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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I love that it’s made VR so accessible and easy to use. I’m looking forward to useing it to play games that increase the immersion and interactivity.
I like the guardian boundary feature. You can create a custom boundary game space and not bump into stuff with the headset on.
I can tell that the quest 2 has a better screen than the first one. It’s just so immersive. I want one to give to a friend, since we can’t hang out much right now.
I think the Oculus Quest 2 opens the doors to so many gamers and tech lovers alike. It makes virtual reality easily accessible and affordable for people who would otherwise not consider entering the world of VR. I would love to share my Quest 2 experience with my twitch and YouTube community by streaming with it and making a video showcasing it. Thank you for your consideration.
Quest 2 has a lighter build, better strap management and I love that it has oculus link which should decrease the latencies a lot compared to wireless. I will use it for both gaming and to watch movies and stuff on different streaming services.
I love the smaller form factor and portability!
I love that this is wireless and would use it for gaming. Cheers!
I NEED TO SOCIALIZE!! I’ve been working from home since april
VR is the future. It’s great for it to be so accessible to everyone. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the virtual immersion of being in a game.
I love that this doesn’t need anything and is a standalone product. Perfect for gaming imho!
Surround gaming at its best! Would love to own one!
Insanely cool! Would love to have it to play games!
Tether-less, yet tetherable. First game to get for me, would be Beat Saber.
wireless and price are amazing lol mostly for games
The wore free aspect is the most compelling, as well as the better screen resolution. Would mainly use for gaming.
The Quest 2’s functionality and use is way better than the first. The specs is just a direct upgrade, and would be a great VR console to have in the home.
The feeling of reality surrounding
Games
Would like to try out some cord free VR gaming for sure.
I love the design and the fact you can play anywhere. I would use it mostly for gaming.
The Oculus Quest 2 is great because it is stand-alone without cables. I would use it for games
I’m probably that rare person who will use one of these for Games and for Work. Nothing feels quite as cyberpunk as having a remote desktop and a terminal floating in VR. 😀
Being able to show family gaming in a different world has been amazing.
No wires and use it for gaming
I love that the Oculus Quest 2 has no tether. I will use it for gaming.
I love that the oculus quest 2 makes vr much more accessible for the masses. I have always wanted a vr set up but am not at a point in my life where I can spend 2k+ on a good vr set up. I am excited for the quest 2 because of MYST and experimental games such as The Under Presents! I think the Quest 2 will push other companies to make their systems more affordable and accessible. Good for vr!
Gaming of course. Who wouldn’t use this to explore new worlds?
I would love to have one to play racing games in VR!
My favorite part of the quest 2 is no pc/wires needed, but it still gives you the option to utilize a pc by offering the link cable. I feel like i would use it for everything it has to offer, games, maybe some movies, and any vr related immersive experience i could come across.
I love the Oculus quest because it’s a compact wireless package that can still deliver a very good VR experience. I would use it mostly for gaming but watching movies in vr sounds like a super cool experience too
What do I love about Oculus Quest 2 ? 7 words – Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge. What my wife love’s about it is that she can just leave me in the spare bedroom and not worry too much…
I would definitely use it for the social applications and games for my son. Being in lockdown has definitely taken a toll and this could help.
I would definitely use it for the social applications. Being in lockdown has definitely taken a toll and this could help
I love that the Quest 2 lets you visit incredible locations around the world. I’d use it to explore Angkor Wat!
This would be amazing! To explore and play this way is next level
I like that the Oculus Quest 2 is a portable, standalone product.
I would love to use it for games: THE WALKING DEAD: SAINTS AND SINNERS and POPULATION: ONE looks so fun.
I would love to win one of these gifts, I could have so much fun and forget about all the sadness of the world for just a few minutes!
Locking the device behind a Facebook login is problematic but jailbreaking should solve that.
I’d love for it to have NFL live seating!!!! That’s flipping cool!
Me and my sons had the psvr and had a terrible time with all the cords. Ive been reviewing the oculus 2 and see that everything we didn’t like about the psvr was solved in this model plus so many other bonus features! I would love to have this be a family gift for us this Christmas!!!
I love that this thing is wireless and doesn’t require a high end PC to run. I definetly use it for gaming.
I love the immersion of the Occulus Quest 2. I have never before felt as though I was being transported to real, living, breathing world. You have to experience it to believe it! The first time I tried my brother’s Occulus I physically jumped a couple of feet while playing a game because the experience appeared so real!
I like that you can display what you’re seeing in the headset directly on the Oculus app or compatible TV. I would use the Oculus for gaming.
I love the Oculus’ wireless capability and my boys would definitely flip out if they were to use it for gaming!
I love the portability of it, no longer stuck to a cable. And I would love to use it to explore the world which we can’t do right now physically but we can virtually
Great review Dave. Wish there was a way you could’ve shown us what you were seeing. Does the oculus have that capability? I would love to get my hands on one to tryout the games, especially the rollercoaster.
The Oculus Quest 2 is portable, which is awesome to hear. We love gaming as a family and would love to try VR gaming on the go.
My mom and dad are always busy either taking care of my grandma with cancer or at work. Gaming is the only thing to keep me busy. If I win I would use it for gaming.
I’m sure my kids would absolutely love it! Love the fact that it’s wireless.
I have been wanting an occulus since they first came out! I have played one once at a friend’s house and it is by far the best gaming experience ever! I have played every gaming system since atari. Lol. Including the old Jaguar, sega cd, sega saturn, Nintendo switch, psp, etc! But the occulus quest 2 BEATS EVERYTHING AND I WOULD BE FOREVER GRATEFUL TOO WIN!:):):):)
I don’t know what I’d do if I won one? Iv never won anything in any contest ever, I don’t even know what VR is like. I’d be totally Wowed and trip out
I love the wireless and portability of the Quest. Would be great to help bring it to friends’ places in the future so we can have fun watching each other flail about. I would love to play Beat Saber watching roommates and friends flail about, haha.
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