Oculus Rift S - Worth it, or not?
Oculus Rift S - Worth it, or not?
Hello everyone, I've set up a rig that can run these games and am exploring PCVR, focusing on the Oculus Rift S. My budget is about $500 CAD, and it looks like a solid choice—Amazon Canada is currently offering a $100 discount, which is great. Based on Linus's review and others, the headset tracking matches Lighthouse quite well, and the setup process is very convenient. I'm curious if anyone owns or plans to own an Oculus Rift S would be interested in sharing their thoughts. While the display resolution and refresh rate aren't top-tier, the overall experience feels outstanding for the price.
If you skip the Facebook debate, it’s really great. However, due to the FB situation, I’d hold off and watch for more affordable headsets. Based on my short experience with HTC and Oculus, the HTC headset performs better, while the Oculus controllers are top-notch—ignoring Valve’s stance because of cost. I’d choose Oculus only if Facebook changes its policies or if you’re open to customizing the Oculus to remove its ties.
The Rift S functions smoothly on PC, yet Oculus has indicated a strong preference for Quest or Quest 2. They claim a 120Hz display will arrive soon and a higher resolution would make me seriously think about buying a Quest 2. - A Rift CV1 user Edit: A new Vive headset is in development (rumored to be a Quest 2 rival), but no one knows how realistic that timeline is. Edited March 8, 2021 by Cela1
It’s unusual to spend extra on additional hardware when basic PC features suffice, though the higher resolution and refresh rate are definitely appealing. Can I link the Quest 2 to my PC? It looks like a USB-C cable is the only choice, and your GPU lacks a USB-C port while your motherboard’s one is unreliable.
Unless purchasing from a retailer is acceptable, the base Quest 2 should match the Rift S price. Oculus Link doesn't rely on your graphics card's port; it uses a standard USB-C connection (or possibly USB-A with a connector). If you're unsure about Link or only have USB-A ports, I'd likely steer clear of the Quest lineup altogether.
You can link the Quest 2 to your PC and enjoy full PCVR playback. You won’t need to connect it directly to your GPU. While the official Oculus cable works via USB-C to USB-C, you can also purchase a compatible USB-C to USB-A adapter that supports USB 3.0 at 5 Gbps. Make sure your motherboard has an open USB 3.0 port. Using the Quest 2 has been great for me—it gives me freedom to switch between PCVR and native games, and with strong upload speeds you can stream wirelessly through the remote desktop app (around $20).
I've tried all the top VR headsets since the first rift appeared (Pimax / Vive Pro) and the Rift S remains my top choice overall. The only real competitor is the Quest 2, but you'll likely need a better headset and a reliable link cable—especially if your internet isn't fast enough or you can't use virtual desktop. I actually purchased another Quest 2 last week, intending to use it separately for fitness workouts. When playing side by side on PCVR, the Rift S (with SS) gives me the clearer image. Mostly due to some artifacts and noticeable lag on the Quest 2, even with a stable connection. If you're new to VR, the Rift S is still the best bet, though the Quest 2 might appeal if you prefer wireless convenience. For first-timers, I’d lean toward the Rift S, but the Quest 2 could be worth considering too. If you’re asking about value for money, I’d say yes—absolutely. I also suggest checking out Viveport; it’s like a streaming service for VR titles. There are thousands of Oculus games there, many of which are excellent (Westworld, Paper Beast, Pixel Ripped, The Room, Superhot VR, Arizona Sunshine, Moss, etc.).