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 the oculus quest and would give it to a family member 🙂
So interested in trying something new!! Video Games and movies!!
I love the portability, and would use it for gaming.
Portable gaming experience.
Never experienced VR so would love to get it
Would love it for gaming
I love the wireless and immersive experience
I’d love to carry on gaming on the Quest 2. I have the original, but the boost to resolution and refresh rate make this really tempting!
This would be perfect for my partner and I to play while we’re holed up in the winter. I’m most excited for Eleven: Table Tennis VR, and she would love to play Beatsaber and Audioshield!
I would use it as a way to do things virtually that I can’t do right not because of covid. Such as hanging out with people in social apps and seeing new places
Love that it’s a wireless immersive experience! For gaming and movies!
Would use it to play Beat Saber with my family… When we will be authorized to ! I wonder why they enforced the use of a Facebook account… They want to spy the insides of our homes ?
Love the review, wish me luck, I hope I can get an oculus quest 2 one day and experience immersive gaming and movies!
the Oculus is wireless and self contained, plus 64GB of storage is a lot, as much as a lot of cellphones now. I would use for gaming,
Oh my goodness when I saw this I just had to enter. My partner’s son is bananas about VR and talks everyday about wanting a quest 2. I know it would absolutely blow his mind if he won this. He’s a super deserving kid.
I love the wireless aspect to truly game in VR without cords or tangles
Wires be gone. Finally VR that truly feels free
Can be used wirelessly! Gaming for sure.
I like the lightweight aspect of this. Having tried a couple I find I have to stop after 10-15 mins due to the weight. I would use this to submerge myself in another world when my husband is annoying me
I love that its portable.
I will use it for gaming.
I like that it is wireless. I’ll be using it for gaming.
I’d be using it to play beat saber with family and friends. And to replace my original oculus quest that I lost to a flood and haven’t been able to afford to replace.
I love that it is wireless and I would use it to watch movies
I would love to be able to play some games on this baby, have always wanted VR since I was a wee little lad.
I’d use it mostly for gaming but will obviously check out what else it has to offer. I like how it’s a stand alone unit so it’s more portable.
It’s so awesome that it’s fully wireless. I’ll probably try to get good at the rhythm games since that’s what interests me most right now
I will give this Quest 2 to my brother who has been in a battle with cancer since June. He really wants to try VR and this would be perfect. Thanks.
I will use it for gaming of course and I like the the standalone nature of the headset. Just as the author though I dislike the mandatory Facebook login.
I hope to experiment with tilt brush and quill in pushing my artistic skills.
The quest 2 gives me the flexibility to not compromise on location for the best experience and avoid the tangles feeling of being wired for the most liberating experience, while being able to plug-in and experience the best quality when i need ot.
Love this device, I would need multiples one to play with my kids 🙂
I love that it has a higher resolution display and would use it to watch movies
I love oculus and would like to upgrade from the cv1 but don’t have enough money I would use it to play with friends
I’m excited to finally have VR that is easy to use! I’m looking forward to gaming!
I am most excited to use the Quest 2 during quarantine for exercise and entertainment. I think it’s great that it’s wireless and there are lota of different games to choose from. You can even watch Netflix and YouTube.
The wireless feature is definitely great. With this version I would play games and exercise a lot at the same time. Main use would be for gaming but I would still like to try looking at movies too. This version seems much better then the PlayStation version since I can pick a place far from my TV (and other breakable things) to play.
I love that the Oculus is wireless and self contained, plus 64GB of storage is a lot, as much as a lot of cellphones now. I would use for gaming, and seeing the future of gaming as VR gets better and better.
Love it because it’s wireless!
I love how the Oculus Quest 2’s specs got upgraded and that it’s portable.
I will be using it play some cool VR games and test out some facebook VR compatible features.
It’s wireless?
I will use it for exercise!
Contest entry: I love that it’s wireless. That cable always annoyed me while using other VR headsets. I’m going to use it to hopefully get my girlfriend more into gaming and a ton of Beat Saber. Winning this would be a pretty sweet Christmas gift!
I love that its portable.
I will use it for gaming.
What I love about the Oculus Quest 2 is the major improvement over the Quest 1. Higher resolution, higher refresh rate, better graphics and processing, better price. Pretty much, everything has drastically improved in the Oculus Quest 2.
definitely hooking this up to my pc and taking full advantage of the oculus link feature which just came out of beta to play some desktop vr games.
Wired VR is the best VR.
This is awesome to keep active in the house. I already have one, but if I win this one I’ll give it to a friend !
What I really like about the oculus is the higher resolution, and the freedom of a standalone VR headset. I can see me playing the new Half life for sure.
The thing I love about the Oculus Quest 2 is the portability of it – I don’t need a pc or console to connect or use it!
I would use it mostly for gaming.
This is awesome to keep active in the house. I already have one, but if I win this one I’ll give it to a friend !
I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is wireless, and I’d use it mainly for fitness type games like Beat Saber. Thanks!
I love that it makes VR so accessible. I want to try playing games on it
Would love to use it to give wireless VR a shot, will for sure be using it to game and watch movies in bigscreen
Love the idea of both wireless and link capable in one headset. I’ve held off trying VR at home because there wasn’t a good blended solution, but Quest 2 seems to be a big jump in the right direction.
Exciting the Oculus Quest 2, Thanks
contest entry:
I love the design of it aesthetically, and the immersiveness of the experience. I think that flying games would be the best experience to try with it! But shooters would also be very exciting!
contest entry:
Easy.
What I love is the sleek design and minimal impact to the user while wearing it (ie strain on neck etc), what I would use it for is also an easy choice – I don’t think any type of game can benefit more than a flight combat game! I’d love to try star wars squadrons for example.
I love the freedom of being wireless and will be playing games, watching tv and movies, and excited for Facebook Horizon.
Comments are closed.