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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image=[[File:oculus quest 11.jpeg|250px]]
|name = Oculus Quest
|VR/AR=[[Virtual Reality]]
|image =
|Type=[[Head-mounted display]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Subtype=[[Standalone VR]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Platform=[[Oculus Quest Platform]]
|Subtype = [[Standalone VR]]
|Developer=[[Oculus VR]]
|Platform = [[Oculus Platform]]
|Operating System=Android-based OS
|Creator = [[Oculus VR]]
|Predecessor=[[Oculus Go]]
|Developer = [[Oculus VR]]
|Successor=[[Meta Quest 2]]
|Manufacturer = [[Oculus VR]]
|CPU=[[Qualcomm Snapdragon 835]]
|Announcement Date = September 26, 2018 (OC5)
|GPU=[[Qualcomm® Adreno™ 540]]
|Release Date = May 21, 2019
|Memory=4GB
|Price = $399 (64GB), $499 (128GB)
|Storage=6GB, 128GB
|Website = https://www.meta.com/quest/ (archived)
|Display=OLED
|Versions = 64GB, 128GB
|Resolution=1440×1600 per eye
|Requires = Oculus/Facebook account
|Refresh Rate=72Hz
|Predecessor = [[Oculus Go]]
|Field of View=96°×94° (estimated)(ref 5)
|Successor = [[Meta Quest 2]]
|Camera=4
|Operating System = [[Oculus OS]] (Android-based)
|Tracking=6DOF
|Chipset = [[Qualcomm Snapdragon 835]]
|Rotational Tracking=[[Gyroscope]], [[Accelerometer]]
|CPU = Octa-core Kryo 280 (4× 2.45 GHz + 4× 1.9 GHz)
|Positional Tracking=[[Oculus Insight]]
|GPU = Adreno 540
|Input=[[Oculus Touch Controllers]], Controller-free Hand Tracking
|HPU =
|Connectivity=[[Oculus Link]], USB-C
|Storage = 64GB or 128GB
|Power=rechargeable headset, battery-operated controllers
|Memory = 4GB LPDDR4X
|Battery Life=2 to 3 hours
|SD Card Slot = No
|Weight=571grams
|Display = Dual OLED (PenTile)
|Size=6.3 x 8.27 x 3.46 inches
|Subpixel Layout = PenTile Diamond
|Release Date=May 21, 2019
|Peak Brightness = ~100 nits
|Price=$399 (64GB), $499 (128GB)
|Resolution = 1440 × 1600 per eye (2880 × 1600 combined)
|Website=https://www.oculus.com/quest/
|Pixel Density = ~13.5 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 72Hz
|Persistence = Low persistence
|Field of View = 93°
|Horizontal FoV = ~93°
|Vertical FoV = ~93°
|Average Pixel Density = ~13.5 PPD
|Peak Pixel Density = ~13.5 PPD
|Foveated Rendering = Fixed foveated rendering
|Optics = Next-generation Fresnel lenses
|Ocularity = Binocular
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (slider adjustment)
|Adjustable Diopter = No (glasses spacer included)
|Passthrough = Yes (grayscale, Guardian safety)
|Tracking = 6DoF inside-out (Oculus Insight)
|Tracking Frequency = 60Hz (cameras)
|Base Stations = None required
|Eye Tracking = No
|Face Tracking = No
|Hand Tracking = Yes (added via update, December 2019)
|Body Tracking = No
|Rotational Tracking = Yes
|Positional Tracking = Yes
|Update Rate = 72Hz
|Tracking Volume = Room-scale (up to 4000 sq ft)
|Play Space = Roomscale
|Latency = <20ms motion-to-photon
|Audio = Integrated spatial speakers
|Microphone = Yes (integrated)
|3.5mm Audio Jack = Yes
|Camera = 4× inside-out tracking cameras
|Connectivity = Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
|Ports = USB-C, 3.5mm audio
|Wired Video = Yes (Oculus Link, added November 2019)
|Wireless Video = No (at launch)
|WiFi = Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
|Bluetooth = Bluetooth 4.2
|Power = Internal battery
|Battery Capacity = 3648mAh
|Battery Life = 2-3 hours (gaming), 3+ hours (media)
|Charge Time = ~2 hours
|Dimensions = 193mm × 105mm × 222mm
|Weight = 571g
|Material = Plastic, fabric
|Headstrap = Elastic fabric strap
|Haptics = Controller haptics
|Color = Black
|Sensors = 4× tracking cameras, IMU, proximity sensor
|Input = Touch controllers, hand tracking (post-update)
|Compliance = FCC, CE
}}
}}
The '''Oculus Quest''' is [[Oculus VR]]'s first hybrid headset that is fully [[Integrated HMD|standalone]] and enabled a connection to PC for an expanded library of games. The Oculus Quest and [[Rift S]] were launched in the same year, but offered distinctly different playing experiences. The Quest is a fully [[integrated HMD]], requiring no connection to a PC whereas the Rift S requires a PC for processing and play.<ref name=”four”>https://uploadvr.com/oculus-quest-2-specs/</ref>


