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 love that the Quest 2 can be used as a standalone headset, with the option to connect it to a computer or console.

    It’ll be perfect for my wife to play VR games like Beat Saber and Walking Dead, and for me to play sim racing like Assetto Corsa and Dirt Rally 2!

  2. Oculus can help keep my family connected, and entertained during these insane covid days. That’s what I love most about it – incredible technology that will help my kids keep moving, stand up for once, and expand their creativity and horizons. For my 9yr old son, his dream is to build VR games, so what better way to provide opportunities for his future, while giving me some much needed mommy time!

  3. What I like about the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset is that it is wireless and that you don’t need a pc to use this headset is really amazing.
    I would use it for movie watching and gaming.

  4. The wireless capabilities are beyond what I thought VR could be in the beginning of the vr days. I’d like to try some zombie games, but I’d really like to try a movie theater and watch Tenet! Thanks!!

  5. What an amazing item!!! I would use this to ‘see’ amazing sites all over the world that I can’t travel to.. soooo cool. Love that it’s wireless & you don’t need a computer to use. The resolution quality is also fantastic.. really great piece of equipment..

  6. I love how it’s set a new standard for vr and will encourage improvement in the industry

    I will use it to connect with my family who I’ve had to leave for military and to help entertain me in my room

  7. Really love the all in one headset. No need to set up. Plan to check out lots of VR games and experiences. Alternatively would also add VR to part of indoor workout now that most of the time will be spent at home.

  8. I love that it can play games without a PC, but also act as a PCVR headset when you want it to. The flexibility is amazing!

    I will use it for gaming purposes, both standalone and PCVR

  9. I love how the Oculus Quest 2 is wireless! Some games I would love to try out are Arizona Sunshine, and Beat Saber!

  10. I love the whole concept of the quest 2. You can move left and right battling a wizard to slicing threw notes to the music all in your own home! I would love to share something like this to my family.

  11. I’d probably use it to try out some of the games I’ve been looking at and I’m excited to see how my dad reacts when I put it on him if I get it

  12. As a parent of 2 young kids during these tough times, I think the thing that excited me most about vr and the quest 2 in particular is that we could use it to better the children’s distance education experience. It would be a dynamic and fun way to get beyond these 4 walls and explore the world. I am sure they would love the gaming, but I would love feeling like they have access to better learning tools.

  13. I love that it’s standalone and wireless, and will definitely be using it to play co-op games with my friend when i convince him to grab one!

  14. I love that this headset supports 90hz. And how it’s lighter than the Quest 1. If for some strange reason I actually won this, I would play Beat Saber mostly. I’d also play some vader immortal dojo and some other games.

    As soon as another company comes out with a decent self contained headset though, I would buy that and get rid of the quest. I really hate Facebook’s invasion of privacy, censoring, anti competitive practices, etc.

  15. I love the multi-player functionality and the pure versatility of playing wireless or using steam vr. Also the controllers are incredibly well designed and the sensors really add to immersion. I would use it to play games and watch movies and TV with my father, who already has a quest 2. Our love for VR has really brought us together.

  16. I would love to try using VR sculpting software with it to make toys for my kids. It’s great that it is wireless though, you could pull off some crazy moves in beatsaber or super hot!

  17. I love the Quest 2s lightweight design and technological improvements over the Quest 1. I’m a developer and would use it to help bring my game design projects to life!

  18. I love the stand alone wireless and the simplicity of the quest 2.

    I plan to use it to play Myst when it comes out. Until then probably Beat Saber.

  19. The completely wireless feature of this is definitely the most appealing. Just being able to take it anywhere and use with family and friends would be amazing. I would also probably use the PCVR aspect of this as well, since I do have a decent computer and I here’s 3D movies look great on VR.

  20. I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is wireless but can also connect to a PC to provide more powerful processing. I would use it primarily for gaming.

  21. I love the resolution, the portability and the tethering options of the Quest 2.
    My pic will run VR but being able to take it with me and show people how amazing it is, is great. The exclusive games are also great, from what I hear but yet to experience first hand.

    I would use this primarily for gaming but also watching movies

  22. Would use it for gaming and want to play population one and Star Wars. Also think my kids would love Beat Sabre. Love the face that it is fully wireless.

  23. An experience you won’t forget.
    If you get a chance to try it don’t miss out.

    A feeling of being in the game.

  24. My favourite thing about the worst two definitely has to be the wireless aspect! And it would be used for gaming and family entertainment

  25. What I love about the Oculus Quest 2 is that it is a stand alone device and doesn’t need any other equipment.
    I would definitely use it to watch movies because I am a big movie buff.

  26. Wireless and 64GB storage are very useful, not only gaming freely but you can also make your own cinema screen and enjoy a movie! The possibilities only expand, and I love that fact

  27. I love that you don’t need a separate gaming device or PC.
    We would use it for exercise and trying new experiences.

  28. I love the accessibility and freedom the quest 2 provides, with it’s portability and access. I would be giving it as a gift to my brother who loves gaming and film, and talks about the quest 2 nonstop!

  29. I love that it is wireless, but can still be tethered for games that need more sauce.

    I want to play the Climb 2!

  30. First of all I’m so excited that the Quest is wireless, lightweight, and portable! I hope to both play a ton of Pop. One as well as bring it to friends houses to let them experience the magic too!

  31. Love so much about this. Stand alone, wireless, the functionality. I’d love to obviously play video games on the Oculus but also, “visiting” other places from my home and the experience of watching movies on it are very intriguing

  32. 1.) I love that the Oculus Quest 2 is wireless

    2.) I am definitely excited to use it for gaming. The possibilities are endless . Star wars anyone?

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