The Meta Quest 2 Is Just $300 for Amazon Prime Day, and You Get a Bonus Gift Card

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have become more mainstream in the last few years, with Statista estimating that 2023 will see over 21 million units sold. And while Playstation, Xbox and Nintendo remain the undisputed game console champions, Meta has secured the VR headset market.

I purchased the Meta Quest 2 over the holidays in 2022 as a family gift--and it's easily the gift that keeps on giving. It's not without its flaws, which I'll mention below, but it's by far one of the most unique gaming experiences. 

Now during Amazon Prime Day (through July 12), you can snag a few Meta Quest 2 deals, including a special $50 Amazon Gift card bundle.

Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset with $50 Gift Card, $299 (was $350) at Amazon

Bundle Options:

• Prime Day Bundle - headset gift + $50 Amazon Gift Card: $299 (was $349.99)
• Pro Bundle - headset, carrying case and Elite Strap: $399.97 (was $419.97)
• Starter Bundle -headset and carrying case: $349.98 (was $359.98)
• Active Bundle - headset and active pack: $369.98
• Headset Only - $299.99

Best buy: Pro bundle or a Prime Day Bundle + Elite Strap sold separately. The Elite head strap makes it significantly easier to wear for a longer amount of time and with greater comfort. If you don't need the carrying case in the Pro Bundle, snag the Prime Day Bundle and gift card (same price as the Headset only) and get the Elite strap separately for an additional $50.

Is Meta Quest 2 worth buying?

Hands down, if you love gaming and don't mind spending the money, the Meta Quest 2 is worth purchasing. It's an experience, unlike normal desktop and console gaming.

Controllers

The hand-tracking controllers function like your mouse, and you'll use these in all of the interface and game screens. The handheld controllers act and work just like a regular gaming controller. 

Now a couple of months down the road and playing a reasonable amount of time each week, one controller has faded faster than the other. From my reading, it's not unique to me; everyone has some issues with the controllers after a few months. Design flaw? I'm not totally sure, but even after trying to reset the controller and change batteries, one of the handles can flicker in and out during gameplay. 

Space

During the game setup, you'll need plenty of space around you, and within the interface, you'll be able to set up a digital surrounding barrier. While playing the game within the barrier, you'll see no interruption of gameplay. Still, when you cross over the digital barrier, the headset automatically fades the screen so you can see your immediate surroundings. 

Headset Design

I'll admit-it's awkward when you first put it on and kind of heavy. If you have to wear glasses, you're going to struggle with finding a comfortable spot to wear the headset. You'll also sweat while wearing this, so having the extra padding around the headset against your face is a must-have. 

The default headset comes with a stretchy band that goes around the back of your head. Just like with a belt or bra strap, you're going to need to fiddle with the plastic pieces to tighten and loosen the headset. As I mentioned earlier, the Elite Strap is worth the money, as it adds a lot more stability with a hard plastic piece that arches over the top of your head and a knob to tighten and loosen the straps.

The headset has a camera that not only acts as your viewport to the area around you when needed and it also assists in controller tracking. 

Game Play

Beat Saber is, of course, my all-time favorite game. It's easy to download new games in the interface and make in-game purchases. 

Your first few times playing, you're going to get a headache as your eyes work to adjust to the game screen. But after playing a couple of times, you'll grow accustomed to the visual changes that shouldn't affect you.

Final Thoughts

I'd be buying it today if I hadn't purchased it during Cyber Week. The Prime Day bundle is the same price as the headset-only deal plus gift card. It would have been even more ideal if the gift card was for more games, but at least it's something. 

And definitely invest in the Elite Strap if you're not getting the Pro bundle.

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Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.