It is worth it!
Here is the link to where I bought them. It is worth it and I only got the package today!
I bought controller straps and they made a huge difference in ease of use.
KIWI design Controller Grips Cover Accessories for Meta/Oculus Quest 2 with Battery Opening, Protector with Knuckle Straps(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0967ZD2WJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Z0MNABBTJDEDBR5J93YJ
I'm looking to find covers for the controllers that don't block sensors and allow for easy access to the batteries (I assume I'll be tearing through a lot of them).This Kiwi set looked like a good idea, but reviews say that it blocks a couple of sensors. I was thinking of getting a set of rechargable batteries with magnetic connectors and just popping a hole in each grip to allow the connector to attach, but I haven't really seen any good ones yet.
Which ones? The Quest 2 ones are these. Just got them this morning so haven't played much with them but they feel pretty good so far. My old ones were AMVR ones and I liked the way they felt but this battery door was too intriguing for me to pass up. I hated the process of changing batteries with the old grips.
I bought these and they're great. Comfy, flexible and the battery access is a win because now I don't have to take the whole grip off when I need to change a battery.
And no more than 5 minutes after commenting, I found these.
I'm telling you, if Anker doesn't get up offa something soon, I'll have managed to get myself all convenienced without their dock.
Everything you need comes with it. There are add on things you can buy to improve it, but none are strictly necessary.
This is the kind of think you can add too over time, though there are some recommended quality of life things that can improve it.
HOWEVER...
Quest 2 is for 13 and older. It clearly say so on the box, and that age limit is there for a reason.
Use by children younger than that can cause vision problems.
This is a device you should control, limit the use of, and it should be a "treat" for anyone under 13.
Maybe a couple of hours a week.
Short term infrequent use shouldn't be a problem, so I'm not suggesting that you don't get one. Just that you should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them if you do get one.
There are some great apps for kids, including some really cool educational content. [Titans of Space, Apollo 11 Vr, Vermillion, OpenBrush VR [not TiltBrush, OpenBrush is the same program, but free].
However, regular use by letting them control when they use it is asking to have to pay for glasses in the future and deal with vision problems related to vision development issues.
At around 13, vision is developed enough that it's not as much of a risk unless they are spending several hours a day in VR, and those issues related to that are largely more temporary in nature, eye strain, fatigue, etc...
This is true of any VR device, not just the Quest 2.
It most has to do with how your eyes need to focus due to the screen distance and how the 3D works.
Incidentally, 3D movies that use the polarized glasses can also do this, but normal exposure is so short term and infrequent that it's not really an issue.
Read up on this and decide for yourself what limits should be placed on VR use for any kids under 13.
As far as peripherals, do something about the head strap. It gets uncomfortable to wear fast. They sell pads that you slip on over the strap that should do just fine, really anything is better than the strap it comes with. You don't need to spend much.
It's easier to keep tabs on what they are doing in VR if you don't get headphones or earbuds.
Also, I'd look into getting some of the Kiwi grips with the hand strap and battery doors. This could prevent errant swings from breaking stuff in your home if someone loses their grip on a controller. They are expensive to replace.
Buy some rechargeable AA batteries for the controllers. They last a while on a charge, but a set of four rechargeable AAs can be indefinitely swapped out, saving you money in the long run. Each controller uses one AA battery.
I also recommend a face plate replacement. They are more sanitary and easier to clean than the one that comes with the Quest 2. Bobo VR makes a neat one with a little fan attachment on it that keeps the inside from getting as muggy as it normally does and keeps the lenses from getting foggy, VR Cover is also a good option.
Assuming limited usage, you shouldn't need any extra battery life. The Quest 2 should last about two hours on a charge. If several kids are using it, you might want to invest in a small one that will add about 2-4 more hours.
Don't leave it plugged in all the time. Charge it, unplug it, and make sure it is powered off before storing it away. Quest 2 has a tendency to melt the power connection if left plugged in to charge all the time. I've never heard of one starting a fire, but it can damage the device.
I recommend some kind of mat to put in the center of a playspace. A small bathroom mat or door mat. This helps keep the center easy to find and even with roomspace you can't wander too far. Even in roomscale you shouldn't be moving too far from the center in most instances of play.
A bathroom mat with a rubberized bottom works good on floors, and a doormat with spike grips works better on carpet. You want something that won't slide around too easily.
A floor fan of some kind pointed at the mat just outside the playspace is also a good idea. I use a cheap tower fan for this. It helps someone in VR be aware of what direction they are facing.
There is a built in guardian feature that creates a wall that becomes visible when you near the edges of the play space.
Don't let them take it outside and keep it out of direct sunlight. Even a little bit of sunlight getting into the lenses for even a second or two can damage the screen and render the device unusable.
