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 is on the cutting edge of technology and shaping the future of gaming and I would use it for gaming.
Ii love that it has the option to go wireless. Will be playing games with my kids.
Love the wireless VR capabilities and would lLOVE to travel the world …virtually!!
I hate Facebook and everything they’ve done to this but I love everything about this tech so I will make a Facebook account pretender to be splinter looking for love online. Hope I win. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love that it’s wireless and I would use it to play games
I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is so portable. I would use it mostly for gaming!
I love that it’s wireless and I would be using it to watch movie and some gaming!
Wow! The resolution and refresh rate would make it really immersive I’m sure. The Quest 2 seems like a great device to freely explore new places while I’m stuck at home this christmas. Maybe some Star Wars games!
I’ve only tried the Oculus Rift, but am excited to see the next generation of VR. Would love to fully immerse myself in some horror games!
It would be so cool to be in the world like ready player one have your fantasies become reality.
Would love to try the new half life Alyx with the oculus link and also have my daughter try some games using hand tracking, something anyone can play a game using
I love the fact that the Oculus Quest 2 is wireless
And
I will use it to help my paraplegic friend experiences new worlds !
Would love to try the new half life Alyx via oculus link and also have my daughter try some games using hand tracking, something anyone can play a game using
Great review! The wireless feature has made VR at home or on the road the real deal!
I would want to try watching a movie, video games or exploring a new travel spots.
I love Qculus Quest 2 because it doesn’t require you to be hooked up to a computer or console of any kind granting great portability with no pesky wires getting in the way when you play games. I also enjoy the fact that other people can see what you are doing in the game when you cast it even though you are not connected. I would use the Qculus for gaming.
Love the portability along with the fact that it’s wireless and I’d love to do some gaming on it or watch movies/shows with a few friends.
Tried playing squadrons on vr and loved the experience. Would love to use it wirelessly for even more immersive gaming.
I love the fact its a stand alone system. My laptop can game woth no issues but with an on-board graphics card I can’t use the Rift. This is the perfect option for me! I haven’t moved this much all quarantine!
Switching between wireless VR and PCVR with the link cable sounds excellent. I’d like to see how games look in the wireless mode.
I like the wireless feature. It will make getting exercise more fun.
Would love to win Quest 2. Tried a teathered VR last year with my grandkids and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love that the Quest 2 is unteathered and with better resolution and processing speed. I would love to explore apps like Wander and Alcove, try some multiplayer experiences and puzzles like Moss
The increased resolution of the Quest 2 has really got me interested. I’d want to try stand alone VR outside in a backyard (without sun if course) to really get the most out of true wireless freedom.
Would love to win Quest 2. Tried a teathered VR a year ago with my grandkids and loved it. Would love to explore apps like Wander and Alcove unteathered, try some puzzle games and adventures like Moss.
The resolution per eye is a great upgrade from the first version of the Quest platform.
The wireless is what really sells me on this headset. The price for a VR headset is also hard to beat.
I love that it’s wireless and I’d definitely have to try some gaming on it.
I love how it’s wireless and would use this mostly for gaming , movies as well.
Like that it is an wireless VR setup and would like to try gaming in VR.
I love that the Oculus Quest is wireless and I really want it so I can finally play Half Live Alex.
Incredible device, loved the original Oculus quest but had to sell it for financial reasons. I will use it to experience other worlds.
I love the ability to play at 90 Hz and high resolution! I would use it for gaming and development
I think it’s great you don’t need an expensive computer to use the Quest 2. I’d like it to play games, like Population: One
I love the features, the price and the color! Would love one to play Beat Saber!
I love the idea of 360 degrees of gaming freedom and only the Oculus Quest 2 can do that! I would mostly use it for gaming, but I’m also curious about what type of business like apps can be used with the Quest.
I love that Oculus brings a completely unique experience that people of all ages can enjoy. I cant wait to share this with my 70 year old father so he can do something that he would not have thought possible when he was a kid. Is this science? Is it Magic? I think he will agree that it’s a lot of both!
I always wanted a VR headset and the portability and power if the quest 2 really makes it the best vr headset Ali the fact that you can use it with a PC makes it the most versatile be headset available … I will mostly use it for gaming on the go
Like that it is an wireless VR setup and would like to try gaming in VR.
This is my entry for the Oculus Quest 2 contest.
I love the Oculus Quest 2’s easy setup and that neither a PC nor console are necessary for use. I will use the Oculus Quest 2 for gaming.
The option of using it wired and wireless is plain awesome.
Gaming is definitely something I would like to try in VR.
I love that its wireless and i’ll use it for gaming
The specs are impressive at this price. Amazing sims and new realities to explore across multiple stores and sources if you have a capable PC.
I’d use the Quest 2 for safe VR gaming with family and friends who are in other parts of Ontario during this pandemic.
What I love about the Oculud Quest 2 is that my whole family even grandma/grandpa can use. I would use it for virtual tours during Covid shutdown.
I love the extensibility and allowing people to play wirelessly and also try wired for the more graphics heavy games. Such an awesome feature!
Love the realism. Would be fun for gaming
I like that it’s wireless & and would use it for gaming.
I think the Quest 2 presents a really good value. Having built VR applications in the past, I eagerly look forward to the opportunities that more widespread adoption of VR will allow. Specifically, the mobile nature of the Quest 2 will make it easier to share experiences with others, and reduce the resources required to experience modern VR.
Never had a VR headset before. Very interested on the gaming experience. Movies?… Definitely!!!
I love that is a stand alone device. I would use it for gaming.
I love the wireless feature. I would use it for gaming!
The portability and accessibility are what draw me to it, having used the Quest 1 from afriend it’s great to be able to bring it anywhere and just escape covid madness suiting a lunch break by playing some poker or exploring google earth.
The quest 2 is great for the vr industry in general. And the price is quite accessible.
Love it.
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