Best Oculus Quest 2 games and experiences – CNET [CNET]

Virtual reality can be an amazing escape, a workout — or both. If you want the best self-contained VR gaming console, the Oculus Quest 2 — now renamed the Meta Quest 2, after Facebook’s name change to Meta — is your choice. The compact headset, an improved and less expensive update to the original Oculus Quest, reminds me more than ever that there are some really excellent games on the VR platform. (That being said, there are other VR options if you already have a gaming PC or a PlayStation 4 or 5.)

While Facebook’s intentions to put more ads in Oculus VR — and a mandatory Facebook login — may not be to your liking, the Quest has nevertheless turned into quite a destination for the best VR games. Good games continue to arrive regularly on the Oculus Store. Though do note that to access top PC VR games like Star Wars: Squadrons or Half-Life: Alyx, you’ll need to connect to a gaming PC, either wirelessly or with a USB cable.

Just keep in mind, though: I still wouldn’t recommend a Quest 2 for kids unless you’re occasionally sharing games with them in a place where you can watch them play and make sure they’re playing safely. The Quest doesn’t officially allow you to create an account for kids under 13, and lacks kid profiles or parental content controls.

Many of these games also work with the year-old Oculus Quest, but many apps are receiving extra updates and graphic boosts for Quest 2 owners, and some games are now Quest 2-exclusive. We’ll continue to periodically update this list as new options become available.

More VR and gaming advice

• Best VR headsets right now
• We’re all on the holodeck now, VR headset or not
• Best VR games for escaping to other worlds
• Best racing wheels and pedals for iRacing and your budget
• Best board games to give in 2021: Gloomhaven, Marvel United and more