Why You Might Want to Think Twice Before Buying a Quest 2
Thinking about buying a Meta Quest 2 VR headset? Before you do, here's what you need to know.
The Quest 2 Is Great, But It's Getting Old
The Meta Quest 2 (once called the Oculus Quest 2) is almost four years old now. With newer versions like the Quest 3 coming out, lots of new games will only be available for the newer model. So, while the Quest 2 can still play most older games, you might miss out on exciting new ones.
Best Time to Buy a Quest 2
You might see some great deals soon, especially around Amazon Prime Day. We've seen the price dip as low as $99 before. If you find it at that price, it's still worth it, especially if:
- You're new to VR gaming and want to try it out without spending too much.
- You want an affordable way to experience VR since the Quest 2 still runs almost 99% of Meta Quest games.
Using Quest 2 With Family
Many people, like myself, use the Quest 2 for family gaming. My son and I play VR games together, and so far, we haven't found a game we wanted that didn't work on the Quest 2. If you end up liking VR gaming, you can always enhance your experience with a new headstrap or face pad from our list of best accessories.
A Secondary Option or for PCVR Gaming
Some might consider a cheap Quest 2 for:
- Local multiplayer: You can have a second headset for friends or family to join.
- PCVR headset: You can use the Quest 2 with a PC for even more games, including those available on SteamVR.
The Drawbacks of Quest 2
However, there are limitations:
- No support for future games: Eventually, many new games will be Quest 3-exclusive.
- Lack of mixed reality features: Only available on the Quest Pro and Quest 3.
- Old passthrough video: The Quest 2’s passthrough video is low resolution and in black and white, unlike the full-color, high-resolution video of the Quest 3.
Considering Quest 3 or Upcoming Quest 3S
If you’re interested in mixed reality features or new exclusive games, but don't want to spend $500 on a Quest 3, consider waiting for the rumored Meta Quest 3S. It’s supposed to be more affordable, around $299, while still powerful enough to support all Quest 3-exclusive games.
Conclusion
Recap: The Quest 2 is still a good buy if you can find it at a deeply discounted price and don’t mind missing out on future exclusives. For a more future-proof investment, consider saving for the Quest 3 or waiting for the rumored Quest 3S.
Choose wisely based on what’s important to you: cost, game availability, or the latest features.
Happy VR gaming!