Zornitsa Vuteva Ever since Facebook evolved into the now infamous Meta, this conglomerate has started to embark on substantial endeavors in the tech field. Their involvement in the development and production of VR products has gained a lot of success over the past few years. The launching of the Meta VR headsets has been a great stepping stone for making VR technology more accessible and desirable for the general public.
Key Takeaways
- Meta Quest 2 offers a comprehensive VR experience with a headset, two touch controllers, a charging cable, a power adapter, and a glasses spacer included in the box.
- The headset features built-in speakers, a headphone jack, a high-definition LCD display, adjustable brightness, and various connectivity options like WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB-C port.
- The touch controllers are intuitive and ergonomic, providing a comfortable gaming experience with dual triggers and up to 10 hours of battery life. They also have a low power mode to conserve battery when not in use.
- The Meta Quest 2 hardware boasts a powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor, 6GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 256GB), and a fast-charging battery with up to 2-3 hours of playtime. It offers impressive visuals and smooth graphics with its high-resolution display.
Our opinion in short
While experimenting with this headset, it has become clear to us that Meta’s product is a reasonable fit for both newbies and advanced VR enthusiasts. Although some of its disadvantages, like limited memory and short battery lifespan, compromise the experience, this headset is the only one on the mainstream market with an amazing quality-price ratio. The base storage allows you to have 30-40 games at a time, and the wireless playing option poses a great comfort for those who are tired of getting tangled in cables.
My personal opinion is that Meta Quest 2 offers the best value for money at the moment, and even after the release of Meta Quest 3, the older version is still worth it if you are looking for an entry-level model and are still not sure if you will enjoy the entire VR thing. Also, I expect that we will see a good amount of second-hand Quest 2 flooding the market in the next couple of weeks, probably after Black Friday.
Pros:
- Precise tracking of motion
- High-performance processor
- Affordable price
- Standalone device with optional PC tethering
- Playing PCVR games through Virtual desktop app
Cons:
- Non-upgradeable memory
- Poor battery life
- Limited IPD adjustment
- Requires higher specs for real-time video encoding
- Non-rechargeable controller batteries
What is in the box
The Meta Quest 2 box comes with all the essential components for a great VR experience, including a headset, two touch controllers with AA batteries, a charging cable and power adapter, and even a glasses spacer.
VR headset
The chassis is well-constructed with comfortable straps and adjustable lenses. It’s lightweight, making it easy to wear for extended periods.
It’s compatible with all major platforms, making it easy to enjoy virtual reality, and also has a USB-C port, which enables you to connect the Link Cable to your PC.
Two touch controllers & AA batteries
The Oculus Touch controllers have a dual-trigger design and are comfortable to use for longer time periods.
The AA batteries provide up to 10 hours of continuous playtime, allowing you to enjoy the full potential of the Meta Quest 2. They also come with a low-power mode that reduces battery usage when not in use, ensuring you can play for extended periods of time without worry.
Charging Cable & Power adapter
The charging cable’s flat design makes it easier to store, it is also tangle-free, durable, and lightweight.
As for the power adapter, it’s designed with a detachable plug and two USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once.
Glasses spacer
The spacer is made of lightweight and flexible rubber and fits snugly over your glasses frame.
It features a non-slip material that grips your glasses firmly, ensuring they stay in place during gameplay. The spacer also features a patented air exchange system that keeps your glasses from fogging up.
It’s easy to attach and remove, and it won’t interfere with your headset’s audio or comfort. With the spacer, you can enjoy an immersive gaming experience without the worry of your glasses slipping off.
Hardware
From its powerful processor to its long-lasting battery, it has the specs to get the job done.
Processor
This Snapdragon XR2 from Qualcomm doubles the CPU and GPU performance of the original Quest’s Snapdragon 835.
You’ll notice smoother graphics and less lag when gaming, allowing for a more immersive experience. For example, you’re sure to appreciate the detailed textures and updated frame rate when playing action-packed titles.
