Some update on impressions after spending more time with the Q2. These are impressions with Q2 standalone, not any PCVR yet as I am going to install a new router to get the most out of wireless VR with VR desktop. Also mostly comparing against Q1.
- The elite strap is a must have accessory.
- VR Cover interface replacement is certainly nice, but I wouldn't say a must have. If you plan to have intense or VR sessions for more than an hour, then I'd say it's definitely worth the $30. Slight side effect to it, FOV seems a bit wider than the default interface as my eyes sit closer to the screen. Now, I use the IPD setting of 2, so I still don't notice the sides of the screen. If you need to use IPD setting 3, this would make seeing the square sides of the panel more noticeable.
- Lack of inky levels OLED provide are definitely more noticeable in darker games compared to the Q2 LCD display. I felt like my my brain and eyes adjusted pretty quickly, but YMMV. Perhaps some software updates could better calibrate the screen for this, but blacks are more gray in Q2, no question.
- Screendoor effect is all but gone now. You really need to look for it to notice it anymore.
- Clarity is so much better with the increased resolution. Sometimes I find myself just staring at a particular object or scene to appreciate how clear it is.
- Performance overall is much improved here with the new XR2. I think it will take a bit for developers to wield the power against the VR library of games, but this is instantly noticeable with boot times, loading games, navigating through the UI.
- Finally, the biggest improvement to me is going from 72hz to 90hz. Games are still throttled to 72hz due to a bug with guardian that will be fixed soon, but there's an optional opt-in setting to enable 90hz for general navigation. Just looking around in the UI it's amazing what 18 extra frames per second provide in VR. I still have my Rift CV1 (which is 90hz), and I think that was some of the magic that was missing with Q1.
- Touch controllers are a bit bulkier and battery life is improved ten fold. For me, the Q2 controllers feel a lot more like Rift controllers. Which is a good thing IMO. I don't have huge or small hands, but my hands are a bit bulky than the average person. Q1 touch controllers felt kind of like a toy, whereas Q2 controllers feel like a tool. Again, YMMV, but the battery life improvement, increased rumble, thiccer feel, all win out to a net improvement for me.
Next I plan to have a Q2 PCVR experience. I have an official Oculus link cable and a WIFI 6 router. Any suggestions on games to try? I plan to use this in my gaming room and out in the living room to see how latency and performance shake out.