I’ve been a casual virtual reality fan for years now. As a film critic and reporter, I’ve enjoyed seeing movie studios’ creative approaches to incorporating the technology in their marketing campaigns and then in my free time, I’ll never pass on an opportunity to borrow a friend’s set-up to experience the latest VR game or experience. But my question about VR’s potential has always been the same; how can this possibly become a household device? Not only are the systems especially pricey, but then you also need the appropriate space to set up the PC and the room sensors. However, with the release of the Oculus Quest, I finally got my answer - and it’s a very promising one.

The Oculus website boasts, “No PC. No wires. No limits,” and those declarations are largely true, wildly impressive and the main reason why I think the Quest is a game-changer. Without the PC and the wires, the Quest truly does feel like an “all-in-one gaming headset” that you can use just about anywhere. Toss in that $399 price tag and that makes the device more affordable than ever. Spacing limitations are nearly non-existent as setting up your guardian boundary is a total breeze, whether you need space to roam around or just want to carve out a small spot to watch a movie. 

After exploring a variety of apps, the only real limitation I experienced is the weight of the headset. (But it is exponentially lighter than devices I’ve used prior.) A short period of time playing a game? No discomfort whatsoever! However, the pressure of the headset is noticeable if you opt to sit down and watch an hour’s worth of Netflix content like I did. This is also when I noticed the most amount of light leakage. This is likely dependent on the film or the show you’re watching, but in this particular instance, I found myself becoming so absorbed in the programming that I eventually forgot about that hiccup entirely. 

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Image via Oculus

Another big question on my mind jumping into this specific use of the Quest: why watch movies and shows this way rather than on my television, iPad or computer? I’m certainly not at the point where I’d prefer to exclusively watch content on the Quest but I will say, it is an all-consuming, fully immersive viewing experience that limits distractions. Whether you have the opportunity to explore the frame of a 3D movie or if you’re sitting in the digital living room of the Netflix app, there’s something about this viewing format that really locks you into the content. As for the visual quality, I wouldn’t expect pitch perfect resolution, but again, depending on the content, it’s a slight flaw that eventually fades.

When it comes to Quest gaming, we’ll have individual game reviews coming your way soon but having sampled a handful of titles I can confidently say that the tracking, visuals and audio come together exceptionally well across the board. It’s as realistic a sensation as I’ve ever felt using at-home VR. The only addition you might want to consider are headphones to further enhance the audio system built into the headset.

While you wait for full game reviews, it’s worth noting that the perfect starting point for a VR gamer (or anyone for that matter) is Beat Saber. For anyone requiring a little Beat Saber 101, it’s a game that challenges you to use a lightsaber-like device in each hand to slash boxes to the beat of the music. Calling this game addictive would be an understatement. I’ve powered up the Quest quite a few times this week to write this review and every single time, I had to kick off my session with (at least) a quick round of Beat Saber.

One last thing that stands out about my experience browsing the Quest menu was one particular item in the video app. There’s a bunch of content to peruse there from 360-degree footage of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the Mortal Engines VR experience, but I also wound up clicking on a clip from Beetlejuice The Musical that truly left me wanting more. I’ve had numerous wonderful Broadway experiences where, no matter where I sit, I’m able to take in the full experience, but Broadway VR is different. You’re essentially positioned right at the foot of the stage. It’s almost as if the cast is performing just for you. If we ever hit the point when a complete Broadway show is available on the Quest, I’d indulge for sure.

The Oculus Quest really does feel like it could be the device to inspire more to join the VR community, and take the technology a major step closer to becoming an everyday consumer-level utility. I used it as such this week. Whether I had a whole free afternoon to watch a movie or just a few minutes before work to squeeze in a round for Beat Saber, I could quickly and easily turn the device on and get going. Between the lower price, the ease of use and the variety of highly enjoyable games and viewing opportunities, there are an abundance of reasons to inspire skeptics to finally give VR a go. I, for one, am thrilled to finally be jumping in feet first and look forward to sharing more thoughts on Quest games soon!

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Image via Beat Saber