You’ll also be able to use more complex applications with larger data sets without any stuttering. The XR2 also allows for more efficient power usage, meaning you won’t have to worry about battery life as much. You can enjoy longer gaming sessions without having to worry about needing to plug in.
Plus, it supports higher resolution displays as well, up to 3K, for a crystal-clear image.
RAM
The Oculus Quest 2’s 6GB of RAM allows you to experience faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and better graphics.
The 6GB of RAM is also a significant upgrade from the original Oculus Quest, which only had 4GB of RAM. This increase will allow you to run more tasks and applications simultaneously, as well as enjoy higher resolution and more detailed games. It also means you’ll be able to access more VR experiences, including 360-degree videos.
Storage
The Oculus Quest 2 packs a reasonable amount of storage, with 64GB of internal storage and the option for up to 256GB of additional storage. The storage is fast, allowing for quick loading of games and other media. It also has a high capacity, allowing for plenty of data to be stored without any need for external storage.
Battery life
The headset can be charged quickly using a USB-C cable, allowing you to get back to your favorite virtual reality games and experiences without much delay.
Unfortunately, the battery life isn’t as impressive compared to the VR’s other features. When fully charged, the battery lasts 2-3 hours of gameplay, which may not be enough for those taking advantage of more advanced games.
It has also been reported that after some time, the battery’s life gets poorer even when fully charged. However, the battery is replaceable, so you can switch it out if it ever starts to degrade.
Displays
The Meta Quest 2’s display hardware offers a crisp resolution that will keep you immersed in the experience.
Resolution
You’ll notice that the Meta Quest 2 offers a sharp and clear display thanks to the 1080 p Full HD resolution. It’s great for gaming, watching movies, or just browsing the web. The product’s resolution is top-notch, and here’s why:
- Rich colors
- Smooth animations
- 1080p Full HD
- 4K Ultra HD
- 8K High Definition
- Wide viewing angles
- Anti-glare technology
- Quick response time
Cameras
The Quest 2 has 4 infrared cameras, which are mounted to track the controllers and movement of the hands in the surrounding environment.
Additionally, the new camera module boasts a 12-megapixel resolution, allowing you to take crisp, clear shots with every click. It also has a wide-angle lens that allows you to capture more of the scene in your photos.
Headset design
It’s lightweight and comfortable, with an adjustable headband fit, as well as four position-tracking cameras along the edge of the faceplate.
The headset also has plenty of add-on features to keep you immersed in the virtual world.
Measures
You’ll find that the Meta Quest 2’s dimensions of 4.0 by 7.5 by 5.6 inches make it a comfortable fit for your head. It’s lighter than its predecessor, too, weighing in at just 17.7 ounces. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or backpack for on-the-go gaming but large enough to be comfortable while gaming.
Headband fit
.With its adjustable and lightweight design, the headset fits snugly without feeling tight or clunky. The headband is padded for added comfort, and the adjustable straps make it easy to find the perfect fit.
The ear cups are also adjustable, allowing you to adjust the headphones to your desired position. The headset is made from durable materials and is designed to stay in place while you move around.
Add-on features
It comes with a ring-shaped piece of plastic that cups the back of your head. It holds firmly for a comfortable fit, and its ratcheting wheel keeps the strap locked in place.
The headset also includes a detachable boom microphone. You can easily adjust the mic for optimum sound quality, and it’s also foldable for easy storage.
Additionally, the Meta Quest 2 features volume and mute controls conveniently located on the headset. This allows you to quickly and easily adjust your sound.
Audio
Oculus 2 enables the use of both USB-C and 3.5 mm headphones.
From crisp highs to deep lows, the built-in speakers provide a balanced sound that will bring your gaming experience to the next level.
Plus, the optional headset ensures that you won’t miss any of the action. And if you want an even more immersive experience, the Meta Quest 2’s surround sound capabilities will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Controllers
The Meta Quest 2 third-generation Oculus Touch controllers are designed to provide a natural and intuitive gaming experience. They’re notable for having an ergonomic design, built-in haptic feedback, automatic calibration, and responsive swipe detection.
