Facebook Announces May 21 Release for Oculus Quest and Rift S
Facebook reveals that both the standalone Oculus Quest and PC-tethered Rift S headsets launch on May 21 for $399, with pre-orders opening today. Both devices share the same Insight tracking technology and Touch controllers, but cater to different VR needs.
Facebook announces at the F8 2019 conference that the standalone Oculus Quest and the PC-powered Oculus Rift S headsets launch on May 21, 2019. Both devices cost $399 and are available for pre-order starting today, marking a significant expansion of Oculus' virtual reality lineup. While the Rift S requires a VR-capable PC to function, the Quest operates entirely on its own without the need for external hardware.
Every Oculus Quest unit ships with five pre-loaded game demos, including Beat Saber, Creed, and Space Pirate Trainer. The standalone headset also includes a custom travel case, two Touch controllers, and charging cables, making it highly portable for users who want to easily move their VR setup between rooms or locations. Over 50 titles are planned for the Quest's day-one launch library.
Both headsets utilize Facebook's new Insight tracking system, which uses onboard cameras to track the room and the user's movement without external sensors. The key difference between the two devices lies in their power and fidelity; the Quest sacrifices graphical power for complete wireless freedom, while the Rift S delivers higher fidelity but slightly suffers in tracking range when users reach far behind their backs or heads.