Facebook continues to push forward virtual reality technology without requiring users to purchase new hardware. The Oculus Quest 2 launched with a maximum refresh rate of 72hz, which was then upgraded to 90hz in November 2020. The headset then took another major step forward recently, upgrading the maximum refresh rate up to 120hz. That update came with a limitation, however, that's now been lifted. Oculus Quest 2 users can now play any VR game with 120hz via the Air Play wireless technology.
Surprisingly, this feature was not included in Oculus's official patch notes for its newly available v29 update. Instead, it was discovered by a Redditor exploring the changes that v29 introduces for the Oculus Quest 2. The Redditor posted a photo showing their headset's Graphic Preferences menu. The menu featured options for 72hz, 80hz, 90hz, and, for the first time, 120hz. This option could be selected regardless of whether the user was linked or using Oculus Air Link.
Air Link is Oculus's name for its wireless VR streaming technology. With Air Link enabled, Oculus Quest 2 users are able to stream VR gameplay from their PC to their headset. It works using a user's wifi network, so it doesn't require any additional hardware to enable, though it obviously requires a strong wireless connection. Playing via Air Link allows VR users to experience a truly wireless headset supported by the performance strength of a gaming PC.
Alternatively, Oculus Quest 2 users can still use the Oculus Link cable to connect their VR headset to their PC in order to attempt to reach 120hz. The Oculus Quest 2 is going to struggle making the most of 120hz using just its internal hardware, so having a linked PC either via wire or Air Link is going to be a priority. That said, now that 120hz is readily available, more VR developers are optimizing their games to strive for an enhanced visual experience.
The importance of a high refresh rate and accompanying PC/VR headset hardware that enables a high frame rate can't be understated. The more frames, the closer VR is to realism, and the more comfortable it'll be on a VR user's eyes. It's not the only specification that needs to be impressive, but it's a key aspect of VR. And that's a priority for making VR increasingly popular.
In many ways, the Oculus Quest 2 was always intended to bridge the gap between mobile-focused VR and PC-focused VR. With the addition of a 120hz refresh rate supported over Air Link, PC gamers now have an interesting alternative to the very expensive wired devices that are otherwise available on the platform.
The Oculus Quest 2 is available now.
Source: UploadVR