Oculus Go Vs Quest 2: Which Should You Buy For Vr Gaming?
The Oculus Go and Oculus Quest 2 offer two affordable options for jumping into virtual reality. But with very different capabilities, which one is the better choice for VR gaming? This detailed comparison examines display, performance, game libraries, and more to help you decide.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The Oculus Quest 2 is far superior for VR gaming thanks to its 6DOF motion tracking, Touch controllers, higher resolution display, and much more powerful performance.
Display and Optics
When it comes to VR gaming, the display and optics of a headset play a crucial role in delivering an immersive and realistic experience. Let’s compare the display and optics of Oculus Go and Quest 2 to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
The resolution and refresh rate of a VR headset determine the clarity of the visuals and how smoothly they are displayed. The Oculus Quest 2 boasts a higher resolution compared to the Oculus Go, with a resolution of 1832 x 1920 pixels per eye, while the Go has a resolution of 1280 x 1440 pixels per eye.
This means that the Quest 2 offers sharper and more detailed graphics, enhancing the overall visual experience. Additionally, the Quest 2 has a higher refresh rate of 90Hz, providing smoother motion and reducing motion sickness compared to the Go’s 72Hz refresh rate.
Lens Quality
The quality of the lenses in a VR headset greatly affects the clarity and focus of the visuals. Both the Oculus Go and Quest 2 feature high-quality lenses that provide clear and sharp images. However, the Quest 2 utilizes improved lens technology, offering a wider sweet spot and reduced god rays compared to the Go.
This means that you’ll experience less distortion and better image quality with the Quest 2.
Field of View
The field of view (FOV) is the extent of the virtual world that you can see through the headset. While both the Oculus Go and Quest 2 offer a similar FOV, the Quest 2 provides a slightly wider field of view, allowing for a more immersive experience.
This wider FOV can make a difference in games where peripheral vision is crucial, giving you a greater sense of presence within the virtual environment.
Screen Door Effect
The screen door effect refers to the visible grid of lines that can be seen between pixels on a VR display. It can diminish the immersion and realism of the virtual experience. The Oculus Quest 2 addresses this issue by utilizing a new display technology that minimizes the screen door effect, resulting in a more seamless and immersive visual experience.
On the other hand, while the Oculus Go also offers a decent visual experience, it may have a slightly more noticeable screen door effect compared to the Quest 2.
Performance and Tracking
When it comes to VR gaming, performance and tracking are crucial factors to consider before making a purchase decision between the Oculus Go and the Quest 2. Let’s delve into the details and compare the two headsets in terms of their processing power, degrees of freedom (DOF), controllers, and tracking capabilities.
Processing Power Comparison
The Oculus Quest 2 outshines the Oculus Go in terms of processing power. It is equipped with a more advanced Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor, which offers a significant performance boost compared to the Snapdragon 821 found in the Oculus Go.
This means that the Quest 2 can handle more demanding VR experiences, resulting in smoother gameplay and better graphics.
3DOF vs 6DOF Explained
The terms 3DOF and 6DOF refer to the degrees of freedom that a VR headset provides. The Oculus Go is a 3DOF headset, which means it can track the rotation of your head in three dimensions: pitch (up and down), yaw (left and right), and roll (tilting side to side).
On the other hand, the Oculus Quest 2 is a 6DOF headset, offering not only head rotation tracking but also positional tracking, allowing you to move freely within a designated play area.
This positional tracking in the Quest 2 adds a whole new level of immersion to your VR gaming experience. You can physically duck, dodge, and lean into virtual worlds, making the gameplay more interactive and realistic.
Controllers
Both the Oculus Go and the Quest 2 come with their respective controllers, but there are notable differences between them. The Oculus Go features a single controller with a touchpad and buttons, providing a basic level of interaction in VR games.
On the other hand, the Quest 2 comes with two touch controllers, offering more precise and intuitive hand tracking. These controllers allow for more natural gestures, giving you better control and immersion in virtual environments.
Tracking Capabilities
When it comes to tracking capabilities, the Oculus Quest 2 surpasses the Oculus Go. The Quest 2 utilizes inside-out tracking, meaning the sensors are built into the headset itself, eliminating the need for external sensors or base stations.
This makes the setup process much simpler and more convenient. In contrast, the Oculus Go relies on an external tracking system, limiting your freedom of movement and requiring a more complex setup.
The inside-out tracking of the Quest 2 also ensures a larger play area and better accuracy in tracking your movements. Whether you’re reaching for objects, throwing virtual projectiles, or engaging in intense VR battles, the Quest 2 provides a more immersive and responsive experience.
Game Libraries
When deciding between Oculus Go and Quest 2 for VR gaming, one important factor to consider is the game library available for each device. Both headsets offer a wide range of games and experiences, but there are some key differences to keep in mind.
Native Quest vs Go games
The Oculus Quest 2 has a more extensive game library compared to the Oculus Go. This is because the Quest 2 is a more recent release and is capable of running more advanced and graphically demanding games.
With its powerful hardware and improved processing capabilities, the Quest 2 offers a more immersive and visually stunning gaming experience.
On the other hand, the Oculus Go has a more limited selection of games as it is an older headset with less powerful hardware. However, it still offers a decent variety of casual games and experiences that are optimized for the Go’s capabilities.
