Meta Quest 2 was initially priced at $299, but a recent price increase has brought the cost up to $400 (or $500 for the higher storage version). Despite the increased price, the Quest 2 still stands out as the best and most versatile VR headset on the market. Additionally, it remains the most affordable option, as it doesn’t require any gaming console, phone, or PC to function.
Meta Quest 2 Review
With 128GB of storage, the base model provides ample space for dozens of games and apps. However, it’s important to note that storage cannot be expanded after purchase. It’s also worth mentioning that Meta now allows accounts to bypass Facebook logins, although a Meta account is still required.
While the $1,500 Quest Pro offers a range of upgrades such as a better display, controllers, and mixed reality features, it’s not considered worth the high cost for the average VR explorer. Quest 2 is still the recommended choice, at least until the release of Quest 3 later this year.
Meta Quest 2 – All-In-One Virtual Reality Headset
Indeed, the Meta Quest 2 (previously known as Oculus Quest 2) is considered the leading VR headset for gaming and immersive experiences, particularly for those who don’t want to be tethered to a PC or rely on their phone. As a standalone device, it offers the freedom and flexibility to move around and explore VR without any limitations.
On the left side of the Meta Quest 2 headset, there is a USB-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the right side features a power button and an LED indicator. The volume rocker and two pinhole microphones are located beneath the headset. The eye mask is easily removable, allowing users to adjust the lens position or insert a separator to lift the headset slightly to accommodate glasses. However, even with the separator, the experience may feel uncomfortable for those with larger frames.
The Meta Quest 2 comes with two motion controllers that are slightly different from the original Oculus Touch controllers that were included with the Quest and the now-discontinued Rift S. The Meta Quest 2 controllers still have curved handles with rings on top that allow for tracking via the headset’s cameras, while the triggers fit comfortably under your index and middle fingers. However, the circular control surface at the top of the handle is now larger, providing a comfortable spot for your thumb to rest when you’re not using the analog stick or two face buttons.
The Meta Quest 2 is equipped with a Snapdragon XR2 processor, which is derived from the Snapdragon 865. This is a significant improvement over the original Quest’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip. Moreover, the Quest 2’s then-$300 price point made it the most affordable Snapdragon 865 device available in North America (as phones with the same chip sold for around $1,000). With two additional gigabytes of RAM, totaling 6GB, the Quest 2 unlocks a substantial performance boost over its predecessor.
The headset was initially launched with 64GB of storage, which was non-expandable. However, it now comes standard with 128GB, and a 256GB model is also available for an additional $100. Despite the increased storage options, it’s worth noting that the storage on the Quest 2 remains non-expandable.
Overall, the Meta Quest 2 is an excellent VR headset that offers versatility, fun, and a growing library of fitness apps. It can even connect to a PC to run more advanced apps from Meta’s own library or Steam, either wirelessly or through a single USB-C cable. Its versatility and affordability make it a great choice for both casual and serious gamers alike.