Hand-tracking option
With the hand-tracking option, you’ll be able to enjoy playing your favorite games in Meta Quest 2 seamlessly.
Software
The operating system software of Meta Quest 2 is based on an Android Open Source Project code, which means that the setup of the headset requires the use of the Meta Quest app, which can be downloaded on a smartphone.
Although the initial operating system was based on a source code of Android 10, as of March 2023, Meta has reported that all new Quest apps will be expected to target Android 12.1.
Operating system
The OS is easy to navigate, with an intuitive user interface and an array of features. Some of its advantages include:
- Advanced security protocols
- Robust encryption
- Regular updates
- A comprehensive suite of tools
- Automation features
- Compatibility with a variety of programs and devices.
Updated features
In February 2021, an update of the OS allowed the set up of three separate accounts on one headset with the opportunity of sharing separately purchased software products. In April of the same year, another updated implemented the so-called “Air Link”, which allows the streaming of games from a PC through a Wi-Fi connection. And in July 2021, augmented reality features were added to the software.
Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to know about PC hardware and software requirements before purchasing the Meta Quest 2:
Recommended system specs, if you connect it to a PC
If you want to connect the Oculus 2 VR headset to your PC, you’ll need:
- A computer running on Windows 7 or higher
- 4 GB RAM * Intel Core i3 processor
- DirectX 11 * An internet connection
- 5 Mbps download speed
- 2 Mbps upload speed
Ways to connect Meta Quest 2 to PC
Both the Meta software and the Link Cable are essential for making the connection, so be sure to have them handy before you get started.
Meta Software
If you wish to use the Meta Software, in order to connect your PC to the Oculus 2, you must be sure your PC has the previously mentioned required PC specs. After that, you simply download the Meta software from the company’s official website.
Link Cable
Connecting Meta Quest 2 to your PC requires a link cable. This is a special cable that allows you to transfer data between the two devices. It allows you to store and access your data from both the PC and the game console.
The link cable also allows you to connect to the internet, which is a great feature for online gaming. To set up the link cable, all you need to do is follow the instructions in the manual. It’s simple and easy, and it will have you connected in no time.
Price
You’ve got two choices when it comes to the price of the Meta Quest 2 – $299.99 for the 128GB model or $349.99 for the 256GB model.
Where can you buy Meta Quest 2 from
If you’re looking to buy Meta Quest 2, you can pick it up at the Meta store, Amazon, or Best Buy.
Meta store
You can always find Meta Quest 2 available for purchase in the Meta store.
Amazon
You’ll find Meta Quest 2 available for purchase on Amazon. With Amazon’s convenient shipping options, you can have your game delivered right to your door. Plus, you can get the game at a discounted rate if you’re an Amazon Prime member, making it a great deal. Whether you prefer to make your purchase with a credit card or through Amazon Pay, you’ll be able to get your game quickly and securely.
Best Buy
You can buy Meta Quest 2 from Best Buy right now.
When you shop at Best Buy, you can:
- Get free standard shipping on orders over $35
- Upgrade to expedited shipping for an additional fee.
- Take advantage of the Best Buy Price Match Guarantee
- Find a lower price online or in-store, and Best Buy will match it.
- Get access to special discounts with the My Best Buy Rewards program.
Most common problems
Although Meta Quest 2 is a very decent VR headset with many advantages, it undergoes technical and other issues like:
- Loses tracking during games – requires professional troubleshooting.
- Guardian not working – this could be fixed with a clean boot
- Incorrect time and date – the headset has to be connected to the Oculus app on your smartphone in order to set an accurate time and state setting.
- Can’t review downloaded games and applications – logging off and then on the Oculus app once again could fix this inconvenience.
Games
One of the most significant perks of the Oculus 2 is that you can play games from your headset’s library, the Meta Store, and even your PC through the Link Cable.