PC VR streaming potential
One advantage of the Quest 2 is its ability to stream PC VR games. By connecting the headset to a compatible gaming PC, users can access a whole new world of VR gaming through platforms like Oculus Link or Virtual Desktop.
This opens up a vast library of PC VR games, including popular titles and experiences not available on the native Quest store.
On the other hand, the Oculus Go does not have the capability to stream PC VR games. It is a standalone device and can only play games that are specifically designed for the Go.
Exclusive titles
Both the Oculus Go and Quest 2 have their fair share of exclusive titles. These are games and experiences that are only available on their respective platforms. The Quest 2, being the newer and more advanced headset, has a larger number of exclusive titles.
These games take advantage of the Quest 2’s capabilities, offering unique gameplay mechanics and immersive experiences.
While the Oculus Go also has some exclusive titles, they are generally more limited in scope and graphical fidelity. However, for casual gamers or those on a budget, the Go’s exclusive titles still offer enjoyable and engaging experiences.
Cross-buy games
Cross-buy games are titles that can be purchased once and played on multiple Oculus devices. This means that if you own both an Oculus Go and a Quest 2, you can buy a cross-buy game once and play it on both headsets without having to buy separate copies.
While not all games support cross-buy, there is a growing number of titles that do. This can be a significant cost-saving factor, especially if you plan on owning multiple Oculus devices. It’s worth checking the Oculus Store to see which games offer cross-buy support.
Design and Comfort
When it comes to immersive virtual reality gaming experiences, the design and comfort of a VR headset play a crucial role in ensuring an enjoyable and prolonged gameplay session. This section will compare the design and comfort aspects of the Oculus Go and Quest 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Materials and Weight
The materials used in the construction of a VR headset greatly impact its overall comfort and durability. The Oculus Go features a lightweight and breathable fabric design, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
On the other hand, the Quest 2 boasts a more premium and sleek design with a combination of plastic and fabric materials. While it may be slightly heavier than the Go, the weight distribution is well-balanced, ensuring a comfortable fit.
Adjustability
Having a VR headset that can be easily adjusted to fit your head size and shape is essential for a personalized and comfortable experience. The Oculus Go comes with an elastic strap that can be adjusted to achieve a snug fit.
However, the Quest 2 takes adjustability to the next level with its innovative strap design that allows for a more secure and customizable fit. Additionally, the Quest 2 features IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment, allowing users to optimize the visual experience based on their unique eye spacing.
Built-in Audio
Immersive audio is crucial for a truly immersive VR gaming experience. The Oculus Go features integrated spatial audio, which delivers impressive sound quality without the need for headphones. This ensures a hassle-free gaming session without worrying about tangled wires.
On the other hand, the Quest 2 takes audio to the next level with its built-in speakers that provide a more immersive and realistic sound experience. However, for those who prefer a more private audio experience, the Quest 2 also supports headphone connectivity.
Glasses Support
For individuals who wear glasses, finding a VR headset that accommodates their eyewear is essential. The Oculus Go features enough space to comfortably fit most prescription glasses, allowing users to enjoy VR gaming without any discomfort.
Similarly, the Quest 2 is designed with enough room to accommodate glasses, ensuring a comfortable fit for those who require corrective eyewear. However, it is always recommended to check the dimensions and compatibility with your specific glasses before making a purchase.
Additional Features
When comparing the Oculus Go and Quest 2 for VR gaming, it’s important to consider the additional features that each headset offers. These features can greatly enhance your gaming experience and make a difference in your decision-making process.
Multiplayer options
Both the Oculus Go and Quest 2 support multiplayer gaming, allowing you to connect and play with friends or other gamers online. With multiplayer options, you can team up, compete, or simply enjoy virtual adventures together.
The ability to interact with others in a virtual environment adds a whole new level of immersion to your gaming experience.
Expandable storage
One of the advantages of the Quest 2 over the Go is its expandable storage capacity. The Quest 2 offers options for additional storage, allowing you to download and store more games, apps, and media. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re an avid gamer who likes to have a wide range of options at your fingertips.
With expandable storage, you won’t have to worry about running out of space.
Guardian and passthrough
The Guardian system is a safety feature available on both the Go and Quest 2. It helps you define a safe play area by creating a virtual boundary in your real-world surroundings. This prevents you from accidentally bumping into objects or walls while immersed in VR.
Additionally, both headsets offer passthrough capabilities, allowing you to see your real-world surroundings through the headset’s cameras. This can be useful if you need to quickly check your surroundings without removing the headset.
AR capabilities
While the Oculus Go is primarily focused on VR gaming, the Quest 2 offers augmented reality (AR) capabilities as well. AR allows you to overlay virtual objects onto the real world, creating interactive and immersive experiences.
With the Quest 2, you can not only enjoy VR gaming but also explore the possibilities of AR applications and experiences.
Conclusion
With its cutting-edge performance, 6DOF tracking, and vast game library, the Oculus Quest 2 is the clear winner for VR gaming immersion. The Oculus Go only makes sense for media viewing on a tight budget. For the best all-around wireless VR experience, the Quest 2 is hard to beat.
