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 that is is wireless and can operate in stand alone mode. I’d use it for games and work
90hz refresh is nice to see in this headrest. Can’t wait until it’s rolled out.
I like that you’ll be able to use it wirelessly and with an optional cable for enhanced graphics. Best of both worlds, really.
We would have a blast with Oculus
Wow, awesome review! Being wireless is definitely the best part about the product. Woukd use it for gaming mainly but I also want to explore using it as a productivity tool.
Its the future of vr and would use it for gaming
Wireless is key. I would use it for games and entertainment, though I bet some of the education possibilities would be great for my daughter. Also there are a couple of cool vr meeting apps I would try to replace Zoom
I love that it is wireless. I’ll use it for gaming with my son.
I bought one for my mother and the immersion is incredible, I would love to be able to play with her.
Tried this for the first time yesterday! I love the unique interactiveness and visuals. Would give as a gift to my boyfriend!
I like that it has no wires. I would use it for fitness games probably
I love the fact that it’s wireless and also being able to play PCVR games using Oculus Link. You get to have both a mobile headset for light gaming or movie watching, and the power of PCVR games also.
Wired headsets were a barrier for me. This being wireless makes it very tempting. I want to use it primarily for fitness games such as Beat Sabre and Oh Shape.
I love that it’s wireless. I would use it for Squadrons!
I can’t believe this thing is real. The complete lack of wires blows me away! I’d love to try gaming on it
Oculus is a great to get kids engaged in an interactive environment that is different from handheld gaming….especially kids with special needs.
My son uses this at vision therapy and loves it! Having one at home will be fun and engaging for all.
I love that it’s light weight, easy to use and good for all ages.
I would love to play games in VR and my son would too! He is also interested in Blender 3d and hopes to make 3D games himself. Please enter me in the draw.
I love that this is wireless and light! I would use this for movies and my son would use it for gaming!
The graphics here are incredible! I had the opportunity to try one and now I have to have it! My boys would love this to play games like Beat Saber. The VR videos are amazing. I tried a roller coaster one and it was like I right there!
I love how dynamic and creative the gameplay as well as other functions are with the quest 2!
I like that it’s a stand alone system. I would use it for gaming.
I would use the Oculus Quest 2 for gaming. I have a PSVR, but I am so excited to try out the wireless nature of the Quest 2.
I like that the whole family can use it
But especially my son who has been so amazing with his school during this challenging time. We would mainly use it for gaming during our family game nights.
I like highest-resolution display, for gaming
I love the portability of this! I would love to play games and movies on this.
I love that it’s completely standalone. I would use it for gaming and watching movies in a virtual big screen!
I like that it’s a stand-alone product. My kids would love playing games on it!
I am an indie developer and would love to develop games for the Oculus. What is amazing is the fact the Oculus Quest 2 has the highest resolution of headsets and no longer requires being connected to an expensive pc.
I really like that it’s wireless. I have a different VR headset that has a wire, and it makes it complicated. I’m with you on the why does it need to connect to facebook question. That’s an odd choice.
I’d use it for gaming.
I love the fact that it is truly wireless and portable! I want to play games mostly, but also make others experience what VR is.
It’d be for my son. He’s that same age I was when I got my N64, it’s amazing to see how far games have come.
Rythym games and Netflix are what it’ll get used for mostly. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that biting into VR horror didn’t excite me.
I love how you can use it completely wireless, I would mainly use it for gaming.
1. No tether is my favourite feature
2. I would use it to play video games – I would have to play Skyrim …. again
I would give the Oculus Quest 2 t0 my two teenage grandkids. They are into movies and gaming and I expect them to use it for both.
I mean there’s a lot to love about this headset. As an original Vive owner I can say I am absolutely floored by how well this thing performs. Less than 5 years ago VR hit the scene and was great but felt like there were a lot of challenges that the VR space needed to solve for. I thought it would be 10+ years for the industry to get through those problems but the Quest 2 solves the vast majority of my issues.
With a higher resolution than the original Vive and a now higher refresh rate this headset feels like a first rate PC headset. The ability to play it without the PC makes it perfect to bring to family gatherings (when we can get back to those) and really get to see folks first VR experience. And then to top it all off you can tether it to your PC (or if you do a bit of tinkering you can wirelessly link to your PC) and experience all the AAA titles there.
This headset has really blown my expectations for where VR is going to go in the next 5 years. All we need now is a halfway decent omni-directional treadmill.
It’s standalone but at the same time, you can plug it in a powerful PC for high res content. I would love to use the oculus to create a travel or music app that will leverage these capabilities.
Wire free and awesome vr games.
An untethered, well performing experience is something I think is what the best thing that the Quest 2 has to offer over any other headsets. I’d use it for gaming on the go and being able to easily bring around the VR system without needing to be stuck to a wall outlet and PC. It would be amazing to also share with family and friends who would get the best possible experience of what VR has to offer today.
I love how lightweight the Oculus Quest 2 is and I will use it mostly for movies 🙂
I would love to try this will my gf’s daughter. She hasn’t tried anything like vr yet. We just got her playing a couple consoles and a 3ds. (Which she thinks the 3d option is just amazing! Lol)
Love that its portable.
Gonna use it to work out at home.
i like that it can be connected to a PC with an extra cable. i would play every VR-capable game in my Steam library!