You can purchase a refurbished Oculus Quest from Facebook for $199; the product has been discontinued, though, in favor of the Meta Quest 2.<ref name=”two”></ref>
The '''Oculus Quest''' is the first standalone [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] with full 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, developed by [[Oculus VR]] (now [[Reality Labs]]), announced at Oculus Connect 5 on September 26, 2018, and released on May 21, 2019. Priced at $399 for the 64GB model, the Quest revolutionized the VR industry by eliminating the need for either a gaming PC or external tracking sensors—users could simply put on the headset and immediately begin VR experiences anywhere. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, the Quest featured dual OLED displays with 1440 × 1600 resolution per eye, inside-out tracking via the "Oculus Insight" system using four cameras, and included redesigned Touch controllers. The Quest's commercial success proved that standalone VR was viable and desirable, establishing the foundation for the even more successful Quest 2 and Meta's dominance of the consumer VR market.
__NOTOC__
==Release and Pricing==
The Oculus Quest was first released on May 21, 2019 as a standalone headset.


On November 18, 2019, Oculus rolled out the ability to connect the Quest to a PC through the beta version of [[Oculus Link]].<ref name=”six”>https://www.oculus.com/blog/play-rift-content-on-quest-with-oculus-link-available-now-in-beta/?locale=fr_FR</ref>
== History and Development ==


In 2021, the Oculus Quest was discontinued.
=== "Project Santa Cruz" ===
The Quest began as "Project Santa Cruz," first teased at Oculus Connect 3 in October 2016. The project aimed to create a standalone headset with PC-quality tracking—something that didn't exist at the time. Early prototypes evolved significantly before the final product.


==Hardware==
=== Oculus VR Portfolio Strategy ===
Oculus positioned Quest within a three-tier strategy:
* '''Oculus Go''': Entry-level standalone (3DoF)
* '''Oculus Quest''': Premium standalone (6DoF)
* '''Oculus Rift S''': PC-tethered (highest fidelity)


The Quest comes with strap audio - speakers built into the headset - but you can also connect your headphones through a stereo audio jack.
=== Oculus Connect 5 Announcement ===
At OC5 in September 2018, Oculus revealed Quest alongside Rift S:
* "$399 for a complete VR system"
* Spring 2019 launch window
* Emphasis on accessibility and freedom
* "VR for everyone" messaging


The CPU is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 that comes with 8 cores. Three of the faster “gold” cores are dedicated to game play, and the rest are dedicated to system services like TimeWarp and tracking.<ref name=”three”>https://developer.oculus.com/blog/down-the-rabbit-hole-w-oculus-quest-the-hardware-software/</ref>
=== May 2019 Launch ===
Quest and Rift S launched simultaneously on May 21, 2019:
* Strong initial demand
* Frequent stock shortages
* Exceeded sales expectations
* Validated standalone VR market


The GPU is a Qualcomm Adreno 540 which “cuts the scene up into a grid of tiles and renders each in sequence.”<ref name=”three”></ref>
== Design Philosophy ==