In this review, we’ll take a look at some of the top VR games like Beat Saber, Resident Evil 4, Population: ONE, and The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a virtual reality rhythm game that has taken the gaming world by storm. Many people have showed great interest in this game due to its entertainment value. The music choices are abundant, so everyone can find something they like and there are always difficulty levels to choose from.
Resident Evil 4
In this classic survival horror game you play as Leon S. Kennedy, a special agent sent to a rural village in Spain that has been overrun by zombies and other monstrous creatures. Your mission is to rescue the President’s daughter, who’s been kidnapped by an evil cult.
The game also features a dynamic camera system that allows you to see the action from different angles. This adds to the tension and keeps you on your toes.
Population: ONE
Population: ONE is a game which allows you to experience the thrill of scaling giant skyscrapers, gliding over lush forests, and engaging in exciting combat with other players.
The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners
Just like in the TV show of the same name in The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners you’ll need to scavenge for resources, build weapons, and battle zombies and other survivors to stay alive. You’ll also face moral dilemmas as you make decisions about who to trust and how to handle difficult situations.
More applications of Meta Quest 2
With Meta Quest 2, you can do more than just play games. You can watch YouTube videos, stream movies and TV shows, get in a virtual workout, travel to amazing places, and even connect with friends and family.
Get ready to explore the possibilities!
Watch YouTube videos
You can watch YouTube videos to explore more applications of Meta Quest 2. With the help of Meta Quest 2, you can use videos to help you learn more about the software and its various features. You can also check out videos created with the help of the Oculus 2 and get ideas for how to use the software in your own projects.
Stream movies and TV
With Meta Quest 2, you can access the latest movies and TV shows on demand. Additionally, it provides access to other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Go.
With Meta Quest 2, you can keep up with the latest episodes of your favorite shows, as well as watch movies from any genre. Moreover, you can use Meta Quest 2 to rent or buy movies and TV shows to watch anytime. You can even record live TV and store it for later viewing.
Exercise
You can also use Meta Quest 2 to get a good workout, as well as other applications. It’s a great way to stay in shape, without having to leave the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the ways that Meta Quest 2 can help you stay active:
- Keep track of your progress over time, and see how much further you can go.
- Monitor your heart rate, calories burned, and reps so you can stay on top of your goals.
- Create personalized workouts that are tailored to your specific needs.
- Adjust the intensity, duration, and difficulty of your workouts to suit your level.
- Set alarms and reminders so you don’t forget to get your exercise in.
- Choose from a wide variety of exercises to maximize the benefit of your workout.
Travel virtually
With Meta Quest 2 and the Wander app, you can travel virtually and explore the world without ever leaving your home. Its immersive experience puts you in the heart of the action, allowing you to explore different cities and countries with stunning visuals and audio.
The Meta Quest 2 headset also features a voice recognition system, so you can interact with your environment as if you were actually there.
Connect with others
Besides exploring new cultures and environments, you can also connect with others using Meta Quest 2. You can download the VRChat app and connect with other VR users, thus creating new friendship opportunities.
Consumer reception
Since its release in 2020, Meta Quest 2 has been a huge success, selling 10 million units as of late 2021. It has also been praised for its affordability and compatibility with a range of accessories.
Sales
The Quest 2 is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. It’s also one of the most affordable VR headsets on the market.
In November 2021 CEO Cristiano Amon announced that 10 million units of the Quest 2 have been sold worldwide.
Customer reviews
You’ll find that customers have overwhelmingly positive reviews of the Quest 2.
According to almost 10 000 customer ratings and reviews on Best Buy’s official website, the Oculus 2 receives an overall 4.7 out of 5 stars.
The headset’s page on Amazon is also overflowing with great feedback. A little over 85 200 global customers have rated the Oculus 2 on the website. 85% of those are 5 star ratings.
Is Meta Quest 2 still worth it in 2023
The Meta Quest 2 has been a staple of the gaming industry for years, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. It still remains to be one of the most popular and affordable VR headsets on the market.
