The Oculus Quest 2 is now the world's most widely used PC virtual reality headset. Despite releasing just five months ago, a recent survey clearly indicates the Oculus Quest 2 has become the go-to for PC players, easily outpacing any of its current competitors.
Launching in October 2020, the Oculus Quest 2 is the direct successor to the company's original VR headset. Oculus was acquired by Facebook in 2014, which led to the creation of the Oculus Rift. While the Rift requires the utilization of a capable PC, the Quest 2 is capable of functioning independently thanks to a robust internal graphics chip, making its usage much more versatile.
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According to Steam's February hardware survey, that versatility (and overall quality) has greatly paid off. The survey data shows that 22.91% of headsets used on SteamVR are the Oculus Quest 2, easily overshadowing other models such as the HTC Vive and the platform's own Valve Index headset. Further data reveals just how dominant Oculus VR systems are, with the brand's combined models accounting for more than half of all devices used on SteamVR. Facebook itself has stated that sales for the Oculus Quest 2 have been "beyond expectations," with monthly active user counts already surpassing the original Quest. The devices have proven to be so popular that the Oculus Quest 2 entirely sold out of its 2020 stock during the holiday season, a fate which basically all new gaming systems have suffered in recent months.
The Oculus Quest 2 is likely to become even more popular in the future. While initially offering a refresh rate of 72Hz (the same as the original Quest model), Facebook upped its display capacity to 90Hz last November. Now it appears that the company is going a step further, with news that the Oculus Quest 2 is likely to receive a 120Hz refresh rate update soon. This would put the VR device on par with the Valve Index, which also offers 120Hz. The biggest factor as to why the Quest 2 is edging out the competition likely comes down to price. The Index comes with a hefty $999 price tag, over triple the amount of the Quest 2's $300.
The VR Headset's runaway success is indicative of the growing presence and popularity of virtual reality and augmented reality technology. For example, Microsoft recently revealed its impressive Mesh AR technology, which seeks to combine augmented and virtual realities into a seamless application. The tech allows holographic avatars to interact with objects that appear in physical spaces, dubbed "holoporation." While still in its early stages, the technology has absolutely massive implications for the VR gaming industry as it evolves.
Oculus is poised to be a leader in the VR gaming industry in the years to come. The Oculus Quest games are making a ton of money, with over 60 titles generating over $1 million and six other over $10 million, so it won't be going anywhere anytime soon. It'll certainly be exciting for gamers to see how the technology evolves in the years to come.
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Source: PCGamesN