Meta is working to fix a faulty software update that bricked many Quest headsets. It has also offered to fix out-of-warranty headsets that were left unresponsive.

One of the worst things to happen on Christmas morning is downloading updates and charging batteries. Undoubtedly even worse though is downloading an update that then bricks your device before you can even use it.

Owners of Meta Quest VR headsets that haven't worked since a recent update rolled out can get help or a replacement headset from Meta.

A recent software update is disabling Quest 2, 3, and 3S models. Meta is offering free replacements to some users.

Initially, some with older Quest devices were told they were out of luck because the gadgets were out of warranty. But Meta appears to have reversed course there, according to Reddit posts.

Meta updated a note on the top of its Quest support site to say that a “software update issue” has been bricking Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest 3S headsets. The company writes that while “most” people can now use their headsets normally, it’s “actively working on resolving the issue for all users.”

The Meta Quest 3S is an excellent excuse to get a VR headset, or upgrade an existing one with all of the features on board.

What makes this all even more tragic is that the Quest 3S sold extremely well for the winter holidays. Meta's strategy of affordable VR headsets to get more people into Virtual Reality is paying dividends.