Meta Quest 2 is the latest all-in-one virtual reality headset from Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook. It promises to deliver a more immersive, powerful and versatile VR experience than its predecessor, the Quest. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s my review of the Meta Quest 2 after using it for a week.
The device is a virtual reality (VR) headset that was released in October 2020. It is the successor to the original Meta Quest, which was released in 2019. The Quest 2 is a standalone headset, meaning that it does not require a computer to operate. It is also wireless, so users can move around freely without being tethered to a computer or a power outlet.
Design and Comfort
The first thing you notice about the Meta Quest 2 is its sleek and lightweight design. The headset weighs only 503 grams, which is 10% lighter than the original Quest. It also has a soft fabric cover that feels comfortable on your face and adjustable straps that fit snugly around your head. The headset has four cameras on the front that track your movements and the environment and a USB-C port on the side that can be used to charge the device or connect it to a PC.
Controllers
The machine comes with two controllers that have been redesigned to be more ergonomic and responsive. They have a circular ring around the top that helps the headset track their position, and a trigger, a grip button, a joystick, two face buttons and a menu button on each controller. The controllers are powered by AA batteries that last for about 15 hours of use.
Display and Visuals
The Meta Quest 2 has a stunning display that offers a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, which is 50% higher than the original Quest. It also has a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, which makes the visuals smoother and more realistic. The headset has an IPD (interpupillary distance) slider that lets you adjust the distance between the lenses to match your eyes and a focus adjuster that lets you fine-tune the clarity of the image.
Audio and Battery Life
It has a built-in audio system that delivers spatial sound through two speakers on the sides of the headset. The sound quality is decent but not very loud or immersive. You can also use your own headphones or earbuds by plugging them into the 3.5 mm jack on the headset.
The Meta Quest 2 has an impressive battery life that lasts for about 2 to 3 hours of continuous VR gaming or 6 hours of media consumption. You can extend the battery life by using an external battery pack or by connecting the headset to a power source via the USB-C cable.
Operating System and Connectivity
The Meta Quest 2 runs on the Android-based Meta OS, which gives you access to a variety of apps and games from the Meta Store. You can also use the Meta Link app to connect the headset to your PC and play PC VR games or use PC VR apps. The Meta Link app requires a high-speed USB-C cable or a Wi-Fi connection to work.
VR Experiences
The device offers a wide range of VR experiences, from casual games like Beat Saber and Superhot VR, to more immersive games like Resident Evil 4 VR and Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. You can also use apps like Netflix, YouTube VR and Horizon Venues to watch movies, videos and live events in VR. You can also socialize with other VR users in apps like Horizon Worlds, Rec Room and VRChat.
Limitations and Concerns
The Meta Quest 2 is not without its flaws, however. The headset can sometimes overheat or lose tracking when used in bright or dark environments. The headset also requires you to log in with your Facebook account, which raises some privacy and security concerns. The headset also lacks some features that are available on other VR headsets, such as eye tracking, hand tracking and wireless PC VR streaming.
Overall Assessment
Overall, I think the Meta Quest 2 is a great VR headset that offers a lot of value for its price. It is easy to set up, comfortable to wear, powerful to run and versatile to use. It is suitable for both beginners and enthusiasts who want to enjoy VR without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a high-quality all-in-one VR headset, you should definitely consider getting the Meta Quest 2.
Pros:
Standalone headset: No need for a computer or a power outlet
Wireless: Move around freely
High-resolution display: 500 pixels per inch (ppi)
High refresh rate: 90Hz
Powerful processor: More realistic graphics and more complex VR experiences
Built-in speaker system
Affordable
Cons:
Limited battery life: About 2-3 hours
Can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time
Limited selection of VR games and experiences
Expensive
Overall, the Meta Quest 2 is a great choice for anyone interested in virtual reality. It is easy to set up and use, and it offers a wide range of immersive experiences. The Quest 2 is also relatively affordable, making it a good option for people who are new to VR.