The Touch Controllers expand upon the design of Rift’s controllers. They have the same button layout, but the rings are placed differently to improve controller registration by the HMD.<ref name=”three”></ref>
=== All-in-One VR ===
Quest's core promise:
* No PC required
* No external sensors
* No cables (except charging)
* Complete VR system in the box


View the info box for an estimated field of view.<ref name="seven">https://uploadvr.com/field-of-view-tool-database/</ref>
=== Accessibility Focus ===
Designed for mainstream adoption:
* Simple setup process
* Portable for different locations
* Works anywhere with enough space
* Lower barrier to entry than PC VR


==System Requirements==
=== "VR for Everyone" ===
This is the first Oculus product to allow for both integrated and discrete HMD play. You can play VR games from your desktop or laptop via [[Oculus Link]] or similar cables.
Oculus's marketing emphasized:
* No technical requirements
* Family-friendly experiences
* Living room VR
* Bringing new users to VR


===PC Requirements for Oculus Link===
== Display Technology ==


'''Processor:''' Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater
=== Dual OLED Panels ===
Two OLED displays:
* '''Resolution''': 1440 × 1600 per eye
* '''Total''': 2880 × 1600
* '''Panel Type''': OLED with PenTile subpixels
* '''Refresh Rate''': 72Hz


'''Memory:''' 8 GB+ RAM
=== OLED Benefits ===
Advantages over LCD:
* True black levels
* Better contrast ratio
* Good color saturation
* Per-pixel illumination


'''Operating System:''' Windows 10
=== PenTile Trade-offs ===
Diamond PenTile arrangement:
* More visible screen door effect
* Lower effective resolution
* But OLED benefits outweighed


'''USB Ports:''' 1x USB port
=== Refresh Rate ===
* 72Hz locked
* Lower than Rift's 90Hz
* Compromise for mobile processing


'''Graphics:'''
== Optical System ==
*NVIDIA Titan X
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Desktop, 6 GB
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (all)
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 (all)
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660
*NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 TI
*NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 Series (all)
*NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series (all)
*AMD 400 Series
*AMD 500 Series
*AMD 5000 Series
*AMD 6000 Series
*AMD Vega Series


<ref name=”five”>https://support.oculus.com/444256562873335/</ref>
=== Next-Generation Fresnel Lenses ===
Improved from Oculus Go:
* Better sweet spot
* Reduced god rays
* Good edge clarity


==Setup Tutorial==
=== Field of View ===
Like the Quest 2, download the Oculus mobile app to configure your device. Purchase and download games through the app or while wearing your headset.
* ~93° total
* Adequate for immersion
* Similar to other 2019 headsets


==Input Devices==
=== IPD Adjustment ===
Hardware slider:
* '''Range''': 58-72mm
* Physical lens movement
* Wide user accommodation


The Quest comes with two Touch Controllers as well as the ability to use your hands for controller-free hand tracking.
== Processing Power ==


==Accessories==
=== Snapdragon 835 ===
Mobile processor from 2017:
* '''CPU''': Octa-core Kryo 280
* '''GPU''': Adreno 540
* '''Process''': 10nm
* Originally a flagship phone chip


===Oculus Link===
=== Performance Considerations ===
See [[Oculus Link]]. The Quest 2 is also compatible with this device.<ref name=”two”>https://www.oculus.com/quest/</ref>
Mobile vs. PC trade-offs:
===Oculus Quest in-ear Headphones===
* Lower graphical fidelity than PC VR
If you prefer headphones instead of the Quest’s built-in speakers, you can purchase Oculus’ in-ear headphones.<ref name=”two”></ref>
* Optimized game ports required
===Prescription Lenses===
* Battery constraints
You can purchase prescription-strength VirtuClear® Lens Inserts for your Oculus Quest. They are 1.60 Hi Index Essilor lenses with anti-reflective coating meant to make your VR experience clearer. You can purchase through Frames Direct and will be asked for a valid prescription. The prescription range is SPH: 0 to -8.0 | CYL: 0 to -2.0.<ref name=”one”>https://www.framesdirect.com/virtuclear-lens-inserts-for-oculus-quest.html</ref>
* Thermal management


==Apps==
=== Memory ===
* '''RAM''': 4GB LPDDR4X
* '''Storage''': 64GB or 128GB


===Oculus Quest Store===
== Tracking System ==
You can purchase games from the [[Oculus Quest Store]] on PC, mobile app, or from within the Store while wearing your headset.


