Do i need a pc for oculus rift

When you’re new to the world of VR headsets and looking to know where to start, it might be hard to figure out which one is right for you. There are quite a few different models, each with its own particular features, covering a wide price range.

And one of the most distinctive features between them is the need to be connected to a PC, console, or smartphone. That depends on the manufacturer and purpose of each headset, and it defines the app stores you have access to. It can also give you more or less freedom to play.

Can I use an Oculus Quest 2 without a PC?

Both the Oculus Go and the Oculus Quest line (including Meta Quest 2) are standalone VR headsets. That means no, you do not need a PC for Oculus Quest 2.

You can still connect them to a computer if you prefer. Depending on each game’s compatibility, you can connect your Oculus Quest 2 to a PC, Mac, or Linux operating system via Wi-Fi or a USB cable. Usually, graphics quality is also much higher when connected to a PC than when playing with Quest 2 as a standalone headset.

But there is a catch: to play the games straight from your headset, they must be purchased from the Oculus Store using the headset or a mobile app, which allows you to select your platform. Whatever you purchase on Steam or other platforms will only be available when the headset is plugged in or connected via Wi-Fi. You can also purchase games and apps for PC on the Oculus Store, so be careful and pay attention to what platform you are buying for because it might not allow you to choose.

What is Oculus Quest?

Oculus Quest, released in May 2019, is the first model in the most recent VR headset line by Reality Labs, a VR and AR-focused division of Meta Platforms. Formerly an independent company named Oculus, Reality Labs was founded in 2012 and acquired by Facebook in 2014 after getting a lot of attention with their Oculus Rift prototype. Over the years, they have partnered with companies such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Lenovo for different lines.

What are the different Oculus models?

Under the brand Oculus, there are five VR headset models:

  • Oculus Rift (full name Oculus Rift CV1), released in 2016
  • Oculus Rift S, released in 2019
  • Oculus Go, released in 2018
  • Oculus Quest, released in 2019
  • and Oculus Quest 2 (now rebranded as Meta Quest 2), released in 2020

Samsung Gear VR (or Oculus Gear VR), which is an accessory for Samsung Galaxy smartphones, was also developed by Oculus. Released in 2015, it was discontinued in 2020, when Samsung terminated support for the service on the Galaxy Store and Play Store. Because it was created as a collaboration between the two companies, the Gear VR was exclusively compatible with selected Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

As of August 2022, both Oculus Rift headsets, the Oculus Go, and the first Oculus Quest, are discontinued products. Oculus Quest 2, now called Meta Quest 2, is the only one still available for purchase and can be acquired directly from the Meta Store.

How does Oculus Quest 2 work without a PC?

As a standalone VR headset, Oculus Quest 2 runs on its own internal operating system, which, like in the first Oculus Quest model, is Android-based. However, it does feature some hardware updates compared to its predecessor.

If you want to get into specifics, it comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 SoC processor designed for VR and AR devices. In terms of storage, there are currently two options: 128GB or 256GB internal storage. Originally, Quest 2 was released in 64GB and a 256GB versions, but the first was replaced with a better one in 2021. Both have a 6GB LPDDR4X RAM and usually 2-3 hours of battery life.

The headset features an internal LCD 1832×3800 display (a single panel, but 1832×1920 per eye) with a 72-90hz refresh rate. Some games also support the experimental 120 Hz refresh rate, including Superhot VR.

Are there any Oculus headsets that need a computer?

Yes, but they are both discontinued. The Oculus Rift line, which includes the original Oculus Rift CV1 and the Oculus Rift S, only works when connected to a computer with Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems.

Neither Oculus Rift CV1 nor Oculus Rift S are manufactured or sold by Meta anymore, but the company still plans on supporting both headsets. The game and app library for both is also the same.

Thanks to Summer of Rift, a ton of new people have joined the VR community. While $399 for Rift + Touch takes a lot of the guesswork out of taking the plunge, finding the right PC to power your VR experience can still be a challenge. Today, we’re excited to share some pointers—whether you want an attractively affordable price point or the highest horsepower on the market, we’ve got you covered.

Check Your Compatibility
It’s a common misconception that a high-end VR system requires a brand-new computer tower. The truth is that Rift works with many laptops, and you might have a compatible machine at home—or you could just be a graphics card upgrade away from getting up and running. If you currently own a PC and want to see if it’s ready for Rift, click here for instructions on running our compatibility check tool at home.

