Introduction
The Quest 2, formerly known as Oculus Quest 2, is a virtual reality headset that has been around since the end of 2020. With a few years under its belt, the same headset has managed to generate both die-hard fans and those who steer clear of it no matter what. However, the question remains – is this device a solid option for those who are just entering the domain of VR gaming (and virtual reality in general) or an obsolete device that’s counting its last days?
Pandemic and Gaming
The VR scene of the early 2020s seemed like a very promising domain at the start of the decade. Ironically, the same start took place in one of the otherwise worst periods for global health and well-being in the 21st century – the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. But, for the VR development space and especially the gaming industry, the periods of lockdowns and travel restrictions brought an unexpected boon.
With hundreds of millions of individuals and families stuck inside, many began turning to video games and virtual reality in unprecedented ways. The same process was enforced with spare funds that would otherwise go to vacations, restaurant outings, and other activities that the coronavirus rendered inaccessible. As a result, the video game industry blossomed during the early-to-middle pandemic period and VR was no different.
Among the biggest winners was the Oculus VR headset range, one of the key lines of devices of the challenging but always expanding virtual reality space. As the informal flagship products of Reality Labs, now a part of Mark Zuckerberg Meta empire, Oculus headsets already had a good reputation among dedicated if not numerous VR gamers. But then, at the end of 2020, came the Oculus Quest 2. Today, the product is known as Meta Quest 2 or simply Quest 2. While it has some years in its track record and that is rarely a good thing for gaming devices, it also has numerous advantages and benefits that will outlast other video game gear like GPUs and similar accessories.
Besides that, the number of available video games also represents one of the key factors that should inform any decision regarding a potential VR headset purchase. With all that in mind, here is the story of this VR headset and an overall analysis of whether or not it should be on the radar for those who want to enter the virtual reality space.
Quest 2 Background
This particular VR headset was under development for some time by Reality Labs. But, the big news came on September 16, 2020, when the device got its official announcement. It was released just a month later in mid-October 2020. Back then, it was known as Oculus Quest 2, only to get its rebranding in 2022 under the name Meta Quest 2, following the wider company’s entrance into the Meta family. With the headset, its creators main aim was to advance the Oculus Quest design and evolve its capabilities without completely updating the entire setup.
Overall, the device brought better hardware, a display that provides a strong refresh rate, and a higher per-eye resolution. All of them contribute to the VR immersion and the strain (or lack of) that the headset creates on the user’s eyes. At the same time, it also improved its controllers, added a better battery life, and crucially, made the whole headset less heavy. The last factor might seem trivial, but it is one of the key upgrades that the headset provided, keeping in mind that VR gaming can be quite physically taxing on the wearer.
Headset Specifications
As a device, Meta Quest 2 comes with a dual-mode capability. The headset can either be used untethered, through its internal operating system that is based on Android, or it can be connected to a VR-dedicated app on a PC. The same dual-use feature was one of the biggest selling points, as it allowed for independent gaming for those not owning (or wanting to own) a gaming VR-capable PC. The headset also comes with a Snapdragon XR2 chipset and operates 6 GB RAM. Its single LCD panel comes with an 1832×1920 resolution that is refreshed at an impressive (and maximum) 120 Hz. All of this weighs just over 0,5 kilograms (17.7 oz), which is a huge feat on its own. At the same time, the controllers it uses are both based on and inspired by Oculus Rift controllers, meaning they offer both ergonomics and functionality.
Gaming Library for Quest 2
For gamers, the use of VR headsets often boils down to the list of available games for them, as well as the number of titles in development. Right now, the list includes well over a hundred titles and many additional ones are going to hit the market in the coming months. The present selection includes the best-selling releases like action Pistol Whip or Superhot VR, but also games from famous franchises like The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners or Star Trek: Bridge Crew (which already has a cult following among VR Trekkies).
Also, some of the most successful titles are hybrid games like Demeo, which merge the VR RPG experience with a classic tabletop gaming process. With games like Demeo, the true potential for a different kind of multiplayer experience becomes evident and forms something that is truly unique for the virtual reality space. So, players who do decide to get the Quest 2 headset will gain access to a range of titles and genres, covering everything from full-action games to sports and puzzle releases.
The Final Verdicts
There are competitors to the Meta Quest 2 headset – some are from the most obvious place, including the newer Meta Quest 3 made by the same company. So, it is safe to say that this headset is neither cutting-edge technology nor a super-powerful device. However, there are some unquestionable upsides to purchasing this particular VR device. First, its physical dimensions, especially weight, are a clear benefit. It offers a comfort of use and its no-cord mode is ideal for those only willing to buy a VR headset and not an entirely new PC. Lastly, the Meta Quest 2 is only getting more and more affordable.
That process comes with special events like holiday discounts where these can be found for an even smaller price tag. All of this makes the Meta Quest 2 an absolute favorite for the go-to VR device. It might have had its heyday during the first couple of years on the market, but its life in the VR space is nowhere near done. All in all, this headset seems like the best combination of all relevant factors. This is especially true for all those only entering the virtual reality space and presently, there is no better option than to purchase the Quest 2 headset.
Autor:
Ivica Milaric
Game designer and game design teacher at the Academy of Arts, Novi Sad, Republic of Serbia