superhero Hype and More
Lila: What are the biggest new games or apps that Quest owners are trying this week?
John: On 2025-11-17 (JST), Meta officially released Marvel’s Deadpool VR—one of the most anticipated games of the year. Early reviews show that it delivers on humor, fast-paced action, and fan-service, and it’s exclusive to Meta Quest headsets, making it a major reason to join (or stick with) the ecosystem[6].
Lila: How about new releases and content? Anything for creative types or non-gamers?
John: Several smaller games and creative tools dropped between 2025-11-15 and 2025-11-21. On platforms like VRDB, you’ll find “Project Freefall” (party game/hangout), “Revisit: Time Travel with Google Earth” (exploration/education), and “SpatialCam Pro” (3D creativity tool)—all launched or updated in the past week and getting positive ratings for usability and fun[4].
- Recent new Quest titles also include “Tower of Titans” (action/RPG), “VEX MAGE” (arcade shooter), and “Europa Prime VR” (adventure/puzzle).
- Meta recently highlighted the continuing popularity of older titles like “Asgard’s Wrath 2,” “Dungeons of Eternity,” and “Batman: Arkham Shadow,” which remain highly rated in 2025[2].
- VR games for fitness, education, and social experiences round out the diverse content mix for Quest users of all backgrounds.
Virtual Identity & Social Spaces: Ongoing Improvements
Lila: Are there any updates on avatars or social spaces this week?
John: Yes. Throughout November, Meta has been rolling out gradual updates to its Horizon Worlds platform, which includes more detailed home environments and early-stage improvements to avatar customization. While the highly anticipated “Augments” feature—letting you heavily personalize rooms—wasn’t launched yet, it remains on the public roadmap. Users have reported snappier navigation and smoother hangout experiences, making social VR more accessible and appealing for larger groups[1].
Lila: I’ve heard people mention “Augments” a lot. What are they exactly?
John: In Meta’s terminology, “Augments” are modular additions that you can use to decorate and personalize your virtual home or space. Think of them as furniture and wall art, but digital—letting you make your VR hangout feel like your own.
Looking Ahead: New Titles and Community Advice
Lila: Is there anything big coming up that fans should mark on their calendars?
John: Definitely! December 4, 2025, brings the launch of Primal Rumble, a much-hyped VR action game with cross-platform play. Also, keep an eye out for 2026 releases teased at recent VR Games Showcases—titles like Forefront (tactical shooter) and Orcs Must Die: By The Blade (franchise revival) are already drawing huge pre-release interest[5][8].
Lila: What should new or returning users remember when jumping into virtual economies or in-app purchases?
John: Always check your region’s regulations, since laws differ for crypto or digital assets in VR. Make sure the platform you choose is officially supported and secure—Meta and top publishers use standardized payment systems, but some third-party apps might not.
- Read the fine print before spending real money on virtual currency or assets.
- Stick with well-known marketplaces and storefronts—avoid direct, unverified person-to-person transactions to stay safe.
- If in doubt, consult the publisher’s or platform’s help center for guidance.
Regulatory requirements differ by region; always check official guidance before participating.
Community & Tips: Getting Started in VR/XR
Lila: Any last advice for someone taking their first steps in VR, XR, or digital economies?
John: Sure! Start by exploring free demos and beginner tutorials—don’t rush to spend. Adjust headset fit and boundaries before every session for comfort and safety. Join a community forum or Discord group for quick help, and remember: if anything feels confusing in virtual spaces, you can always ask. The world of XR is much friendlier with a helping hand (or a funny avatar avatar high-five!).
Lila: Thanks, John! That makes jumping in much less intimidating. There’s always something new to explore!
John: That’s a wrap for this week’s Metaverse digest! The fast pace of VR hardware deals, avatar evolution, and immersive games all tie into a broader theme: tech keeps getting more personal, more playful, and more accessible each month. And if you’d like a bit more background on exchanges, you might enjoy this global guide.
Lila: It’s wild to see how quickly the Metaverse is changing—can’t wait to see what’s next week! Thanks for reading, everyone!
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Meta Quest 3 Review – 2 Years Later! Still worth it in 2025?
- Best Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S games 2025 – PCGamesN
- Meta Quest 3S Black Friday 2025 Sale is the Cheapest Yet
- New Meta Quest VR Games | Latest Releases
- Deadpool VR Review. The Biggest Meta Quest 3 Game of 2025!
- Meta launches new Black Friday 2025 deals on Quest 3, Quest 3S …
- Every New VR Games Releasing In 2025 & 2026 …
- VR Games Showcase Fall 2025 Recap: Every Meta Quest VR Game …
- Meta’s Quest 3S just dropped to all-time low price before Black …