Oculus Quest 2: Everything you need to know!

Facebook announced the Oculus Quest 2 at Facebook Connect. The new headset features improvements across the board, making it lighter, smaller, and more powerful than the original Oculus Quest. The Oculus Quest 2 has a powerful Snapdragon XR2 processor, 6GB of RAM, and a screen with 50 percent more pixels than its predecessor.

Oculus Quest 2 release date

The Oculus Quest 2 started shipping on October 13, 2020. It's available from a long list of retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Oculus itself.

While the Oculus Quest 2 doesn't start shipping until October 13, you can preorder it now.

Oculus Quest 2 preorders: When can I order one?

Right now. Facebook opened up preorders for the Oculus Quest 2 on the same day that the headset was announced. You can preorder it online to have it ship on October 13, 2020.

There are two versions of the Oculus Quest 2, with the only difference being their storage capacity. Both are available for preorder now.

Oculus Quest 2 price: How much will it cost?

Facebook surprised people by announcing that the Oculus Quest 2 starts at just $299. That price tag is $100 lower than the starting price of the original Oculus Quest when it launched.

The cheapest Oculus Quest 2 is the 64GB version at $299. If you'd like extra storage on your headset, you can grab the 256GB version of the headset for $399. If you need help picking the right amount of storage, make sure to check out our complete comparison of the two headsets.

Oculus Quest 2 specs

The Oculus Quest 2 has significantly better specs than its predecessor. It runs on a Snapdragon XR2 processor, which will help power some impressive VR experiences. The Snapdragon Xr2 is three generations beyond the Snapdragon 835 that shipped with the original Oculus Quest.

Facebook bumped up the Oculus Quest 2 across the board. It has 6GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage.

The headset also has a display with around 50 percent more pixels than the original. That display has a refresh rate of 90Hz, but it's important to note that Oculus Link won't support 90Hz until Facebook ships an update in the future. Also, apps and games that run natively on the Oculus Quest 2 will run at 72Hz unless the 'experimental' 90Hz mode is enabled.

The Touch Controllers for the Oculus Quest 2 have improved ergonomics. The new Touch Controllers take design cues from the popular original Rift's Touch Controllers.

Oculus Quest 2: Will it be delayed?

Facebook did not mention any delays during its Facebook Connect announcement of the Oculus Quest 2. Preorders are open now, and the headset should start shipping on October 13, 2020.

Oculus Quest 2: What will its design look like?

The Oculus Quest 2 is a white headset that's smaller and lighter than the original Oculus Quest. It has white Touch Controllers that feature black accents and buttons.

The Oculus Quest 2 has a soft touch strap that should make it more comfortable to wear than the original Oculus Quest. You can also purchase an Elite Strap for the Oculus Quest 2, which reduces pressure from the front of the headset.

The Oculus Quest 2 has a physical lens adjustment system, but it is different from that of the original Oculus Quest. It has three IPD settings of 58mm, 63mm, and 68mm.

The Oculus Quest 2 has a USB-C port and works with Oculus Link. That same port can also be used for charging from a plug or a battery bank. The headset has built-in speakers on its straps and a headphone jack on its body.

Oculus Quest 2: What games can it play?

The Oculus Quest 2 can play all games from the original Oculus Quest. That means that every game confirmed for Oculus Quest will work on the new and improved Oculus Quest 2.

The Oculus Quest 2 can also use Oculus Link, meaning you can play PCVR titles when the headset is connected to a PC with enough power to run PCVR.

Oculus Quest 2: Does it work with Oculus Link

The Oculus Quest 2 works with Oculus Link, allowing you to play PCVR games on your Oculus Quest headset when you connect it to a PC that can power PCVR. You can connect the Oculus Quest 2 to a PC with a USB-C cable with the correct specs, just like you can with the original Oculus Quest.

In fact, Oculus Link has more of an emphasis on the Oculus Quest 2 than on the original Oculus Quest. Because Facebook is ending the Rift line of VR headsets, the Oculus Quest 2 with Oculus Link support will be the way to play PCVR games on Oculus hardware going forward.

Oculus Quest 2: Is it backward compatible?

Yes, the Oculus Quest 2 is backward compatible. Facebook confirms that all games for the original Oculus Quest will work on the Oculus Quest 2.

Oculus Quest 2: What controllers does it use?

The Oculus Quest 2 has improved Touch Controllers. The new Touch Controllers feature better ergonomics than those of the original Oculus Quest. They take design inspiration from the original Oculus Rift Touch Controllers.

In addition to feeling better in hand, the new Touch Controllers have some handy changes. They get better battery life, have enhanced haptic feedback, and a redesigned battery compartment when compared to the Touch Controllers of the original Oculus Quest. The new Touch Controllers also have a dedicated thumb rest.

We cover what's new with the Oculus Quest 2 controllers in more detail in our full breakdown. The long and short of it is that Facebook took lessons from all of its previous controllers and tried to bring them all to the new Oculus Quest Touch Controllers.

Can I use the Oculus Quest 2 outside?

You should not use the Oculus Quest 2 outside. Sunlight can and will easily damage the headset's display. The Oculus Quest has lenses that allow you to immerse yourself into VR, which is great, but they also act as magnifying glasses for sunlight. If sunlight hits the lenses on the Oculus Quest 2, it can burn the display inside the headset.

In addition to sunlight being harmful to the Oculus Quest 2, moisture in the air can also damage the headset.

Apart from all of the safety-related reasons to keep your Oculus Quest 2 inside, the headset also might not work that well if you do take it outside. If sunlight is too bright, the cameras on the outside of the device can have a hard time tracking Touch Controllers.

An exciting time for VR

The Oculus Quest has moved VR forward during its run. The original Oculus Quest brought standalone VR to new levels and also improved significantly over time thanks to new features and software updates.

The Oculus Quest 2 continues that journey with improved internals, a refined design, and a fresh new color. Facebook bumped up the internals, reduced the headset's size, and improved things across the board when compared to the original.

Whether you are coming from the original Oculus Quest or considering jumping into VR, the Oculus Quest 2 is a good bargain. With a starting price of $299, it's one of the most affordable ways to get into VR.