Oculus Quest 2

Play games, watch shows and movies, surf the web, and much more in virtual reality from absolutely anywhere. The Oculus Quest 2 is an all-in-one wireless VR headset that doesn’t require any additional equipment. There’s no need to connect to a console or expensive gaming PC, nor are there any necessary cables, wires, or sensors to hook up. Simply slide your Oculus Quest 2 headset on and enter an amazing world of VR.

Oculus Quest 2 pushes the boundaries of VR comfort and accessibility

As an early adopter of VR headsets, I can’t believe how fast the technology is advancing. I recall my first experiences just a few short years ago. They were underwhelming affairs featuring cumbersome, uncomfortable headsets with bulky cables and unimpressive sensors.

I can see now that the Oculus Quest 2 is exactly the kind of VR headset I was wishing for at the beginning. This headset is lightweight, minimal, and, most importantly, comfortable, yet it still performs great. It took a few years, but the Oculus Quest 2 shows how we are pushing past the initial bumps and roadblocks of affordable and functional virtual reality and toward a bright future.

The Quest 2 features 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, and a 72Hz refresh rate (with the option to bump up to 90Hz currently in beta). These aren’t the most high-end VR specs available. However, they are amazing when you consider the standalone nature of the headset. Furthermore, the whole package is incredible when you take into consideration the price range of the Oculus Quest 2 over more expensive VR rigs.

The only real downside in my opinion is the mandatory Facebook login the Quest 2 requires. Personally, I’m not a Facebook guy. Having to make a dummy Facebook account to use this VR headset bothers me more than a little. I wish there were a separate option, but sadly the two products are forever tied together.

Oculus Quest 2

Take VR with you anywhere you go

The most important feature of the Oculus Quest 2 is the fact that it’s a completely standalone product. There’s no PC or console necessary. The Quest 2 is its own gaming and entertainment hub. As Dr. Seuss might say, “You can play it here or there, you can play it anywhere”!

Since the Quest 2 works all on its own, it obviously requires onboard storage for games and apps. There are two different options here: a 64 GB model and a 256 GB model. Most games available come in around 2 – 6 GB, although some larger games (such as the recent Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners) can approach 12 GB or more in size.

This should mean that the smaller 64 GB model will be sufficient for most. It’s possible to download a healthy amount of content with this much space, especially if you tend to delete older games over time. However, if you intend to build a massive library that you always want available, the 256 GB model may be the choice for you.

Oculus Quest 2

Easy setup in a play area of any size

The Oculus Quest 2 is far and away among the easiest VR headsets to get up and running. Getting started is as simple as sliding the headset on and establishing your play area. Since the headset uses its own built-in cameras (instead of sensors), video passthrough allows you to see your surroundings even with the headset on.

There are essentially 3 ways to play—sitting, standing, or roomscale. When you enter VR with the Quest 2, you’ll essentially decide how you want to play, and the headset will assist you in creating a boundary. You’ll then receive a visual warning anytime you are in danger of exceeding the boundary, making it easy to maintain your space and not wander or bump into your surroundings.

Oculus Quest 2

The really amazing thing is that the Quest 2 will actually allow you to create a custom boundary. Instead of estimating the room or choosing from preset sizes, you can simply use the controller in passthrough mode to draw your own boundary on the floor. You’ll instantly have a play area that perfectly matches the room you are playing in.

The boundary system works so well and perfectly suits the portable functionality of the Quest 2. If you are sitting down, you can shift to a stationary boundary as well. Some games and apps are primarily designed for sitting, while others require roomscale movement. Check the details of any given app to see which modes it supports.

Oculus Quest 2

PC VR functionality via Oculus Link

While the Oculus Quest 2 functions on its own, it’s still possible to expand its use to a PC. This requires utilizing “Oculus Link”, which involves installing the Oculus App and connecting to your PC via the Oculus Link Cable (or a similar high-speed USB-C cable). Using this method, Quest 2 owners can access the Oculus Rift library in tandem with a VR-ready PC.

This is definitely important to me as I want to be able to play games from my Steam library with the Quest 2. Luckily, this is very much possible by connecting the headset to the Oculus PC App via Oculus Link and then downloading the “Steam VR” App from the Oculus Rift store.

Unfortunately, I do not have the official Oculus Link Cable for testing, but I was able to get up and running using the USB-C cable from my Nintendo Switch console. With little effort, I was soon playing Star Wars: Squadrons in VR via Steam. You can read more about the Star Wars VR experience in my Star Wars: Squadrons review!

Preparation for Oculus Link

While my Switch cable works well enough, I did encounter a bit of lag here and there. If you intend to use the Oculus Link feature regularly, I recommend either investing in the official cable (warning—it’s not inexpensive), or researching to ensure you obtain a third-party cable that meets the high-speed requirement.

Another aspect I noticed was that the built-in headphones weren’t quite loud enough in many instances when using Oculus Link—even at max volume. This was a quick fix, however, since the Quest 2 also supports external headphones via a 3.5mm headphone jack.

After plugging in my Beats Over-Ear Headphones (which fit comfortably over the Quest 2’s sleek design), the sound experience improved greatly, and I realized that this was my preferred audio solution overall—not just when necessary to bolster the weaker volume in link mode.

The Oculus Link 2 is one of the most accessible and streamlined VR options out there

As previously stated, my first impressions of VR were less than stellar. So much so that I haven’t given the technology much attention since those earliest days. However, the Oculus Quest 2 clearly demonstrates for me that VR is finally delivering the experience I was hoping for in the beginning.

The Quest 2 is so easy to use. It fits comfortably, offers a decent library of games and apps, and best of all it’s extremely portable. I love the fact that it delivers awesome VR anywhere without the need for a console, PC, or sensors. Not to mention that owners get all this at a much lower cost than that of high-end VR rigs.

