The New Oculus Quest 2: Specs, Accessories & Games

Virtual reality gaming is far from new, but the evolving technology has become surprisingly commonplace these last few years. VR no longer represents a far-flung glimpse into the future; it's here now and it's not going anywhere.

Competition in the virtual space got serious in 2014, when social networking behemoth Facebook purchased Oculus VR. Less than two years old at the time, the tech company had already made waves with its Oculus Rift headset and successful Kickstarter campaign.

Since then, Facebook has pumped massive amounts of money into Oculus, hoping to seize market share in a space that is still ripe for the picking. Following the release of several different products aimed at both enthusiasts and casual VR users, Oculus is back with its most exciting innovation yet: Oculus Quest 2.

Quest 2 vs Original Quest

The 2019 Oculus Quest headset built off the modest success of the Oculus Go to bring wireless, hassle-free VR experiences to consumers. The experience wasn't perfect though, and Oculus faced several complaints from users who expected more from the highly anticipated device. Quest 2 desires to show players that Oculus has learned from its mistakes and refined the VR experience in ways that will make fans of virtual reality fall in love with the technology all over again.

Dynamic Upgrades

Quest 2 improves upon its predecessor much like many smartphones and laptops have in the past - it's smaller, faster, and has a higher resolution display. These improvements are to be expected, as it's now typical in the consumer electronics market to refine products each year with smaller and more dynamic upgrades.

5G & More RAM

Where the Quest 2 really sets itself apart from the original Quest is with the new Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor. This impressively designed, 5G-capable chip packs twice the punch compared to the Snapdragon 835 within the original Quest. The device's RAM has also been boosted from 4 GB to 6 GB. A beefy 256 GB of storage is available with the pricier version of Quest 2. If the original Oculus Quest was someone's first step into the world of virtual reality headsets, then the Quest 2 represents the logical next leap forward.

Oculus Quest 2 Specs

There's a lot to love about the Oculus Quest 2. Here’s what you must know.

• Cost - The Oculus Quest 2 price checks in at $299 for the entry-level 64 GB version, with the aforementioned 256 GB model retailing for $399. When compared to more expensive alternatives such as the Valve Index ($999) and HTC Vive Cosmos ($699), the Oculus Quest 2 is a fantastic offering for consumers looking to dive into the world of VR.
  
  

• Battery - Wireless VR headsets are great for gaming in comfort without fear of tripping over cords. The downside? Most headsets need to be charged on a regular basis. Since VR doesn't lend itself to long play sessions, this inconvenience doesn't seem to rile up most consumers. Most are willing to take regular breaks to juice up their devices. As such, the battery life of between two and three hours shouldn't bother most Quest 2 users. A lot depends on player usage, however. The controllers are powered by AA batteries.
  
  

• Processor - Qualcomm has stepped up its game with the Snapdragon XR2 chip inside the Quest 2. Touted as the "world's first XR (extended reality) platform to unite 5G and AI," the Snapdragon XR2 allows users to gawk at the virtual world via a 360-degree spherical view. Those familiar with the original Quest will be happy to discover that the Snapdragon XR2 should perform at twice the speed of the original Quest's processor.
  
  

• RAM - Since the Quest 2 is a stand-alone, wireless headset, it cannot depend on a connected PC to provide necessary processing and memory horsepower. While the device is capable of being connected to a PC via USB, most users will prefer to take on a cord-free solution. The included 6 GB of RAM in the Quest 2 should be more than enough for the games and experiences available on the headset.
  
  

• Storage - The $299 Quest 2 model includes 64 GB of storage space. Most players, however, will desire more room to hold their games and other VR software. Thankfully, Oculus is also offering a model with 256 GB of space, which will set consumers back an extra $100.
  
  

• Color - New cellphones may launch in a multitude of different colors, but rarely is that the case with new game consoles or VR headsets. The original Oculus Quest came in black — and that was it. This time, it's a matte white color for the Quest 2, with future color options unlikely. Thankfully, stylish skins or wraps can be applied to give the device a little extra pizzazz.
  
  

• Weight - Phones, game consoles, and even laptops can afford to be heavy from time to time. After all, the added weight delivers a slightly more tactile and secure feeling. The same can not be said for VR headsets, which have been on a weight loss regimen for years. The Quest 2 continues this trend by weighing in at 503 grams. This represents a considerable improvement over the original Quest (571 grams) and not even in the same range as the Valve Index, which tips the scales at a Herculean 809 grams.
  
  

• Tracking - Hand tracking came to the original Oculus Quest after launch. This time, it's available right out of the box for the Quest 2. Navigating menus and tweaking settings by hand may be a nice novelty, but it remains to be seen how hand tracking will be implemented in games and other applications.
  
  

• Screen Refresh Rate - VR headsets need to be capable of high refresh rates, since users generally regard motion sickness as a deal breaker. The Quest 2's standard 72 Hz refresh rate works just fine, and in the future, Oculus is planning on adding support for 90 Hz.
  
