The Oculus Quest 2 has dominated the VR industry since its release. This all-in-one VR headset doesn’t require a PC or game console. However, it is starting to age, which is just among the number of reasons to avoid the Oculus Quest 2.
A primary reason to avoid the Quest 2 is that newer headsets have started to outshine it. From bugs and glitches to the simple fact that it is uncomfortable to wear only adds to the problem. Not to mention, VR games are still few. So, not many people get to use their headsets regularly. Now, let’s check out some of the reasons you should avoid Quest 2.
An Uncomfortable and Heavy Headset
While the Oculus Quest 2 has a lot going for it, the headset is incredibly uncomfortable for long periods of use. Most gamers only use the headset for short periods as it is uncomfortable and can lead to motion sickness. But the Quest 2 has a lot of apps for entertainment and movie watching, which could leave some using the headset for hours at a time.
The biggest problem is that the headset is pretty heavy, and all that weight pulls against the wearer’s face. Even worse is that the head straps don’t do much, and they are pretty difficult to adjust properly. Fortunately, Quest 2 owners can fix this problem by upgrading to the Quest 2 Elite Strap or one of the many third-party alternatives.
- Stabilizing straps to give additional support
- Lifts weight of headset away from your face for more comfort
- Personalize your fit with adjustable fit wheel
- Set up by removing your original strap and snapping the Elite Strap into place
Glitches and Buggy Software
The Oculus Quest 2 has been available for a few years now, but that doesn’t mean it’s free from bugs and technical issues. Surprisingly, many of the problems arise just from using Meta’s apps or user interface and have nothing to do with game developers. While it isn’t uncommon to experience bugs in new VR games, most of the time, they are quickly addressed by developers.
As for Meta, the problems are sometimes related to software problems like the Guardian boundary. This is what establishes where the user can go and prevents them from crashing into walls or furniture. But other times, controllers just freak out. Overall, the Quest 2 delivers a good experience, but if it was a console, it’s unlikely that users would be as forgiving.
Few Games on the Oculus Quest 2
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The Oculus Quest 2 has a fairly extensive game library. However, you can only play games designed for Quest 2 and listed in the Quest Store. These include hit titles like Beat Saber and Golf+. But it leaves out other games that are exclusive to Steam or the PSVR. With that said, the Quest 2 is probably the best VR option because it has the most games.
Additionally, you can always use Quest 2 with a PC to play PC-based titles. Additionally, Quest 2 has a large variety of entertainment apps, like ones for streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube. Some social apps also let you interact with current friends and meet new ones.
The Oculus Quest 2 is Expensive
VR headsets are still expensive, despite their prices coming down over the years. The Oculus Quest 2 starts at $400 for the 128 GB model, while the larger 256 GB model is $500. That is a lot of money, especially considering that the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X also cost $500. With that said, it’s important to keep in mind that the Quest 2 does essentially have a computer built-in.
But even so, that is still a stretch for most users, considering the low adoption of VR headsets. If you are set on buying a VR headset, then the Quest 2 may be a good choice as it is quite affordable than other headsets. For example, PC VR headsets like the HTC Vive and Valve Index can approach $1,000, and the PSVR 2 is $550, plus it requires a PlayStation 5.
Relying on Dated Technology
The Quest 2 has only been out a few years, but it is already feeling pretty dated. In recent years it hasn’t felt like technology progressed rapidly, but VR tech certainly has. The processor inside the Quest 2 is a major limiting factor slowing more advanced game development. But other factors like limited controller input are also inhibitive for some games.
Of course, the most limiting factor that users notice is the display. Each eye on the Quest 2 displays approximately 1,920 X 1,832 pixels. That is a decent amount, but it still leaves a little bit of the screen door effect. Meaning you can barely make out some of the individual pixels that make up the display. Newer headsets fix this by using a higher-resolution display capable of at least 4K resolution.
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Oculus Quest 2 Has a Short Battery Life
One of the biggest complaints among Quest 2 users is that the battery doesn’t last long enough. The problem is that battery life is a complicated topic because the type of use greatly impacts use time. Additionally, the Quest 2 is a relatively small device with a lot of processing power, meaning there isn’t that much room for a larger battery pack inside.
Making matters worse is that the internal battery is not upgradeable or replaceable. The good news is that you can charge the Quest 2 while also using it. That may defeat the point of a wireless headset for some, but at least it’s an option. More importantly, you can attach a secondary battery pack to the Quest 2.
Oculus makes a battery pack for the Quest 2 that is built into the Elite head strap. The Oculus brand battery upgrade is pretty expensive, but there are also third-party options as well. With just the internal battery, you can get between two to three hours of use. The Elite head strap provides an additional hour and a half to two hours.
- Extend your gaming time while increasing your comfort
- Built-in second battery
- Re-charge your Elite Strap battery and your Quest 2 headset battery simultaneously
- Adjustable fit wheel lets you find the correct fit
VR Gaming is Still a Novelty
Another reason to avoid the Oculus Quest 2? It isn’t much more than a novelty to most owners. There is often conjecture about whether VR technology is the future of gaming and entertainment or if it will fade away like 3D TVs. Despite numerous companies getting into the VR market, consumers still aren’t buying in.
It is not uncommon for consumers to wait a little while to adopt a product as they are understandably wary. However, the original Oculus Rift headset came out over a decade ago. So, the technology had plenty of time to catch on. VR technology has a number of applications, such as education, but the reality is that once a user experiences VR a few times, they don’t pick it back up.
This is evidenced by Sony’s PSVR 2, which appears to be underperforming and, at its current rate, won’t even sell as well as the PSVR. Other headsets aren’t fairing much better. In fact, a recent survey indicates most VR headset owners rarely use their devices. All this to say, you should carefully consider how much use the device will get before buying any VR headset.
Oculus Quest 3 is Coming Soon
The final reason you may want to avoid the Oculus Quest 2 is that the Quest 3 should come out this year. Despite persistent rumors, it looks like the headset is on track for a 2023 release. Not to mention, Apple’s VR headset should also get an announcement at some point this year. There is a lot to look forward to in the future for VR.
It is not a good idea to get a headset that is already showing its age when new technology is on the horizon. Even if the Quest 3 is too expensive, there is a good chance that the Quest 2 will see further price reductions as it gets phased out. Plus, other brands are working on VR headsets of their own, which will likely be better than the Quest 2.
Meta VR in the News
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Meta’s original policy was that users had to be at least 13 years old to use a Quest headset. This policy was based on the Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits companies from collecting personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental consent.
In June of 2023, Meta announced that they would be lowering the minimum age for VR users to 10 years old. The company made this decision because it believes that kids in this age group can benefit from the educational and entertainment experiences that VR can provide. For example, there are VR apps that can teach kids about history, science, and math. And some VR games can help kids develop hand/eye coordination and problem-solving skills.