I could do without the mandatory Facebook integration. However, I’m ultimately willing to curate a dummy account in order to enjoy the Quest 2 on its own, as well as in conjunction with my PC via Oculus Link. The Oculus Quest 2 is a fantastic choice for VR enthusiasts, casual users, and newcomers alike.

Oculus Quest 2 64GB VR Headset with Touch Controllers
Oculus Quest 2 256GB VR Headset with Touch Controllers

Dave Neufeld
Dave Neufeld
Dave is an avid gamer, a musician/songwriter/recording artist, and an ardent reader with a degree in the Classics but a love for comics too. When he's not gigging with the band or pulling books at his local comic shop, he can usually be found gaming on any platform, from consoles to PC to his self-built personal arcade cabinet.
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1277 COMMENTS

  2. I love that there is no wires and that it’s more affordable.

    I want to learn how to develop video games and make a VR game

  4. I own a oculus quest 2 now and love it! Great for games and watching movies on a big screen. Winning a second one to share with friends would be awesome!

  6. New kit looks seriously cool! I love the new design of the controllers, I’ve had a serious problem with battery covers popping off on the quest 1. Can’t wait to game on the new quest!

  7. My wife and I love playing mini golf on the Quest 2! Would be even better if we each had Quests of our own!

  9. My son has always wanted a VR headset. The Oculus Quest 2 really removes some of the barriers to enjoying the VR experience since it doesn’t require a PC or console to connect and is also wireless!

    • Love the Portability of the Quest 2 and the fact it’s gonna look better as well. Definitely going to use it for Gaming.. Phasmophobia primarily.

  10. This looks like such a fun way to get me off the sofa in the evenings – I love the fact that it’s all wireless and that it could help me set up room boundaries so that I could play games anywhere!

  11. I love that this is a wireless immersive experience. I think it would be great for watching movies and exploring new parts of the world. I would love to be able to join my family members in their games.

  14. I love the Oculus Quest 2 because it has no screen door effect, and because the snapdragon cpu is so advanced. I’d like to win one so I can leave my home at least virtually.

  17. Accessible, comfortable, high end hardware and wireless. Great features of the Oculus 2

    I would use it for VR game design and development and 3D environmental art.

  18. Thank you for an honest review! I agree about the Facebook thing as my gamer hubby stays away from FB.
    However, I love that it’s wireless and a standalone product!
    I would surf the web for movies and such whilst hubby would be playing Fortnight or his army fighter plane game. So much fun!

  19. No wires is just pure freedom. Vr needs these types of consumer oriented appropriate steps forward to grow the VR industry. I’m excited to get one!

    I would mostly use it for gaming and checking out all the games I’ve missed out on.

  25. I love the screen and refresh rate upgrade from the original. I’ll probably use it for gaming and watching videos.

  26. I would use it for wire free gaming, unlike other VR units with cables always getting in the way.
    And not having to connect it to my PC is a big plus!

  30. I love how Oculus Quest 2 contains all the hardware within the headset itself, meaning no distracting wires. I would love to watch movies on it, especially now when cinemas are closed because of the pandemic.

  32. Mainly Games. I have a few VR compatible games, and have fiddled around with some of the aftermarket VR software suites and my phone. So, having a real VR headset would be great.

  33. Love that it’s a device on its own and requires no computer to use but I will use it with a gaming laptop I bought recently to take full advantage of the VR universe. When not plugged in I’m still able to enjoy playing some pretty awesome games too which I’m looking forward to.

  34. I love that the oculus quest 2 is completely wireless allowed you to play anywhere anytime. I also love how it’s very modular allowing plenty of aftermarket parts, mods, and upgrades. I also love that you can side load games via side quest allowing you to play tons of free or very cheap games that are still really good. It also allows you to play more experimental games and experiences like hand tracking games or games that adapt to your play space. I would use the quest 2 to play tons of VR games like vader immortal and population: one and a bunch of side quest games like pavlov shack and tea for God.

  35. I would use it to be more flexible with education apps with my kids since it doesn’t have to be tethered. Also use to teach my kids aviation with msfs2020 going vr soon and not actually have to pay for flight time etc. Also of course it would be used for an awesome gaming experience. Love that it allows free motion without wires or pc tether! So cool!

  37. I would use this for many things, including gaming and VR media. For someone like me who has issues with heights, deep water etc, this is a great way to experience some things in life I would never otherwise be able to. It would be amazing to own one of these, especially around Christmas time

  40. Sa fait des années que je suis passionné par la realite et jadorerai pouvoir un Oculus quest 2 pour faire du gaming

  42. I love that it’s a self contained device that does not require your phone or PC to use, but is also capable of playing PC VR games. I was given a VR capable desktop 2 years ago, but haven’t made the plunge in a headset.

  43. I love the option of either playing onboard games without a cable, or connecting to my PC for PCVR games.

  45. I like the Oculus Quest 2 because I can take it anywhere. The 1 feature that stands out is the fact that it is wireless and does not need a pc to run but can also connect to a PC to provide more powerful processing and streaming capabilities. I would love to expand my gaming and streaming experiences to VR as well as allow my viewers that VR experience!

    I would use it for gaming, streaming and try out a few movies too.

  46. I would use the Oculus quest 2 for both movies and games. Just now reading more into it’s uses when possibly connected to a PC. It has the potential to help with the virtual learning for my children as well.

  48. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the Oculus Quest 2. I’ve never seen another VR set that can compare. I tried one once to play a game demo and it was so incredibly immersive. I would love to see some sightseeing movies too. It may offer me my only chance to go into space! 🙂

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