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 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.

1277 COMMENTS

  1. I appreciate that it’s wireless. I had the opportunity to experience the technology earlier this year and it was amazing!

  2. The fact that it requires no pic to play. In the muskeg of Major renovations and my pc had been in storage for 8 months Already.

    I will be using it for gaming.

  3. This is the system for me. I’ve tried VR a half dozen times at cafes because I can’t afford the staggering PC requirements that go along with other VR headsets. The Quest 2 is powerful enough for what I want out of the experience. Looking forward to this SO much.

  4. My daughters are getting into gaming but have difficulty with controllers sometimes; the hand tracking of the quest 2 would be amazing for them!

  5. I love the fact that it is wireless and it would be such a great experience for my son like no other . To feel like he’s actually in his games would be awesome!

  6. With the increased resolution watching entertainment must be glorious. I would love spending as much time watch 3D movie and 360° experience.

  7. Although I appreciate the simple setup for the Oculus Quest, I think my favorite part is the fact that there are no cables and it’s a stand-alone piece of entertainment.
    Watching movies and shows would be awesome on this.

  8. The wireless feature for the headset would be awesome for gaming. Theyre also working on a feature to use just your hands! Playing beat saber with this wireless would be a dream!

  9. loved using my friends oculus one for gaming. Pavlov is sweet and I’d love the chance to crush him at it.
    The wireless feature sounds unreal!

  10. I need to try this as soon as possible! Imagine transitioning into a whole new world every time you put it on. Amazing.

  11. The Immersive Experience. 90hz update. I will use it for media entertainment. The next step to digital transformation.

  12. No wire, having a second life in a virtual world, like having a second chance…

    I’d love to have one for me but especially for my kids.

    Thanks for the chance.

  13. I love the wireless aspect of the Oculus. I got to try my brother’s set and quickly realized how good this experience if VR is.

  14. I would love to win one for the experience.

    I would play games on it and watch movies since I hear its like watching on a massive screen.

    That sounds amazing.

    Thanks for the chance.

  15. I like how it is wireless. I would like to try vr for all different content but mostly gaming! I have never tried VR would be sweet to try.
    Thanks for the opportunity!

  16. I love the fact that it is wireless, easy to carry, easy to start playing. Cant wait to play VR games

  17. I love the truly wireless experience and how easy it is to use.
    I personally would use it for everything. From games, to exploration, to media, and work.
    Best I would love to share these experiences with my family and friends (with swappable face covers for COVID ease).
    Amazing product !!

  18. I love how the Oculus Quest is wireless and immersive! I have always watched videos on VR experiences and have yet to try one for myself.

  19. I love the immersion that the Oculus Quest provides for gamers. I have always dreamed of VR gaming as a possibility since I was a young boy playing on my PlayStation 1 so to actually experience it for myself would be an absolute dream come true!

  20. I love the whole concept of VR, it’s amazing that the tech has come this far. The Oculus Quest 2 is the stuff of science fiction! I’d use it to play games. 🙂

  21. I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is designed to be used independently and with a PC, making it a good allrounder. I’d use it for gaming and to watch movies.

  22. Between being wireless for convenient setup and wired for more power, it looks like it could be good across the board!
    I would mostly use it for games.

  23. This would be so neat for gaming and love how close you get to being part of the action! What an experience!

  24. I love it for the mobility and i’d use it for games and movies. i do not like the Facebook integration however

  25. Honestly callmekevin has inspired me to get the quest 2, I love the fact that it’s wireless and easy to set up. I will be doing anything and everything I can do with the vr, whether it be watching movies or playing games.

  26. Love the wireless feature! It’ll be strictly movies for me however, my young lad is into gaming so he’ll be hogging the headset too lol

  27. Love the ease of use to get my parents to play as well, will be using it for gaming with them, thousands of kms apart

  28. Really looking forward to trying Star Wars content on this, games and movies!
    I’m also very interested in seeing all the improvements made from the original quest. That was fun already, so anxious to see how much better this is!

  29. Pros of the Quest 2:
    1.) Great value ($459 for the 64 GB Model)
    2.) Excellent specs: high resolution per eye
    3.) Versatility: Wireless and stand-alone but via Oculus Link, can be used as a PC VR headset
    4.) Excellent Content: Vader Immortal and The Room VR are my favorites.

    Cons of the Quest 2:
    1.) Low battery life. Two hours use maximum. Can be expanded with battery pack.
    2.) Original headstrap can be uncomfortable if not properly configured. The swivelling “ear pieces” to which the strap attaches should ideally be angled slightly above horizontal so that the weight of the headset rests on the back of your skull. Angling the straps exactly horizontal does not provide support and shifts all of the weight to your cheeks (painful).

  30. I love that it’s wireless, I can bring it everywhere! I brought my Oculus Quest at my work ans 3 of my collegue bought it! I bought a Quest 2 for my father for Chrismast and I found the Quest 2 more confortable than the Quest 1.
    I will buy a Quest 2 to game with my boyfriend.

  31. Tell us what you love about the Oculus Quest 2 and what you will use it for:

    Plain and simple: Beat saber. Exercising is extremely important, especially now that gyms aren’t open and life puts us inside our apartments for months. I want to take this opportunity to test out a VR and exercise at the same time!

  32. I would love to try the Oculus 2 because it’s tether free. I would use this to stream video games with it. Thank you

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