How to Play 2D Games in VR | Meta Quest 3
If you have a Meta Quest headset, there are a 4 main ways to play 2D games in VR:
- Quest Link or Air Link
- Virtual Desktop
- Immersed
- Bigscreen
Be warned though, whatever method you use, there will be some latency. The method that has the least latency is through a Quest Link cable. However, if you have a good router that’s in the same room as your VR headset, the latency will be minimal.
How much latency can you expect? That depends on your set up. For example, when I use the Immersed app, I get about 10-20 ms latency, but this differs based on your internet connection.
I don’t advise playing competitive or high skilled games in VR. It’s great for playing relaxing games like turned based games, visual novels or story driven games.
1. Quest Link/Air Link
Connect your Quest 2 to your PC using Oculus Link (with a USB cable) or Air Link (wirelessly). This connection turns your Quest 2 into a PC VR headset, allowing you to access and play games from your PC in VR.
In order to connect your Quest 3 to PC via Air Link, follow these steps:
- Download the Oculus App to your PC.
- Open the Oculus App
- Put on your Quest 3 headset and go to “Quick Settings”
- Select “Quest Link” from the Quick Settings Menu
- Enable Air Link, then select your computer from the list of available PCs.
- Follow the rest of the prompts. It will ask you to confirm a pairing code. Ensure that it’s correct and press confirm.
For troubleshooting steps, or more details about using a cable, read: How to connect Quest 3 to PC
2. Virtual Desktop
Virtual Desktop is similar to Air Link – the app allows you to mirror your PC’s desktop to your Quest 3. Install Virtual Desktop on both your Meta Quest and your PC. Once set up, you can launch any 2D game on your PC and view it in a virtual environment through your headset.
Virtual Desktop is a paid app – it has way more features than Air Link, and works better for some people: less jitter, artifacts and more stable frame-rates. Some apps work better in Virtual Desktop, while some apps work better with Air Link.
3. Immersed
Immersed is meant to be a work app, but I’ve tried it for playing games and it works really well. It lets you mirror your desktop to your VR headset, so you can play games simply by installing an app on your PC and headset.
The best thing is – it’s free, doesn’t require a cable or powerful router. All you need is to be connected to the internet.
With Immersed, you can share screens with friends, or play 2D games in mixed reality. I’ve tested the app and it appears I get around 10-20 ms delay, which is fine if you’re playing a game like Persona 5, but it’s not great if you’re playing Elden Ring.
To use Immersed, you’ll need to download the app on your headset, as well as the companion app on your PC. Just follow the steps on the headset – it’s really simple to set up.
Once you’re done setting up, it’ll put you in a public room with other people. Simple create your own private room and invite friends over. There are many environments and rooms to choose from.
4. Bigscreen VR
Bigscreen is like Immersed where you can simulate an environment and mirror your desktop to play 2D games. It’s not as good as Immersed, as it’s designed for watching movies, so there is higher latency on this. However, it lets you be in a movie theatre with friends watching.
Overall, I’d say this is the weakest app for playing 2D games in VR, but if none of the other options work, you can try this one.
