Facebook says Quest 2 VR headset is ‘lighter, faster and cheaper’

The social network’s hardware arm announced the Quest 2 at its virtual Facebook Connect conference about a year and a half after the first iteration went on sale. — Sipa USA/TNS

Facebook Inc is upgrading its Oculus Quest all-in-one virtual reality headset with a faster processor for improved gaming, higher-resolution screens and a lighter design as it looks to fend off rivals in the growing VR space. The new headset’s power improvements have given the company enough confidence to discontinue its PC-connected Oculus Rift from next spring.

The social network’s hardware arm announced the Quest 2 on Wednesday at its virtual Facebook Connect conference about a year and a half after the first iteration went on sale. The initial model was praised for its all-in-one capabilities – functioning without the need to tether to an external computer – but was constrained by supply shortages and some basic hardware and form factor limitations.