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
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I love how the new Quest 2 is wireless and standalone. It represents the next generation of entertainment. I would primarily use it to game, but also to watch TV shows, movies, and explore the VR World.
I like that the video passthrough allows you to see your surroundings even with the headset on. That would make me more comfortable using it and I also like it has cameras and not sensors. I would use it to watch movies over the holidays.
I love that it is a totally stand alone product. I would use it to watch movies.
I’d use the Oculus primarily for entertainment and also as an aid in exploring the VR world.
I like that the headset is light and portable. I would use it to watch movies.
Love the idea of being completely wireless, honestly I’d probably mostly watch movies with it after my wife falls asleep!
Love that it’s a stand-alone product! This would be great for traveling! (When we can, of course).
Really cool that it’s a complete standalone system. Would love to escape reality for a bit and play some awesome games.
I love that no console/pc is necessary— first time realizing this is is a standalone product!
The Oculus Quest 2 is a self-contained portable VR system and I would use it to play games..
Oculus2 VR is the best way to experience an immersive gaming and movie/tv watching experience. It reminds me of Ready Player One and the Oaisis. What could be better than that. The best way to escape reality and leave the troubles of 2020 behind.
Totally wireless is a great feature to finally give VR games a try!
Gaming would be the number 1 use, and it being wireless is the best thing about it.
I love the fact that it’s wireless. The reason I don’t play my PSVR hardly ever is that it is such a chore to set up and use. The wires make everything so cumbersome and unenjoyable.
I love that this is a stand alone device! I would use this for gaming
The oculus 2 looks really cool! I really like how portable it is! My son has played his friends and loves it!
Total immersion, to play games!
I love how portable it is!
I would primarily use this for games, but if I could watch live Canucks games like I was actually in the arena I would be all over that!
My grandchildren would enjoy this on their visits. They sure would after 15 min, of talking to grand parents….
Entertainment fun for the kids,
My grandson would enjoy very much. I think it would be educational.
My son would be over the moon if he won this. His every waking moment is filled with talk about VR and everything related. He wants to play games and also would love to learn to program games in Virtual Reality. It is great that it works without a computer! Please enter me in the draw.
I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is wireless. I would use it for gaming!
we would be gaming with it and we love how we can take it anywhere we go, keep the kids and nephew and niece occupied for a long time
Gaming all the way! My kid would lose it if I brought this home
Great reivew thanks!
I bought the Quest 1 just before this one was announced so would love to try the new features for gaming
I enjoy the emersiveness of the stand-alone headset as well as how fun the titles are. I would use this for gaming
Woah. I’ve always been interested in VR headsets but there was a lot about them that seemed inaccessible. I love that this one is wireless and doesn’t need a console/PC. “Accessibility and comfort”, awesome. Would love to experiment with the custom boundaries for art making!
My son would love to game with this and will appreciate that it is wireless
thats its light weight and comfortable. Would love playing with the kids
I would like to try out the Oculus Quest 2 device. I had seen an original Quest, and was impressed by its inside-out positioning. I expect that the tracking is slightly improved on the Quest 2. I think the ease of using a Quest 2 device, including its relatively low price should help it gain more adoption. I am personally interested to see how the various improvements in the hardware result in a better experience. I also hope that more software development interest is spurred by this new device.
Love the ability to set boundaries so easily! This would come in very handy for gaming, which is likely how I would use it most!
best of all it’s extremely portable and it looks awesome!
My sons would love VR gaming
I love that it’s easy to set up and that you can take it anywhere!
Love that it is wireless and that the product can stand on its own. Will use for gaming
The boundary system and I’d use it for gaming.
Awesome that this beast runs all alone. Can’t wait to play some Resident Evil on this bad boy!
I love that it is wireless, comfortable and easy to use. I would use it for gaming
Admittedly, I didn’t know much about the Oculus before reading this article, but what I did know was that my daughter asked if Santa was going to be making ‘extra” Oculus Quests for the holidays. What I would love most about one would be the ability to give it to her.
Would be most stoked to create memories whilst playing games with her on the Oculus.
I love that you don’t need a PC or console to run it. I would use it to check out live concerts without fear of covid.
I would love to keep learning about the technology as a newbie XR enthusiast and build solutions using VR for good.
I am currently learning more about healthcare use cases of VR and how we can use VR to overcome some of the toughest challenges out there.
Since I am so late to the party of XR world, Quest with its latest tech comes as the right device even for a beginner. Also, Quest being a standalone it is just perfect for enjoying while learning.
Kudos team !!
I love the portability and would use it for gaming!
No more cords!!!
Gaming
This is my entry for the Oculus Quest 2 contest from Best Buy.
I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is a completely standalone product, with no PC or console necessary. I will use the Oculus Quest 2 for movies.
I think it’s awesome what the Quest 2 offers at it’s price point, and believe it will help push VR even further into the mainstream. I’d love to play some FPS’s and some cool social games on it.
This is my entry for the Oculus Quest 2 contest from Best Buy.
I love the Oculus Quest 2’s PC VR functionality via Oculus Link. I will use the Oculus Quest 2 for movies.
Love the wireless part and the games look awesome. I would love to see my kids swinging their arms around in the basement
Love the wireless part and the games look awesome. I would love to see my kids swinging their arms around in the basement
I think the Oculus 2 will lead the VR experience. It should also make the rest of the VR manufacturers to lower their price. I would definitely use it for gaming.
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