The Meta Quest 2 just got a free performance boost
The GPU compute power of Meta's VR headset has been given an upgrade
➡️ The Shortcut Skinny: Meta Quest 2 boost
😮 Meta has launched a surprise update for the Meta Quest 2
⬆️ The VR headset’s maximum GPU clock speed has been increased
🌟 The visual quality of apps and games will look better than ever
👍 It’s rolling out automatically right now for all users
The Meta Quest 2 has been given a performance boost with a new software update that increases the headset’s GPU compute power, meaning games and apps used on the device will look better than ever.
The update increases the Meta Quest 2’s maximum GPU clock frequency from 490Mhz to 525Mhz – an uptick of 7% – and will be rolling out to all headsets automatically, for free.
“When it comes to app performance, increased GPU power should improve your ability to leverage higher pixel density without substantially reducing the resolution in order to hit the target frame rate,” the update notes read. “This means your apps’ visuals will look even better – without sacrificing resolution quality.”
The Quest Operating System uses a dynamic clocking system that will automatically adjust the GPU clock speed when it detects a game or app could benefit from it. For us, the players, that means we can sit back and let the device’s hardware optimize itself for the best performance.
Or we will be able to eventually, at least. After this latest update, you’ll need to open an app, take the headset off, and put it back on again before the headset can leverage the higher clock speed. Meta says that the finicky process should be ironed out with the v49 update, so the increased computing power will be available right away after booting up a game.
The performance boost is welcome but arrives at a strange time for Meta and the future of its VR tech. Legendary game designer and VR champion John Carmack recently announced his departure from Meta, citing his displeasure with the company’s inefficiency in a fiery exit statement.
Earlier this year, Meta hiked the price of the Meta Quest 2 by a whopping $100, which was bad news for us players, but only made pre-ordering the PSVR 2 more enticing (if you’ve got your hands on a PS5 restock, that is).
Hopefully, the trend of spiraling costs will have petered out by the time the Meta Quest 3 arrives next year. It’s expected to be priced anywhere between $300 to $500, but Meta’s recent financial woes don’t give us much faith that the device will be priced affordably.