Although years-long use can make it a bit buggy and technical issues will start to compromise the performance, the Oculus 2 is the best budget-friendly option, which has many important advances like the option of playing without the need for a powerful gamer PC. Its newer counterpart, the Quest 3, which is set to be released on October 10th 2023, promises some advances, but it is yet to be revealed what type of pros and cons it has.
If you’re a beginner VR gamer or your standards for tech equipment aren’t above average, then investing in this headset is highly recommended.
Alternatives of Meta Quest 2
Here is how Meta Quest 2 compares to similar VR headsets:
Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 comes with a better resolution (2064 x 2208 vs. 1832 x 1920) and offers Mixed reality, which is the most significant difference. Also, it comes with an option for internal storage up to 512 GB. However, it is also more pricey, with a cost of $500 vs $299 for Meta Quest 2.
Check out our review of Meta Quest 3 and decide for yourself if it is worth it or not.
Pico 4
ByteDance’s Pico 4 is Quest 2’s greatest competitor on the market. It is an entry-level VR headset with 8 GB RAM and 2,160 x 2,160 pixels per eye. It reigns of the specs of Quest 2. It is still very affordable, coming at 429 Euros, but is available only in Europe and East Asia. Another con of the Pico 4 is that you cannot connect it to the PC, and it has a very limited VR library.
HTC Vive Pro 2
Another alternative to Meta Quest 2 is the HTC Vive Pro 2. This virtual reality headset is perfect for gamers who are looking for a high-end experience.
The Vive Pro 2 is powered by a Snapdragon 888 processor and boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making it a great choice for immersive gaming. It also features a 5K resolution display, dual front-facing cameras, and a built-in microphone.
Additionally, the Vive Pro 2 is compatible with the Viveport subscription service, so gamers can access hundreds of titles.
Oculus Quest 1
Oculus Quest 1 is a lightweight, standalone virtual reality headset that offers some of the best features of the high-end models at a more affordable price – $549.
- It features a high-resolution 2560 x 1440 LCD display with a refresh rate of 72 Hz.
- It also has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
- Plus, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack and built-in speakers for audio.
There are a handful of games and apps available on the platform, including popular titles like Beat Saber and Superhot.
Vive Index
Valve Index is a second-generation headset released back in 2019 by Valve. Its tech specs are too very impressive – a 2880×1600 resolution, an IPD adjustment option, and 8 GB RAM. Its most renowned feature is the bundled in-game Half-Life: Alyx, which is an ultimate fan favorite among Steam users.
Conclusion
Summing it up, Meta Quest 2 is a great way to experience virtual reality. Its hardware and software are impressive, and the requirements are minimal. The price is reasonable, and there are plenty of great games to play. Personally, I had a great time with my Quest 2 and I recommend it.
The consumer reception has been overwhelmingly positive. With all this in mind, you can’t go wrong with Meta Quest 2—but it’s worth considering some of the alternatives, too.
Ultimately, the decision is yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Meta Quest 2 Have Online Capabilities?
Yes, Meta Quest 2 has online capabilities. It enables users to play with friends, access leaderboards, and take part in challenges. You can enjoy all the features of the game online.
Is Meta Quest 2 Compatible With Other Devices?
Yes, Meta Quest 2 is compatible with other devices. You can play multiplayer games and share content across systems. There’s even the ability to cross-play with friends on different platforms.
What Is the Battery Life of Meta Quest 2?
The battery life of Meta Quest 2 is simply astounding! Boasting up to 15 hours of playtime, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice.
Is There a Warranty for Meta Quest 2?
Yes, there’s a warranty! It covers any manufacturer defects for up to two years from purchase. You’re covered, so don’t worry.
Are There Any Accessories Available for Meta Quest 2?
Yes! Meta Quest 2 has a plethora of exciting accessories to choose from. From fancy fobs to flashy frames, you can find whatever you need to make your gaming experience even better.
What to expect from Meta Quest 3?
Meta Quest 3 is set have an improved performance with an 8 GB RAM, greater resolution with 2064 x 2208 p per eye and have new mixed-reality features.