The Oculus Quest 2 is revolutionary.
For the 1st time, affordable high-end VR experiences is available, but not just any VR experience, a WIRELESS VR experience; thanks to the stand-alone/mobile design with inside-out tracking and a near 4K display, Quest 2 makes for a truly immersive experience. Being reasonably priced for the featureset and build quality, Quest 2 is pushing VR to mainstream and enthusiast alike. Without requiring a PC/console to utilize the Quest 2, a casual will still be immersed in wireless VR experience; while the enthusiast can link their Quest to a VR ready PC via Oculus Link (wired)/Virtual Desktop (wireless), to experience more premium VR games and or to experience favourite non-VR games in VR with 3D conversion apps such as VorpX/Tridef3D.
Either way, for the casual or enthusiast, when on the go, Quest 2 is also portable. For example:
Stuck in an airport due to pandemic layovers?
Just find an empty area, jump into VR.
Not feeling the on-board flight entertainment?
Watch your own films/shows in a virtual cinema with the Skybox app, where you can resize/position the cinema screen however you like.
Casual/enthusiast, homebody/vagabond, gamer/couch-potato, introvert/extrovert; Quest 2 has something for everyone. Especially so with its every growing library of VR experiences.
Personally, I’d not only enjoy anime/film/series within a virtual cinema, I’d experience the various realities Oculus has to offer; just after a new episode of The Mandalorian on the largest virtual cinema my eyes can handle, feeling ‘the way’, I’d jump into Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge to actually experience the Star Wars universe in VR. The same can be said for The Walking Dead series and the VR game The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. Though, I’ve friends who still game ‘traditionally’, so I’d have to experience Destiny 2/Elder Scrolls Online in VR with 3D conversion from VorpX/Tridef3D, to keep up with the lads. I’m also an aspiring concept/VFX artist, the ability to 3D sculpt/model in VR would be an asset to building my portfolio; manipulating objects in 3D virtual space with hands would increase workflow speed immensely, rather than doing so on a 2D screen, it’s simply more organic.
From gaming to entertainment to art/production, the Quest 2 would be an invaluable investment as an all-in-one device.
Will use it for gaming. Standalone is the most important feature.
Oculus’ Quest 2 is revolutionary.
For the 1st time, affordable high-end VR experiences is available, but not just any VR experience, a WIRELESS VR experience; thanks to the stand-alone/mobile design with inside-out tracking and a near 4K display, Quest 2 makes for a truly immersive experience. Being reasonably priced for the featureset and build quality, Quest 2 is pushing VR to mainstream and enthusiast alike. Without requiring a PC/console to utilize the Quest 2, a casual will still be immersed in wireless VR experience; while the enthusiast can link their Quest to a VR ready PC via Oculus Link (wired)/Virtual Desktop (wireless), to experience more premium VR games and or to experience favourite non-VR games in VR with 3D conversion apps such as VorpX/Tridef3D.
Either way, for the casual or enthusiast, when on the go, Quest 2 is also portable. For example:
Stuck in an airport due to pandemic layovers?
Just find an empty area, jump into VR.
Not feeling the on-board flight entertainment?
Watch your own films/shows in a virtual cinema with the Skybox app, where you can resize/position the cinema screen however you like.
Casual/enthusiast, homebody/vagabond, gamer/couch-potato, introvert/extrovert; Quest 2 has something for everyone. Especially so with its every growing library of VR experiences.
Personally, I’d not only enjoy anime/film/series within a virtual cinema, I’d experience the various realities Oculus has to offer; just after a new episode of The Mandalorian on the largest virtual cinema my eyes can handle, feeling ‘the way’, I’d jump into Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge to actually experience the Star Wars universe in VR. The same can be said for The Walking Dead series and the VR game The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. Though, I’ve friends who still game ‘traditionally’, so I’d have to experience Destiny 2/Elder Scrolls Online in VR with 3D conversion from VorpX/Tridef3D, to keep up with the lads. I’m also an aspiring concept/VFX artist, the ability to 3D sculpt/model in VR would be an asset to building my portfolio; manipulating objects in 3D virtual space with hands would increase workflow speed immensely, rather than doing so on a 2D screen, it’s simply more organic.
From gaming to entertainment to art/production, the Quest 2 would be an invaluable investment as an all-in-one device.
Would love to get one for my brother for xmas, the portability is great.
I love that it’s a device that doesn’t need anything else to work. You dont need pc or any weird cables.
I would be using it for gaming of course, but I am also game developer (unity) so I would definitely start some new project for oculus quest based on android. With android there comes lot of limitations – shaders, posprocessing etc, so its definitely little bit tricky, but that just means more fun.
I love that it doesn’t require a beefy desktop rig. I simply can’t justify that kind of investment.
I also love that it’s untethered. It would be such a joy to play in VR in any room anywhere without worrying about wires getting tangled.
I would use this for gaming, and as a software developer I am also curious to play around with what I could make for it.
no tether, no attached cable . I want to play half-life alyx
I love how it’s wireless. This is a lot more convenient than having to use a cable at all times.
The freedom of wireless VR must be amazing, but I’ve never experienced it before. I’d especially love to get into a racquet sport game simulating squash or tennis, not just for the fun but for the fitness too. It would be a dream come true to win this Oculus contest!
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