Behold: The Oculus Quest
Meet the world's first standalone virtual reality gaming device

Each week, we spotlight a cool innovation recommended by some of the industry's top tech writers. This week's pick is the first stand-alone VR gaming device.
The Oculus Quest "is the first true virtual reality game console," said Nick Statt at The Verge. Unlike the Oculus Rift, this $400 stand-alone VR headset doesn't need to be plugged into a high-powered gaming PC to operate. Instead, it uses four built-in wide-angle sensors and two handheld controllers to track a player's real-world movements and translate them to in-game actions.
Because it doesn't have a backup PC, the headset — set to launch in 2019 — won't be able to match the Rift's stunning graphics. But its lack of wires and its ease of use could make the Quest the device that finally gets the masses to jump into VR, so long as Facebook-owned Oculus can also get top game developers on board.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
October 13 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Monday's political cartoons include Donald Trump's consolation prize, government workers during shutdown, and more
-
Can Gaza momentum help end the war in Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy’s request for long-range Tomahawk missiles hints at ‘warming relations’ between Ukraine and US
-
The Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners being released
The Explainer Triumphant Donald Trump addresses the Israeli parliament as families on both sides of the Gaza war reunite with their loved ones