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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Love the compact size and that it is wireless. Ideal for gaming with no wires to impede.
The Oculus Quest 2 looks like it would be amazing for nature videos, giving you a completely immersive experience. Also the nerd in me is pretty jazzed about Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge, and Star Wars Squadrons looks absolutely stunning!
I love the high resolution in a compact & easy to use package. And I’d use it to “travel” since it will be a while until we can travel in real live again …
I love that the headset is lightweight, minimal, and, most importantly, comfortable, yet it still performs great
So cool that you can play games from your PC through the headset! Would definitely use it for gaming.
Love the lack of cables! Works definitely use it for a more immersive gaming experience. Great little device!
Gaming
I love the feature of no hook ups at all. I just put it on and I am ready to go. I would use it for gaming for sure.
The lightweight feature makes this great for my gaming at home.
What I love is that you can hear in all directions with built-in speakers that deliver cinematic 3D positional audio. I would use it for gaming.
I love the amazing immersive experience. I would definitely use it to watch movies and feel like I am in the theatres.
I love its blazing-fast processor and highest-resolution display. I would use it for gaming.
I like that it is wireless. Virtual walk-throughs and simulations are some uses that I am interested in.
VR looks amazing, as i use to be an avid gamer so id love to have a vr system.
I like the wireless feature and would love to lose myself in a movie
I personally love how the Oculus Quest 2 increases immersion and I would definitely use it for gaming.
I definitely love the fact that it’s wireless. Perfect for enjoying a great film!
Fantastic display + positional audio. I think I’d use it for films/videos!
Looks like fun! I would use it to watch movies.
Would love to win a OQ2, it being wireless and using inside out tracking means I can use it in our open basement space. had the DK2 and CV1, enjoyed both alot, but had to remodel the computer space so I don’t have time or room for them anymore. An OQ2 would be great to keep trying out the new VR expiences for me, the wife and my 9yr old.
Portability. Watch movies
I love how easy the set up is – So even people who aren’t technologically savvy can set it up! I would love to watch my Friday night movies on this!
wireless feature of the Oculus Quest 2. Gaming is how i would use it.
Wireless is useful and no need for room sensors!
I am new to VR, but it seems that this Oculus headset would be user-friendly. I would like to try music in VR.
I would love to try VR with this Oculus headset. It would be interesting to have some sightseeing experiences, or be immersed in a music concert.
Love that the Oculus Quest 2, is wireless, we would use it for gaming, but i am sure we would also use it for movies.
Love that it is wireless! Would totally help me to escape in a concert or movie!
I like that there’s no PC or console needed. I’d be using this for gaming.
Being wireless this would be great for gaming!
Love that its wireless and want to try out Beat Saber and Vader Immortal
I would gift this to my son who has been working hard in virtual school from home. This would make his Christmas! I would imagine he would be use it to game non-stop!!
I’d use this for gaming! I’d like to try Beat saber!
My favorite feature is that it is wireless, It would be great to try playing games!
The screen resolution sounds amazing, I’d like to try watching Netflix on this!
I have a PSVR and frankly the best feature for the Oculus Quest 2 64GB VR Headset with Touch Controllers is the wireless feature! Nothing worse than getting tangled up in VR! Gotta use if for gaming on Steam!
I love that the Quest 2 is wireless and that it’s lighter.Also the IPD adjustments. I would use the Quest for some work, to get more steps in in my days and to play games With my son.
It’s awesome that it can do up to 90hz refresh. It would make gaming much smoother.
I love the highest-resolution display of the Oculus Quest 2 and would use it for watching movies.
I love that it is wireless so I can use it for gaming
I like the fact that it’s wireless, and I’d use it for movies.
I love the wireless feature, and I’d use it for movies.
I love that it is wireless so I can use it to watch movies comfortably
I like that it is wireless. Would use for movies.
I love that its light and wire free. My family and I would primarily use it for games, but there is so much to explore.. .
The fact that it’s wireless is super convenient! I would love to use this to watch a live concert and feel like I’m really there!!! I miss concerts! Would love to win this
Love the lightweight headset for watching movies
I have never tried VR but would like to try it with movies
I love the fact that it is wireless and I will use it with my cousins for virtual gaming!
Definitely interested this for gaming. The wireless feature is amazing.
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