==Developer==
=== Oculus Insight ===
The Oculus Quest has full support for Unity and Unreal engines as well as the [[Oculus SDK]] for games made outside of these engines.
Revolutionary inside-out tracking:
* Four wide-angle cameras
* Computer vision algorithms
* Real-time position calculation
* 6DoF tracking


==Images==
=== Camera Placement ===
<gallery mode="packed">
Four cameras positioned for:
File:oculus 14.jpeg
* Wide tracking coverage
File:oculus quest 13.jpeg
* Controller tracking
File:oculus quest 12.jpeg
* Room mapping
File:oculus quest 11.jpeg
* Guardian boundary detection
</gallery>


==History==
=== Room Memory ===
See Release and Pricing
Advanced features:
* Remember up to 5 different rooms
* Automatic Guardian recall
* Large play space support (up to 4000 sq ft claimed)
* Quick setup in known spaces


==References==
=== Tracking Quality ===
<references />
Generally excellent for standalone:
* Reliable room-scale
* Good controller tracking
* Some dead zones at extremes
* Impressive for the technology


[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
== Controllers ==
 
=== Second-Generation Touch ===
Redesigned from CV1 Touch:
* Tracking ring moved to top (for camera visibility)
* Same button layout
* Comfortable grip
* Haptic feedback
* AA battery power
 
=== Controller Tracking ===
Via headset cameras:
* Line-of-sight tracking
* Works well in most positions
* Some occlusion at body-close positions
* Good enough for most games
 
== Hand Tracking ==
 
=== December 2019 Update ===
Hand tracking added post-launch:
* No controllers required
* Gesture-based input
* Menu navigation
* Limited game support initially
 
=== Significance ===
Demonstrated Quest's software evolution:
* Major feature via firmware update
* Continued improvement potential
* Platform longevity
 
== Oculus Link ==
 
=== November 2019 Update ===
PC VR connectivity added:
* USB-C cable to PC
* Access Rift library
* Best of both worlds
* Unexpected feature addition
 
=== Impact ===
Transformed Quest's value:
* Standalone AND PC VR capable
* Eliminated need for separate PC headset
* Major competitive advantage
 
== Guardian System ==
 
=== Safety Boundaries ===
Room-scale safety:
* Draw play space boundaries
* Visual warnings when approaching
* Passthrough view at boundary
* Essential for room-scale VR
 
=== Passthrough ===
Grayscale camera view:
* See real world through cameras
* Triggered at Guardian boundary
* Safety feature
* Low resolution at the time
 
== Audio System ==
 
=== Integrated Speakers ===
Built-in audio:
* Positioned near ears
* Open design
* Spatial audio support
* Adequate quality
 
=== 3.5mm Jack ===
Headphone option:
* Better audio privacy
* Higher quality possible
 
== Battery and Power ==
 
=== Internal Battery ===
* '''Capacity''': 3648mAh
* '''Gaming''': 2-3 hours
* '''Media''': 3+ hours
* '''Charging''': ~2 hours via USB-C
 
== Software Platform ==
 
=== Quest Store ===
Dedicated software library:
* Curated quality games
* Quest-optimized ports
* Exclusive titles
* Growing ecosystem
 
=== Notable Launch Titles ===
* Beat Saber
* Superhot VR
* Robo Recall
* Vader Immortal
 
=== App Lab (later) ===
* Experimental distribution
* Lower barrier for developers
* Early access content
 
== Commercial Success ==
 
=== Market Impact ===
Quest proved standalone VR viable:
* Strong sales (estimates: several million units)
* Expanded VR market
* Brought new users to VR
* Validated Oculus's strategy
 
