How good is the Oculus Quest 2 really for a VR experience? Virtual reality has come a long way since 1968, when, believe it or not, the first head-mounted display was created. In the last decade, we have seen the launch of several headsets from reputable companies, but one that stands out from most is the Oculus Quest 2.
However, in an era where new technologies are invented practically every day, one might wonder: has virtual reality progressed so far that it could immerse the players in a virtual world? More importantly, is the Oculus Quest 2 really worth it? Update 18th of June 2022: The Oculus Quest 2 is now called Meta Quest 2. This article was written before this brand change so just so you know that Meta Quest and Oculus Quest are the same product in the real world.
Well, the answer to both is a resounding yes. Boasting a myriad of features and improvements over the original, the Quest 2 is a formidable addition to the VR scene that hits all the check-marks of a premium VR headset.
Standalone headset with flawless desktop integration
One of the most daunting parts of jumping down the VR rabbit hole is the insane hardware requirement. Almost all HMDs require the user to possess a powerful PC to display anything. This is where the Quest 2 shines because it’s completely standalone. Period.
This piece of hardware that is light enough to be strapped onto your head boasts 6 GB of ram and is powered by a Snapdragon XR2 processor. What’s more, the Quest 2 comes in two variants – 64 GB and 256 GB of internal storage – to store any and all of your applications and media. Everything can be configured inside the headset, and you don’t even need a PC to set it up.
Now, consider someone who is experienced with computers and owns a powerful PC. Let’s say that this particular someone wants to use the Quest 2 for rendering everything at a higher resolution and a higher refresh rate. Well, its display has a resolution of 1832 x 1920 per eye (3664 x 1920 in total) and is capable of rendering games at a whooping 120 Hz when paired with a war machine of a PC. Not to mention, it is completely wireless and can stream applications and games from a PC over a Wi-Fi connection.
Ease of access and quality-of-life features
Having an incredibly user-friendly interface is another one of the Quest 2’s strong points as it is extremely simple to set up. With its crisp resolution and excellent hand tracking, it is the ideal choice for newcomers and gaming veterans alike. The high refresh rate ensures that the player won’t experience any sort of motion sickness. Being a standalone device allows it to be portable, which means that you can take it with you wherever you go.
The Cross-Buy feature on the Oculus store allows you to play your favorite games on the Quest 2 in both standalone mode and when linked with a PC without paying for them twice. Plan on heading to your cousin’s place for Christmas and don’t know what to do along the way? Just grab your Quest 2 and game on it for the entire ride.
Ever-expanding library
What truly makes or breaks any hardware is the quality and quantity of software on it. The Quest 2 is no exception, and with a plethora of games like In Death: Unchained, Population: One, and the recently released Resident Evil 4 VR, it has claimed the top spot as one of the pioneers of this new technology.
It already has an enormous library of games, but when paired with a powerful PC, it gets infinitely better. Games like Asgard’s Wrath, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond, and Half-Life Alyx show what makes VR the next big thing.
Even for non-gamers, the VR headset offers tons of applications. You can watch all your favorite 3D movies with SkyboxVR, paint in a 3D virtual space with Tilt Brush, and do 3D modeling with Gravity Sketch, among others.
Low price for premium hardware
Pricing is one of the prime reasons why amateurs and even long-time gamers tend to avoid VR. With the cost of VR headsets ranging from $500 to $1,000, coupled with a high PC specification requirement, it’s no wonder that people hesitate to take the plunge into the world of VR.
The Oculus Quest 2 eliminates this problem by not requiring any PC whatsoever and having a price tag of $300 and a little more if you go for the Pro Bundle on Amazon. Premium features at this price point mean that there is virtually (pun not intended) no reason for you not to dive into the world of VR.
YouTube: Oculus Quest 2 Review – 100 Hours Later
Photo credit: The images used are owned by Meta and have been provided for press usage.
