Unveiling the Mind-Blowing Upgrades: Discover Why the Quest 2 is a Must-Have!
Is the Quest 2 still a top choice for entry-level VR? Explore its ongoing software support, missed features compared to Quest 3, and comparisons with Quest 3 and Quest Pro Deciding whether to purchase the Quest 2 is made easier
Key Takeaways
Despite the release of Meta Quest 3, Quest 2 remains one of the best entry-level VR headsets with similar features at a lower price.
Meta will provide ongoing software and security updates for Quest 2 until at least 2024, ensuring a favorable long-term investment.
If the mixed reality features or enhanced resolution are not essential to you, it may be unnecessary to upgrade to Quest 3 at this time. Prioritize your budget and requirements before reaching a decision.
Meta Quest 3, the direct successor to one of the most popular VR headsets on the market, raises the question of whether it is too late to purchase a Meta Quest 2. Is it worth upgrading to the Quest 3 for $500, or will you miss out on important features if you don't upgrade? These are the crucial inquiries every buyer should consider before investing in Meta's latest VR headset.
The Case for Choosing the Meta Quest 2 Over the Quest 3
Both headsets also offer the same games currently, as there are no exclusive titles available for the Quest 3 at the moment. It remains in Meta's interest to continue supporting the Quest 2 for as long as possible. It is important to note that Meta generates most of its profit through sales in its Quest store rather than VR headset sales. Since the majority of users still own the Quest 2 headset, game publishers are more likely to release their games on both headsets.
There have been updates to certain games to support the slightly higher resolution (2,064 x 2,208 pixels per eye) and improved image quality of the Quest 3. However, if you already own a Quest 2, it may not be worth upgrading just yet. It would be more advisable to wait until exciting Quest 3 exclusive games are announced or when major Quest titles are updated to a higher resolution.
How Long Will Quest 2 Get Software Updates?
To gauge the duration of Meta's support for the Quest 2, let's consider its predecessor. The original Oculus Quest was released on May 21, 2019. Since then, Meta has consistently introduced new updates and features for the original Quest. It was only in spring 2023 that the company ceased major updates. Nonetheless, Meta will continue to provide basic software and security updates until 2024.
In 2020, the original Oculus Quest was discontinued following the launch of the Meta Quest 2. (The Meta Quest 2 was also more affordable than its predecessor.) Nevertheless, Meta is taking a different approach this time. By lowering the price of the Quest 2 back to $299, they clearly intend to keep selling the headset for a considerable period.
While we cannot predict the future, we can speculate that it would be advantageous for Meta to maintain tight control over the price ranges of VR headsets available in the market. Considering that the Meta Quest 2 is focused on the lower price range of $300-$430, while the Quest 3 targets the higher range of $500-$650, the company is clearly establishing distinct categories for these products. Taking these factors into account, it can be surmised that Meta intends to continue supporting the Meta Quest 2 at least until 2025-26, or even longer.
What Quest 3 Features Will You Miss Out On?
Opting out of upgrading or purchasing a Meta Quest 3 means missing out on several valuable features. Perhaps the most significant enhancement is the inclusion of mixed reality capabilities in the Quest 3. This cutting-edge headset offers full-color passthrough, previously only found in the Meta Quest Pro. Furthermore, the Quest 3 boasts various other improvements compared to its predecessor, including a slightly higher resolution, a 40% slimmer body, and the powerful Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor.
The Quest 3 by Meta now offers full upper body tracking. However, this feature cannot be added to the Quest 2 retroactively due to different camera positions. Nevertheless, Meta is expected to continue updating the Quest 2 with new features through software updates, as they have done in the past. Each mainline update will bring new features to both the Quest 2 and Quest 3.
Despite this, the most important feature remains the full color passthrough. Unfortunately, at launch, only a few applications support this feature on the Meta Quest 3. Therefore, unless you plan on using the mixed reality features for productivity or work, there is currently limited incentive to upgrade.
Meta Quest 2 vs. Quest 3 vs. Quest Pro
If you are interested in comparing the Meta Quest 2 with Quest 3 and Quest Pro, you can refer to the spec sheet provided below. It is important to note, however, that specifications alone do not provide the complete picture. It is recommended to read reviews and consider your own specific requirements.
Headsets | Meta Quest 2 | Meta Quest 3 | Meta Quest Pro |
Price | $299 (128GB), $429 (256GB) | $499 (128GB), $649 (512GB) | $999 (256GB) |
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 1 |
Display Resolution (per eye) | 1832 x 1920, 773 PPI, 20 PPD | 2064 x 2208, 1218 PPI, 25 PPD | 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, 1058 PPI, 22 PPD |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz, 120Hz (max) | 90Hz, 120Hz (max) | 90Hz |
FOV (degrees) | 90 Horizontal & Vertical | 110 Horizontal / 96 Vertical | 106 Horizontal / 96 Vertical |
Lenses | Fresnel Lenses | Pancake Lenses (Thinner) | Pancake Lenses (Thinner) |
RAM | 6GB | 8GB | 12GB |
Eye & Face Tracking | No | No | Yes |
Battery life | 2 hours (3640 mAh) | 2.2 hours (5060 mAh) | 2.5 hours (5348 mAh) |
Weight | 1.13lbs / 515g | 1.16lbs / 530g | 1.59lbs / 722g |
Mixed Reality Passthrough | Limited black and white passthrough | Full color passthrough (4MP, 18 PPD) | Full color passthrough (1MP, 8 PPD) |
Controllers | Quest Touch Controllers (IR tracking ring) | Quest Touch Plus Controllers | Self-tracked Quest Touch Pro controllers (rechargeable) |
Charging Dock | Available from third-party vendors | Available separately | Included |
Should You Still Buy the Meta Quest 2?
When it boils down to it, there are two determining factors: your budget and your preferences. If you're on the lookout for a wallet-friendly VR headset that allows you to experience popular PC VR games like Half Life: Alyx, Beat Saber, or No Man's Sky, then the Meta Quest 2 is your ideal option. Even without a gaming PC, you can delve into some exceptional standalone VR games without spending a single penny.
However, if you are willing to invest $500 in the Meta Quest 3, you can alleviate concerns about upgrading your headset for the foreseeable future. If the absence of color passthrough is a decisive factor for you, then the Quest 3 is certainly the better choice. Ultimately, make the decision that aligns with your budget and requirements.
Moreover, acquiring a Quest 2 is still a viable option, especially considering that the release of the Quest 3 will prompt many current headset owners to sell their VR headsets at discounted prices. Consequently, it may be possible to obtain a used Meta Quest 2 for an even more affordable price lower than $299.
The Meta Quest 2 128GB model offers more than enough space for most users while selling you the best overall headset at a very wallet-friendly price.
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