=== Industry Influence ===
Shifted industry direction:
* Other manufacturers followed standalone trend
* PC VR growth slowed
* Quest established the standard
 
== Legacy ==
 
=== Quest 2 Foundation ===
Quest 2 built directly on Quest 1:
* Same architecture, improved specs
* Same store ecosystem
* Continued software support
* Evolution not revolution
 
=== Quest Platform ===
Established "Quest" as primary VR platform:
* Name recognition
* Developer ecosystem
* User expectations
* Market dominance foundation
 
== Technical Specifications Summary ==
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || Dual OLED, 1440 × 1600 per eye
|-
| Total Resolution || 2880 × 1600
|-
| Refresh Rate || 72Hz
|-
| FOV || ~93°
|-
| Processor || Snapdragon 835
|-
| Memory || 4GB RAM
|-
| Storage || 64GB / 128GB
|-
| Tracking || Oculus Insight (4 cameras)
|-
| Hand Tracking || Yes (added December 2019)
|-
| PC VR || Oculus Link (added November 2019)
|-
| Battery || 2-3 hours gaming
|-
| Weight || 571g
|-
| Price || $399 / $499
|}
 
== See Also ==
* [[Oculus VR]]
* [[Meta Quest 2]]
* [[Oculus Rift S]]
* [[Standalone VR]]
* [[Inside-Out Tracking]]
* [[Oculus Insight]]
 
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
 
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-mounted displays]]
[[Category:Standalone VR]]
[[Category:Oculus]]
[[Category:2010s VR]]

Latest revision as of 03:10, 8 January 2026

Oculus Quest
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-mounted display
Subtype Standalone VR
Platform Oculus Platform
Creator Oculus VR
Developer Oculus VR
Manufacturer Oculus VR
Announcement Date September 26, 2018 (OC5)
Release Date May 21, 2019
Price $399 (64GB), $499 (128GB)
Website https://www.meta.com/quest/ (archived)
Versions 64GB, 128GB
Requires Oculus/Facebook account
Predecessor Oculus Go
Successor Meta Quest 2
System
Operating System Oculus OS (Android-based)
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
CPU Octa-core Kryo 280 (4× 2.45 GHz + 4× 1.9 GHz)
GPU Adreno 540
Storage
Storage 64GB or 128GB
Memory 4GB LPDDR4X
SD Card Slot No
Display
Display Dual OLED (PenTile)
Subpixel Layout PenTile Diamond
Peak Brightness ~100 nits
Resolution 1440 × 1600 per eye (2880 × 1600 combined)
Pixel Density ~13.5 PPD
Refresh Rate 72Hz
Persistence Low persistence
Image
Field of View 93°
Horizontal FoV ~93°
Vertical FoV ~93°
Average Pixel Density ~13.5 PPD
Peak Pixel Density ~13.5 PPD
Foveated Rendering Fixed foveated rendering
Optics
Optics Next-generation Fresnel lenses
Ocularity Binocular
IPD Range 58-72mm (slider adjustment)
Adjustable Diopter No (glasses spacer included)
Passthrough Yes (grayscale, Guardian safety)
Tracking
Tracking 6DoF inside-out (Oculus Insight)
Tracking Frequency 60Hz (cameras)
Base Stations None required
Eye Tracking No
Face Tracking No
Hand Tracking Yes (added via update, December 2019)
Body Tracking No
Rotational Tracking Yes
Positional Tracking Yes
Update Rate 72Hz
Tracking Volume Room-scale (up to 4000 sq ft)
Play Space Roomscale
Latency <20ms motion-to-photon
Audio
Audio Integrated spatial speakers
Microphone Yes (integrated)
3.5mm Audio Jack Yes
Camera 4× inside-out tracking cameras
Connectivity
Connectivity Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
Ports USB-C, 3.5mm audio
Wired Video Yes (Oculus Link, added November 2019)
Wireless Video No (at launch)
WiFi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 4.2
Power Internal battery
Battery Capacity 3648mAh
Battery Life 2-3 hours (gaming), 3+ hours (media)
Charge Time ~2 hours
Device
Dimensions 193mm × 105mm × 222mm
Weight 571g
Material Plastic, fabric
Headstrap Elastic fabric strap
Haptics Controller haptics
Color Black
Sensors 4× tracking cameras, IMU, proximity sensor
Input Touch controllers, hand tracking (post-update)
Compliance FCC, CE

Property "Operating System" (as page type) with input value "Oculus OS]] (Android-based)" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Property "Latency" (as page type) with input value "" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process.