Make sure they know that if they start feeling dizzy or sick, they need to stop immediately. If they go too long it can make them feel sick for quite a while after they take the headset off. This is something they can build a tolerance for over time, or they may be immune to it entirely, it varies from person to person.
It's very similar to motion sickness, but actually caused by the exact opposite stimulus.
The two tips I suggested above about having a mat and a floor fan can actually help reduce VR sickness. Spatial awareness outside of VR helps keep it from happening as quickly, and it's just extra precautions to keep things from getting broken.
It's a cool toy, but you should have control of it and use it as a special treat for anyone under 13 rather than just handing it over to them to use as they please.
Also, be aware that there are some social aspects involved with some apps. They shouldn't be in VR Chat for example, as there are some pretty adult things going on in apps like that. It's not porn, but there's a bar culture with people drinking alcohol at home and using it to socialize like they would in a bar in that app for example. It's not a place for kids.
Apps like Gorilla Tag or Rec Room have a large number of younger players.
You should know what they have installed on it. It's no different from an Xbox or PS5 in that there are many games not intended for children available for it.
Some kid friendly apps:
Moss Book 1+2
Star Wars Galaxy's Edge and Vader Immortal
Beat Saber
Synth Riders
Job Simulator/Vacation Simulator
Rec Room [Social app with lots of other kids]
Walkabout Mini Golf
Angry Birds VR
Tetris Effect
These are animated short films you can get from the Meta store. Well worth checking out yourself as well.
Wolves in the Walls
Myth: A Frozen Tale
Down the Rabbit Hole [Interactive animation]
Paper Birds
Be sure to check the device out for yourself as well. It's kind of like a Wii in that it's easy to pick up and understand, even if you don't play video games.
You can have the strap on a Quest 2 controller already.
There's even one that extends the grip a bit.
Willing to bet there will be grips like this for both Quest Pro and Quest 3 within a couple of months of the launch of each.
Properly designed knuckle grip covers do not attach to the ring.
https://smile.amazon.com/KIWI-design-Controller-Accessories-Protector/dp/B0967ZD2WJ/
purchase the kiwi grips and never worry about it again.
for example. kiwi grips
Kiwi Design ones are fucking great!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/KIWI-design-Controller-Accessories-Protector-Black/dp/B0967ZD2WJ
Might I suggest these: https://www.amazon.com/KIWI-design-Controller-Accessories-Protector/dp/B0967ZD2WJ
I would recommend these ones. The battery access thing is a great QoL improvement.
A quick amazon search shows Kiwi makes them in a regular size
https://www.amazon.com/KIWI-design-Controller-Accessories-Protector/dp/B0967ZD2WJ/
KIWI design Controller Grips Cover Accessories for Meta/Oculus Quest 2 with Battery Opening, Protector with Knuckle Straps(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0967ZD2WJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_G86ZN7YP8G95WP6TDJWS
HTC Vive Deluxe Audio Strap https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y2GDXMC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_ZCQX14RMZCEXX9EFN3XH
KIWI design Deluxe Audio Strap Adapter Kit for Oculus/Meta Quest 2 (Not 3D Printed, The DAS NOT Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GDZ9DSS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2TDVX143VKH3F53R2QSA
KIWI design Controller Grips Cover Accessories for Meta/Oculus Quest 2 with Battery Opening, Protector with Knuckle Straps(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0967ZD2WJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_G86ZN7YP8G95WP6TDJWS
Excuse me sir, can I have a moment to tell you about our lord and savior, Kiwi Design Quest Grips with battery openings?
They even have a newer model for people with with an even better hand strap. Though, it may not be as comfortable if you have smaller hands.
These might work
Any decent head strap is better than the stock or Elite that's known for breaking. I got the 3XS Halo strap, fairly similar to the original Bobo.
I'd really recommended getting controller grips/ covers too. Best I've tried are the upgraded Kiwi covers with easy battery replacement.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0967ZD2WJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Kiwi has them with and without doors
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0967ZD2WJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I use these and they are fantastic.
I'd go with an Oculus Quest 2. People often say that the Valve Index is the "best" headset, but I just traded in my Index for a Quest 2 and couldn't be happier. Here's why:
> Do the games come with it automatically?
Nope, you have to buy them separately. Standalone games come from the Oculus store, whereas PC-connected games can be purchased from either the Oculus store or the SteamVR store. Be aware that some standalone games are lower-quality conversions of the PC-connected version, so there's a tradeoff between convenience and quality when choosing which version you want to play.
> Anything else I should buy so he doesn’t have to purchase extra stuff when I get the headset for him?
I consider the following to be essential:
Optional accessories, if you have money to spare:
Last but not least, you're amazing for doing this for your boyfriend!
The next time I get some Amazon credits (yay VR research studies!), I'm going to try these out:
Hopefully it will work with the VRCover holo/ring protectors.
I’ve been using these grips that replace the battery cover, pretty good so far