Do you need a PC to set up an Oculus Quest?

A VR experience right out of the box

Similar to the Oculus Go, the Oculus Quest is ready to go right out of the box. The user will only have to sync the device with the Oculus mobile app so you can connect to the Oculus store. Without this step, the user will not be able to install apps from the Oculus store, or sync the Touch Controllers to the headset.

Once inside the headset, the user must also connect to their Wi-Fi network in order to access experiences that require an internet connection. This should not be necessary if you are only playing offline content, but will make the use of the device much simpler. Otherwise, all purchases must be made through the Oculus mobile app.

Hand tracking in the Quest

The Oculus Quest now offers hand tracking, bringing your real-time hand movements into VR. To set that up, follow the instructions found here.

Once you've completed the steps to add hand tracking to your Quest, you simply click on Settings on the menu in your VR headset and the quick-access menu bar will give you the option to use your hands. Hand tracking in the Quest isn't perfect but it will definitely improve over time as Oculus works out the bugs through software and firmware updates.

PCVR versus mobile VR

Depending on what type of experience you are looking for, the Oculus Quest may or may not be for you. The benefit of not needing a VR-ready computer reduces the entry price of the Oculus Quest dramatically. PCVR also requires an extensive setup, including mounting sensors and installing software. While it may not have the sheer power of a VR PC, the Quest is absolutely the best non-PCVR option on the market. It would also be a fantastic entry point if you are looking to dive deeper into VR in the future, but do not want to pay a lot to start.

While PCVR may look better and have a wider selection of games, you are stuck to a small gaming space close to your PC. With the Quest, you can easily take your VR rig anywhere, just like the Go. This means you can easily show it off to friends and family, as well as use it for things such as watching movies on long trips.

Oculus Link Beta

Though you won't need a PC to set up your Oculus Quest headset, you will need a PC if you want to take advantage of Oculus Link, which will you to play PCVR games on the Steam store or through HTC's Viveport Infinity by tethering your Quest headset to your PC. Instructions to set that up can be found here.