The Oculus Quest is the first standalone virtual reality head-mounted display with full 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, developed by Oculus VR (now Reality Labs), announced at Oculus Connect 5 on September 26, 2018, and released on May 21, 2019. Priced at $399 for the 64GB model, the Quest revolutionized the VR industry by eliminating the need for either a gaming PC or external tracking sensors—users could simply put on the headset and immediately begin VR experiences anywhere. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, the Quest featured dual OLED displays with 1440 × 1600 resolution per eye, inside-out tracking via the "Oculus Insight" system using four cameras, and included redesigned Touch controllers. The Quest's commercial success proved that standalone VR was viable and desirable, establishing the foundation for the even more successful Quest 2 and Meta's dominance of the consumer VR market.

History and Development

"Project Santa Cruz"

The Quest began as "Project Santa Cruz," first teased at Oculus Connect 3 in October 2016. The project aimed to create a standalone headset with PC-quality tracking—something that didn't exist at the time. Early prototypes evolved significantly before the final product.

Oculus VR Portfolio Strategy

Oculus positioned Quest within a three-tier strategy:

  • Oculus Go: Entry-level standalone (3DoF)
  • Oculus Quest: Premium standalone (6DoF)
  • Oculus Rift S: PC-tethered (highest fidelity)

Oculus Connect 5 Announcement

At OC5 in September 2018, Oculus revealed Quest alongside Rift S:

  • "$399 for a complete VR system"
  • Spring 2019 launch window
  • Emphasis on accessibility and freedom
  • "VR for everyone" messaging

May 2019 Launch

Quest and Rift S launched simultaneously on May 21, 2019:

  • Strong initial demand
  • Frequent stock shortages
  • Exceeded sales expectations
  • Validated standalone VR market

Design Philosophy

All-in-One VR

Quest's core promise:

  • No PC required
  • No external sensors
  • No cables (except charging)
  • Complete VR system in the box

Accessibility Focus

Designed for mainstream adoption:

  • Simple setup process
  • Portable for different locations
  • Works anywhere with enough space
  • Lower barrier to entry than PC VR

"VR for Everyone"

Oculus's marketing emphasized:

  • No technical requirements
  • Family-friendly experiences
  • Living room VR
  • Bringing new users to VR

Display Technology

Dual OLED Panels

Two OLED displays:

  • Resolution: 1440 × 1600 per eye
  • Total: 2880 × 1600
  • Panel Type: OLED with PenTile subpixels
  • Refresh Rate: 72Hz

OLED Benefits

Advantages over LCD:

  • True black levels
  • Better contrast ratio
  • Good color saturation
  • Per-pixel illumination

PenTile Trade-offs

Diamond PenTile arrangement:

  • More visible screen door effect
  • Lower effective resolution
  • But OLED benefits outweighed

Refresh Rate

  • 72Hz locked
  • Lower than Rift's 90Hz
  • Compromise for mobile processing

Optical System

Next-Generation Fresnel Lenses

Improved from Oculus Go:

  • Better sweet spot
  • Reduced god rays
  • Good edge clarity

Field of View

  • ~93° total
  • Adequate for immersion
  • Similar to other 2019 headsets

IPD Adjustment

Hardware slider:

  • Range: 58-72mm
  • Physical lens movement
  • Wide user accommodation

Processing Power

Snapdragon 835

Mobile processor from 2017:

  • CPU: Octa-core Kryo 280
  • GPU: Adreno 540
  • Process: 10nm
  • Originally a flagship phone chip

Performance Considerations

Mobile vs. PC trade-offs:

  • Lower graphical fidelity than PC VR
  • Optimized game ports required
  • Battery constraints
  • Thermal management

