MENLO PARK, CA — In a move industry analysts are calling “a cry for help,” Meta has announced that its Quest 3S virtual reality headset is now $50 off and comes bundled with a $50 Amazon gift card—so consumers can start accruing buyer’s remorse both virtually and in the real world for less than the price of a moderately disappointing sushi dinner.

“I was going to use the gift card for groceries, but then I saw you can buy virtual socks for your avatar,” said early adopter Preston Klemp, who now owns more VR headsets than actual friends. “Now, even in virtual reality, my feet are cold and my fridge is empty.”

Amazon spokesperson Linda Dorgan says the promotion aims to help first-time VR explorers “ease into the existential horror of the metaverse with minimal sticker shock.” Dorgan emphasized that shoppers could also use the $50 credit to purchase other essential accessories, such as a reinforced chin strap for when you realize you’re still standing alone in your living room.

The Quest 3S, retailing at $249.99, boasts the chipset of the pricier Quest 3 and the optics of the slightly less disappointing Quest 2. “It’s the perfect device for anyone who wants to experience the uncanny valley at a discount,” said Meta product manager Tad Marlowe. “Now you can question your life choices in high resolution.”

Industry watchdogs say rival retailers are offering the same price, but only Amazon includes a $50 gift card, which can also be used to buy air fryers, USB-C cables, or simply to delay facing the reality of your purchase. “This is the best deal you’ll find until someone starts paying you to log into VR,” said tech blogger Risa Pennington, adding, “and at this rate, that’s probably next week.”