Is the Oculus Meta Quest 2 Still worth it in 2023?
- Price: $299
- Model: 128GB
The Meta Quest 2 is a great all-around headset and might just even be one of the best on a budget. For only $299, how does it compare to the rest of the VR Headsets available and how good is the price to performance of it? We’ll be discussing that in this article so be sure to read it entirely.
The Oculus Quest 2 is a popular VR headset that offers a wide range of entertainment options. You can play games, watch shows and movies, and enjoy immersive experiences without being tied to a PC, console, or phone. Despite its age, the Quest 2 remains the top choice for VR enthusiasts due to its versatility and advancements.
While it’s not without its flaws, such as the controllers requiring AA batteries, the Quest 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a sleek design and delivers superior performance. If you’re looking to dive into VR, the Oculus Quest 2 is still the best option available.
Meta Quest 2: Design & Build
The design of the Meta Quest 2 sets it apart from other VR headsets. Unlike bulky goggles, the Quest 2 features a sleek and lightweight headset that is 10% lighter than its predecessor. With a simple strap and four camera sensors, it has a clean and attractive aesthetic, whether it’s sitting on a desk or worn on your head. The light gray color adds to its visual appeal.
The Quest 2’s button and port layout is thoughtfully designed, maintaining a seamless look. The power button is conveniently located on the right side of the headset, while the volume rocker is found on the right underside. For charging and audio, there is a USB-C port and headphone jack on the left side. The lens spacing can be adjusted with three different viewing settings, eliminating the need for the switch found in the original Quest.
At a compact 7.5 x 4 x 5.2 inches and 1.1 pounds, the Meta Quest 2 felt lightweight and comfortable, even when wearing it for more than an hour at a time in VR.
Meta Quest 2: Controllers and tracking
The Meta Quest 2 introduces redesigned Oculus Touch Controllers that offer improved gesture tracking for an enhanced experience. The controllers maintain a familiar setup, featuring two shoulder buttons for actions like firing weapons and grabbing objects, clickable analog sticks, and a pair of face buttons on each controller. To ensure their safety, it’s recommended to use the included wrist straps, especially during intense gameplay moments like lightsaber fights.
In my experience, I found the Meta Quest 2’s controllers to be comfortable and user-friendly across various games and experiences. The responsive triggers and precise motion sensing allowed me to easily achieve headshots in games like Pistol Whip, and I had no difficulties slicing through color-coded blocks in the rhythmic action of Beat Saber. Additionally, the controllers’ haptic feedback provided impressive and distinct sensations.
Meta Quest 2: Specs
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| Display resolution | 1832 x 1920 per eye |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Battery life | 2-3 hours (rated) |
| Size | 7.5 x 4 x 5.2 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
With these specs, you are able to play games on the Oculus Meta Quest 2, standalone without a PC and due to the better Chipset, games run absolutely fine on it standalone as well.
The display on each eye has also been significantly improved from the Quest 1, where it pretty much almost has double the resolution in each eye.
Games like Beat Saber, Pistol Whip and Vader Immortal, ran smoothly and looked impressively crisp and clear. The Quest platform has amassed an impressively solid game lineup that runs the gamut from new takes on established AAA franchises to exciting indie titles that make full use of the Meta Quest 2’s VR abilities.
Highlights include the rhythm-slashing game Beat Saber and the immersive time-bending shooting of Superhot VR which are both fantastic in Virtual Reality.
Meta Quest 2: Audio
The Meta Quest 2 has built in audio in terms of speakers that sit right over your ear, and they are actually fantastic. The headset’s built-in speakers give out crisp, loud sound without the need for headphones, with some impressive directional audio as well. They sound almost as if you’re wearing over-ear headphones and they are more than good enough for gaming.
Meta Quest 2: Battery Life
The Meta Quest 2 is rated for 2 to 3 hours of battery life on a single use. You’ll be able to get around 2 hours if you’re playing a game and around 3 if you’re just browsing and watching movies or videos.
This seems enough for a VR headset as most likely; you won’t be wearing it for more than an hour or 2 anyways.
Meta Quest 2: Playing PC Games in VR
With the Meta Quest 2, you’re also able to play PC Games in VR using the Meta Link app on Windows. This allows you to connect your PC to the headset and then use SteamVR to launch up your Steam Library.
With this, you should be able to play the best of VR such as Half Life Alyx, Skyrim VR and all the other great VR titles on PC.
Meta Quest 2: Final Verdict
With its upgraded specifications and sleek design, combined with the extensive collection of apps and games available on the Quest platform, the Meta Quest 2 stands out as the ultimate all-around VR headset.