Memory

  • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4X
  • Storage: 64GB or 128GB

Tracking System

Oculus Insight

Revolutionary inside-out tracking:

  • Four wide-angle cameras
  • Computer vision algorithms
  • Real-time position calculation
  • 6DoF tracking

Camera Placement

Four cameras positioned for:

  • Wide tracking coverage
  • Controller tracking
  • Room mapping
  • Guardian boundary detection

Room Memory

Advanced features:

  • Remember up to 5 different rooms
  • Automatic Guardian recall
  • Large play space support (up to 4000 sq ft claimed)
  • Quick setup in known spaces

Tracking Quality

Generally excellent for standalone:

  • Reliable room-scale
  • Good controller tracking
  • Some dead zones at extremes
  • Impressive for the technology

Controllers

Second-Generation Touch

Redesigned from CV1 Touch:

  • Tracking ring moved to top (for camera visibility)
  • Same button layout
  • Comfortable grip
  • Haptic feedback
  • AA battery power

Controller Tracking

Via headset cameras:

  • Line-of-sight tracking
  • Works well in most positions
  • Some occlusion at body-close positions
  • Good enough for most games

Hand Tracking

December 2019 Update

Hand tracking added post-launch:

  • No controllers required
  • Gesture-based input
  • Menu navigation
  • Limited game support initially

Significance

Demonstrated Quest's software evolution:

  • Major feature via firmware update
  • Continued improvement potential
  • Platform longevity

Oculus Link

November 2019 Update

PC VR connectivity added:

  • USB-C cable to PC
  • Access Rift library
  • Best of both worlds
  • Unexpected feature addition

Impact

Transformed Quest's value:

  • Standalone AND PC VR capable
  • Eliminated need for separate PC headset
  • Major competitive advantage

Guardian System

Safety Boundaries

Room-scale safety:

  • Draw play space boundaries
  • Visual warnings when approaching
  • Passthrough view at boundary
  • Essential for room-scale VR

Passthrough

Grayscale camera view:

  • See real world through cameras
  • Triggered at Guardian boundary
  • Safety feature
  • Low resolution at the time

Audio System

Integrated Speakers

Built-in audio:

  • Positioned near ears
  • Open design
  • Spatial audio support
  • Adequate quality

3.5mm Jack

Headphone option:

  • Better audio privacy
  • Higher quality possible

Battery and Power

Internal Battery

  • Capacity: 3648mAh
  • Gaming: 2-3 hours
  • Media: 3+ hours
  • Charging: ~2 hours via USB-C

Software Platform

Quest Store

Dedicated software library:

  • Curated quality games
  • Quest-optimized ports
  • Exclusive titles
  • Growing ecosystem

Notable Launch Titles

  • Beat Saber
  • Superhot VR
  • Robo Recall
  • Vader Immortal

App Lab (later)

  • Experimental distribution
  • Lower barrier for developers
  • Early access content

Commercial Success

Market Impact

Quest proved standalone VR viable:

  • Strong sales (estimates: several million units)
  • Expanded VR market
  • Brought new users to VR
  • Validated Oculus's strategy

Industry Influence

Shifted industry direction:

  • Other manufacturers followed standalone trend
  • PC VR growth slowed
  • Quest established the standard

Legacy

Quest 2 Foundation

Quest 2 built directly on Quest 1:

  • Same architecture, improved specs
  • Same store ecosystem
  • Continued software support
  • Evolution not revolution

Quest Platform

Established "Quest" as primary VR platform:

  • Name recognition
  • Developer ecosystem
  • User expectations
  • Market dominance foundation

Technical Specifications Summary

Specification Details
Display Dual OLED, 1440 × 1600 per eye
Total Resolution 2880 × 1600
Refresh Rate 72Hz
FOV ~93°
Processor Snapdragon 835
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB / 128GB
Tracking Oculus Insight (4 cameras)
Hand Tracking Yes (added December 2019)
PC VR Oculus Link (added November 2019)
Battery 2-3 hours gaming
Weight 571g
Price $399 / $499

See Also

References