Hi there! As an experienced business and tech analyst, let me share my in-depth perspective on whether the Oculus Quest 1 remains a viable VR headset option in 2024.
The short answer is – yes, the original Oculus Quest can definitely still deliver an enjoyable VR experience on a budget today. However, it does have some limitations compared to newer headsets that are important to consider.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision, including:
- The Quest 1‘s capabilities and limitations
- How much longer it will be supported
- How it compares to the Quest 2, PSVR 2 and other new headsets
- Whether it‘s still worth buying in 2024
Let‘s dive in!
Oculus Quest 1 Overview
First, let‘s recap what the Oculus Quest 1 offers. Released in 2019, it was the first all-in-one 6DOF VR headset that didn‘t require a PC or wires.
Some key specs:
- Resolution: 1440 x 1600 per eye (OLED display)
- Refresh Rate: 72Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery life: 2-3 hours gameplay
- 6DOF motion tracking
At launch, the Quest 1 offered a revolutionary untethered VR experience at an affordable $399 starting price. Let‘s look at how it holds up today.
What the Quest 1 Still Does Well in 2024
While it‘s starting to show its age, the Quest 1 still delivers solid VR capabilities for the budget-conscious:
Play a Large Library of VR Games
The Quest 1 can play hundreds of quality VR games designed for its Snapdragon 835 chipset.
According to the Oculus store stats, as of January 2023, over 400 games and apps are compatible with the Quest 1.
Some hits the Quest 1 can still run include Beat Saber, Superhot VR, Job Simulator, Space Pirate Trainer, Moss, and many more.
Untethered Roomscale VR
A key advantage of the Quest 1 remains its wireless design. The built-in Insight tracking allows roomscale VR without pesky wires limiting your movements.
This untethered freedom makes it great for travel, letting friends or family try VR, and roomscale games like Superhot where mobility is key.
Decent Visuals on a Budget
While it doesn‘t match newer headsets, the Quest 1‘s 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye still provides decent visuals, especially for the low price.
According to Tested.com‘s recent Quest 1 review, while not as sharp as Quest 2, the "visuals remain impressive" considering its age and cost.
Oculus Link for PC VR Gaming
While designed for standalone play, the Quest 1 can also be connected to a PC via Oculus Link to access the Rift VR game library.
Per Oculus, most Rift games from 2019 or earlier can be played this way. This significantly expands the number of playable titles.
However, the visuals and latency won‘t be as good as a dedicated PC headset. Still, it‘s a nice option to have.
Highly Affordable
The biggest advantage of the Quest 1 today is its highly affordable price point, especially if buying refurbished or used.
Whereas new headsets like Meta Quest 2 cost $399 and up, Wired reports you can readily find a Quest 1 for $150-200 used on eBay.
At that price, the Quest 1 remains one of the most affordable quality VR options for cost-conscious consumers and first time buyers.
Where the Quest 1 Shows its Age
While the Quest 1 still offers solid base-level VR, there are some clear compromises versus newer headsets:
Outdated Processor & RAM
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset is over 5 years old at this point. Combined with only 4GB of RAM, newer demanding VR games won‘t run well on the Quest 1.
As reported by Polygon, any game built for Quest 2 and PSVR 2 requires modern hardware like the Snapdragon XR2 chip to run properly with all features.
Lower Resolution
The Quest 1‘s 1440 x 1600 resolution per eye is noticeably more pixelated than the Quest 2‘s 1832 x 1920 display.
Per CNET‘s testing, the Quest 2 offers about 37% higher resolution than the Quest 1. This improved clarity and reduced screen door effect.
Maximum 72Hz Refresh Rate
The fixed 72Hz refresh rate of the Quest 1‘s display can contribute to motion blur and eye strain over time.
For comparison, the Quest 2 can run at up to 120Hz for smoother visuals and lag reduction. PSVR 2 will support 90/120Hz.
Limited Future Support
Meta has announced they will end support for the Quest 1 in early 2024. No new features will be added after 2022.
As UploadVR reported, certain social functionality like Meta Horizon has already been removed from the Quest 1 ahead of its retirement.
No Hand Tracking
The Quest 1 lacks the controller-free hand tracking introduced on Quest 2 and other newer headsets.
While not essential, hand tracking adds an extra dimension of immersion for certain apps and games according to Tom‘s Guide.
So in summary – the Quest 1‘s age shows in its dated hardware specs and missing features versus modern VR headsets. But it still offers a solid budget-friendly experience.
How Much Longer Will the Quest 1 Be Supported?
Based on Meta‘s announced timeline, the Quest 1 is likely to remain functional for:
- 1-2 more years for most singleplayer gaming and apps.
- Through 2023 for core OS functions.
- Early 2024 as the final cutoff date when support ends.
Multiplayer and social features will stop working sooner as they already have.
After 2024, without further updates, the core OS and apps may begin to have issues. But well cared for Quest 1‘s could remain usable for basic gaming a bit beyond that.
I advise Quest 1 owners to plan for an upgrade by 2024 at the latest to keep enjoying new VR content and features. The good news is there should be even better budget options by then!
How Quest 1 Compares to New VR Headsets
Let‘s see how the veteran Quest 1 stacks up versus newer consumer VR headsets:
Vs. Meta Quest 2
- 50% higher resolution per eye
- Significantly faster processor and RAM
- Higher 120Hz refresh rate
- Hand tracking support
Quest 2 improves on Quest 1 in pretty much every hardware metric. It can run latest VR games the Quest 1 cannot.
Vs Sony PSVR 2
- Over 4X higher resolution
- Advanced eye tracking and foveated rendering
- PS5 level power
- Haptic feedback controllers
As a high-end console VR headset, the PSVR 2 simply outclasses the Quest 1 with its cutting edge specs and features.
Vs. Valve Index
- Wider field of view
- Higher 120/144Hz refresh rates
- Lighthouse tracking system
The Index offers best-in-class PC VR performance for a premium price. Quest 1 can‘t match it but is the better budget choice.
So in summary, while newer headsets exceed the Quest 1‘s capabilities, it fills an important low-cost niche.
Is Oculus Quest 1 Still Worth Buying in 2024?
Given its age and limitations, is the Oculus Quest 1 still worth buying new or used in 2024? Here is my analysis:
Worth it for:
- Total beginners seeking the most affordable entry point to VR.
- Children and younger teens before committing to a costlier headset.
- A secondary/travel headset if you already own a Quest 2.
Not ideal for:
- Serious gamers who want the latest titles and best graphics.
- Long term investment – better options will exist by 2024.
- Users prone to motion sickness – 72Hz refresh rate may be problematic.
My advice – if buying a Quest 1 in 2024, try to spend under $200 for best value. And don‘t expect to use it more than 2 years.
The Verdict on Oculus Quest 1 in 2024
While its sunset is clearly visible on the horizon, the pioneering Oculus Quest 1 still delivers solid, entry-level wireless VR at a bargain price point today.
If you go in with realistic expectations about its technical limitations, it can be a worthwhile starter headset for VR newcomers, children or Budget buyers through 2023 and even into 2024.
But serious gamers and long term buyers are still better off looking at newer options like Quest 2 or waiting to see what releases later in 2024 and 2024.
The Quest 1 has earned a spot in the VR history books. And while its days are numbered, it still has some life left for the right type of user. I hope this detailed guide helps you decide if that‘s you!
Let me know if you have any other questions – happy to chat more about VR headsets and finding the right fit.