  

• Pixels Per Eye - Most electronics consumers can tell you the resolution of their TV, thanks to long-held industry standards like 1080p and now 4K. Headset users, on the other hand, probably aren't too familiar yet with the resolution (also referred to as 'pixels per eye') offered by their VR device. The Oculus Quest 2 features 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, a marked improvement over the original Quest.
  
  

• Controller Charging - Break out the old-fashioned Energizer batteries, because the Quest 2's controllers each require one AA battery. On the plus side, the battery life is exceptional, so there's no need to worry about constantly replacing them.
  
  

• Integrated Audio - Sound is often an afterthought when it comes to virtual reality. This unfortunate reality comes as a bit of a surprise, as it's problematic to immerse users in a world if they can hear too much of the real world around them. Oculus Quest 2 aims to remedy that problem with built-in speakers that are capable of impressive 3D positional audio.
  
  

• Facebook Requirements - Facebook: love it or hate it, it's a major part of everyday life for hundreds of millions, if not billions, of people. If consumers interested in purchasing an Oculus Quest 2 don't have a Facebook account by now, they will be required to create one in order to use the device.

Best Oculus Quest 2 Accessories

A variety of Quest 2 accessories are available from Oculus and several third-party manufacturers looking to provide better-fitting head straps, carrying cases, charging cables, and earbuds. Customized skins and wraps can make the already attractive device look that much more impressive while providing much-needed protection for heavy users. Below are just some of the many available accessories offered for the Quest 2 to make the VR experience a little more comfortable.

• Head Straps - Fastening a device to your face requires a level of comfort and quality that cannot be sacrificed. If the included Oculus Quest 2 setup isn't as snug as you'd like, several third-party straps are available to modify the fit of the device. The Eyglo Adjustable Elite Strap promises a stronger strap that won't break, in addition to memory foam used for the back of the head support. Meanwhile, extra padding is available with the MASiKEN Head Strap Pad. This helpful add-on limits the potential for neck strain and other fatigue-inducing issues.
  
  

• Earbuds & Headphones - Logitech has been a trusted name in PC gaming accessories for decades. Its expertise has been applied to VR with the Logitech G333 VR earphones. These officially-licensed Oculus 2 earphones provide three different flexible silicone tips so players can find the perfect fit.
  
  

• Carrying Case - Wireless virtual reality shouldn't simply be enjoyed at home. For a more diverse, fulfilling experience, take the Quest 2 out and about. Don't worry about damaging it; the official carrying case will keep it safe. The custom molding inside ensures a perfect, secure fit for the headset, controllers, and everything else required for VR gaming on the go.

Top Oculus Quest 2 Games Worth Playing

First and foremost, Oculus Quest 2 is a gaming device. Sure, there are other applications that can be used in a VR headset, but the vast majority of Quest 2 users are here for the experience of playing games in an immersive VR setting. While games made specifically for the Quest 2 are coming soon, the best titles available on the platform are updated games also available on the original Quest. Highlighted below are a handful of those titles, including some free Oculus Quest 2 games that are worth giving a try:

• Rec Room - A free, virtual hangout spot where friends and strangers alike can take part in activities ranging from dodgeball and parkour to more sedate and relaxing endeavors, Rec Room is already a hit on PCs and with the Playstation 4. Fans are excited for it to make waves with the Quest 2, which will make the experience even more entertaining.
  
  

• Beat Saber - An immersive rhythm game that must be seen (and heard) to be believed, Beat Saber includes downloadable music packs from popular acts such as Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons, and Panic! At The Disco.
  
  

• Vader Immortal - The Star Wars saga comes to VR in Vader Immortal, a three-part episodic experience that provides a great technologic showcase for everything the Quest 2 can accomplish.
  
  

• Eleven Table Tennis - Tennis anyone? Eleven Table Tennis lets players engage in a vigorous and competitive game of table tennis without any of the actual equipment needed to play.

Setting Up The Oculus Quest 2

The Oculus Quest 2 is designed for easy setup, regardless of prior experience with VR. The first step? Downloading the Oculus app. As mentioned previously, a Facebook account is required to use the Quest 2. The initial setup process makes it easy to link up the device with Facebook friends lists. This, in turn, allows for easy game invitations.

Once the initial pairing between the phone-based app and headset has been completed via Bluetooth, the device needs to be attached. The different lens spacing options are available to ensure the best fit for each user.

Bling Out Your Oculus Quest 2

There has never been a better time to give virtual reality a try. The current sense of competition among the world's biggest tech titans ensures plentiful choices and affordable prices. While the Oculus Quest 2 won't be able to match the cutting-edge performance of the significantly more expensive Valve Index, its mass-market friendly price, easy setup, and wealth of accessories and options makes it the perfect device for first-time VR users and budget-conscious gamers alike.