Everyday Essentials
If you’re in the market for a new PC, our minimum spec requirements are ideal to get you set up with an affordable price tag.* Here’s what you need:

  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 or greater
    • Alternative Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 960 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or greater
  • CPU: Intel i3-6100 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200, FX4350 or greater
  • Memory: 8GB+ RAM
  • Video Output: Compatible HDMI 1.3 video output
  • USB Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port, plus 2x USB 2.0 ports
  • OS: Windows 8.1 or newer

For example, Acer’s Nitro 5 laptop** and Aspire GX-781 desktop both fit the bill and recently passed Oculus Ready certification. Look for the new Oculus Ready machines to hit select retail stores starting in October.

Do i need a pc for oculus rift

Thanks to the magic of asynchronous spacewarp (ASW), min spec machines can run virtually anything on the Oculus Store—though, with high-end graphics, you might see the occasional slowdown. In most cases, ASW should smooth out frame-rate issues for a quality experience.

Do i need a pc for oculus rift

Min spec is a great way to get started in VR. And if you buy a desktop, you can easily upgrade your GPU down the line to instantly improve the quality of your experience. With options like DIY and special promotional deals from retailers, the combined cost of Rift + Touch and a new PC can be as low as $1,000.

Level Up
For the best that VR has to offer, recommended spec is your best bet. These machines have the horsepower to deliver an even smoother and more immersive experience.* Here’s what rec spec looks like:

  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or greater
    • Alternative Graphics Card: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 290 or greater
  • CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater
  • Memory: 8GB+ RAM
  • Video Output: Compatible HDMI 1.3 video output
  • USB Ports: 3x USB 3.0 ports plus 1x USB 2.0 port
  • OS: Windows 7 SP1 64 bit or newer

New to VR? You can bundle a PC together with Rift + Touch. Right now on Amazon, you can get an Acer i7 GTX 1060 laptop bundle for $1,449 or a CyberpowerPC i5 RX 580 desktop bundle for $1,119.

Already own Rift + Touch? You can grab a rec spec machine from CyberpowerPC for $769 at Best Buy or an Oculus Ready Alienware 17 laptop starting at $1,479.

Don’t Forget DIY
The more adventurous among you may want to consider building your own machine from scratch, using either the min spec or rec spec lists above as a jumping off point.

To make it even easier, the team over at PCPartPicker recently posted its “Budget VR Gaming Build Guide,” which targets Oculus min spec. With a parametric parts list, you can pick and choose your preferred components to design a custom build that’s VR ready—starting at a base cost under $550! Note that this option isn’t for everyone, and your mileage may vary.

Upscale Options
For hard-core VR enthusiasts, there are plenty of options to splurge on high-end horsepower. Priced at $1,899, the ASUS ROG G20CI Compact Gaming Desktop combines a sleek form factor with cool, quiet performance to support VR and 4K gaming at its best.

Do i need a pc for oculus rift

Want to pack up your Rift and demo VR for friends while on the go? Check out the TLX from Falcon Northwest. Portable, powerful, and offering a customizable paint job, this laptop starts at $2,779.

Do i need a pc for oculus rift

Still looking for the perfect machine? For a wide selection of both laptops and desktops that have been officially certified as Oculus Ready, please click here.

Summer of Rift has been an incredible ride, and we can’t wait to see where the rest of the year takes us.

— The Oculus Team

*Some experiences on Rift push the boundary beyond our minimum and recommended specifications, so be sure to check the recommended specs for the particular experiences you want to try.

**While our minimum spec calls for a GTX 1050 Ti graphics card, Acer’s Nitro 5 passed Oculus Ready certification with a GTX 1050 4GB (only available for laptops).

Can you use an Oculus Rift without a PC?

This question was recently asked in our forums over at VRHeads, and it got us thinking about the current limitations to VR and what the future holds. In short, the answer to the questions is no — you cannot use an Oculus Rift without a PC.

Can you run an Oculus Rift on a laptop?

What else should you keep in mind? In addition to a video card, your laptop also needs enough ports to connect VR glasses. To connect the Oculus Rift, for example, you need 3 USB 3.0 ports and a USB 2.0 port.

What kind of computer do you need to run an Oculus Rift?

Oculus Rift S Recommended VR Specifications: Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or greater. CPU: Intel i5-4590 / AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or greater. Memory: 8GB RAM or greater. Video Output: DisplayPort.