Can the Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset – 301-00178 (Renewed) still give me an immersive, comfortable, and responsive VR gaming experience in 2025?
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Quick snapshot of my thoughts
I’ve spent time using the Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset – 301-00178 (Renewed), and I appreciate what it offers for the price and platform compatibility. It’s a headset that leans into a strong library of PC VR titles, comfortable fit, and convenient inside-out tracking, making it a solid option for players who primarily want PC VR without the hassle of external sensors.
What this review covers
I’ll walk through design, optics, controllers, tracking, setup, day-to-day use, and the specifics of buying a renewed unit. I’ll also compare it to nearby alternatives and give practical tips to get the most from the headset. Each section contains my hands-on impressions and useful notes so you can decide if it fits your needs.
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Product overview
I found the Rift S to be a practical mid-generation PC VR headset. It was built to connect to a capable PC via DisplayPort and USB, giving access to hundreds of VR titles on the Oculus store and SteamVR with Oculus software. The Renewed listing typically means the unit has been inspected, tested, and returned in fully working condition — which I’ll cover more deeply below.
Rewriting the core product details in plain English
The headset gives access to one of the largest VR game libraries, with hundreds of titles and exclusives on the Oculus platform. It features improved lenses and a sharper display for clearer visuals and reduced screen-door effect, along with a reworked halo headband that makes it fast and easy to adjust and keeps the headset stable during movement. Updated Oculus Touch controllers offer intuitive hand presence, and Oculus Insight tracking allows for room-scale tracking without external base stations by using built-in cameras.
Key specifications at a glance
I like starting with a compact specification summary so I don’t lose track of what I tested. Below is a table that breaks down the most relevant specs and what they mean for me as a user.
| Category | Details | What it means for me |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset – 301-00178 (Renewed) | Renewed unit; same features as retail Rift S |
| Display | Single fast-switch LCD, 1280 x 1440 per eye (combined 1280 x 1440 per eye) | Sharper than many earlier headsets, reduced screen-door |
| Refresh Rate | 80 Hz | Smooth enough for most VR games, not as high as some newer headsets |
| Optics | Next-generation lenses | Improved clarity and color compared with older Rift |
| Tracking | Oculus Insight (inside-out, 5 built-in cameras) | No external sensors needed; reliable room-scale tracking |
| Controllers | Oculus Touch (updated) | Intuitive hand gestures, comfortable ergonomic design |
| Fit system | Halo headband with fit wheel | Quick adjustments and secure fit during sessions |
| Audio | Integrated, spatial audio via on-headset speakers | Convenient, less isolating; not as deep as over-ear headphones |
| Connectivity | DisplayPort + USB 3.0 | Requires a PC with these ports |
| Recommended PC | Mid to high-end gaming PC with discrete GPU | Demands reasonable GPU for smooth VR |
| Condition | Renewed | Refurbished/inspected unit, typically with warranty from seller |
Design and comfort
The Rift S’s design is simple, practical, and focused on comfort for longer sessions. I appreciated the halo headband that spreads weight evenly across my skull, and the fit wheel lets me tighten and loosen quickly without removing the headset entirely.
Halo headband and weight distribution
The halo-style band grips the back of my head rather than pressing on my face, which reduces facial pressure and improves balance. Because the weight sits mostly on my skull and not my face, I could play for longer stretches without the headset feeling heavy.
Materials and finish
The materials feel solid and pleasantly functional; the plastic is durable and the foam where my face met the headset was soft and breathable. The face gasket is replaceable, which is handy if I use the headset a lot or share it with others.
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Display and optics
The Rift S uses a single-panel fast-switch LCD with improved optics. In practical terms, I noticed less visible “screen-door” effect and brighter, more vivid colors compared with older headsets I’ve used.
Visual clarity and sweet spot
The updated lenses and display greatly reduce the fuzzy borders and quilting-like artifacts I’ve seen in earlier headsets. The sweet spot for clarity is bigger, which meant I moved my head freely without losing sharpness in many games.
Color and contrast
Colors are punchy and bright; blacks aren’t as deep as OLED panels, but the overall picture is very satisfying for gaming. I found that color vibrancy made game environments more engaging, particularly for titles that rely on color contrast for gameplay cues.
Tracking and controllers
One of Rift S’s biggest conveniences is Oculus Insight tracking. I tested the tracking in multiple room setups and it generally performed well for both standing and room-scale experiences.
Inside-out tracking performance
The five onboard cameras keep track of my headset and controller movement without external sensors. Tracking was accurate for most front-facing and side-facing motion, though extremely fast, full-body rotations can sometimes lead to marginal tracking blips as the cameras briefly lose sight of controllers.
Oculus Touch controllers — feel and responsiveness
The updated Oculus Touch controllers are comfortable in my hands and provide accurate finger gestures and button inputs. The triggers and thumbsticks felt well-balanced, and haptics provided clear feedback during interactions like grabbing, slashing, or throwing.
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Audio
The Rift S uses integrated on-headset speakers to provide 3D spatial audio. I appreciated the convenience of not needing headphones, but there are trade-offs.
Integrated speakers: convenience vs. immersion
The speakers are comfortable, unobtrusive, and let me remain aware of my real environment, which is nice for safety and quick communication. However, they lacked deep bass and the immersive soundstage of good over-ear headphones or dedicated VR audio solutions.
If you want better audio
If I wanted more punch and isolation, I used a pair of wired gaming headphones with the Rift S. That significantly improved low-frequency feel and added richer immersion for story-driven titles.
Setup and compatibility
Setting up the Rift S was straightforward, assuming my PC met the requirements and had the necessary ports. Oculus software handled driver installation and headset calibration smoothly.
Installation process
I connected DisplayPort and USB, installed the Oculus PC app, and followed the on-screen steps to set up the play area and controllers. Setup took me 15–30 minutes the first time, including account linking and software updates.
PC requirements and compatibility notes
Rift S is PC-powered, so a reasonably modern GPU and CPU are needed for consistent performance. I recommend at least an NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD Radeon RX 480 or better; heavier titles benefited from GTX 1070-level or newer GPUs for smoother framerates.
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Performance in games
I tested a variety of genres: rhythm games, shooters, simulation, and story-driven titles. The Rift S handled most titles reliably, with good frame stability on a capable PC.
Framerate and motion smoothness
The 80 Hz refresh rate felt solid for the majority of games. I noticed a smoother experience compared to older 60 Hz headsets, though high-frame-rate fans might miss 90/120 Hz modes in newer headsets.
Notable game impressions
Rhythm and action games felt responsive and accurate thanks to low tracking latency. Immersive sims and graphically intensive titles required GPU tuning for consistent performance, but were enjoyable once I dialed in settings.
Software ecosystem and content library
The Rift S accesses the Oculus store, which has hundreds of VR titles and Oculus exclusives. I also used SteamVR through the Oculus PC app to vastly expand my content options.
Oculus store strengths
I found many polished, first-party and exclusive experiences that were well optimized for Rift hardware. Titles like Beat Saber, Superhot VR, and Lone Echo showcased the headset’s strengths in tracking and controller fidelity.
SteamVR compatibility
Using SteamVR meant I could play a huge catalog of third-party games. Compatibility worked smoothly in most cases, although some Steam titles required input remapping or controller calibration.
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Renewed condition: what I experienced
Buying the Rift S as a renewed unit saved me money while delivering the expected features and performance. The seller’s inspection and testing procedure was reflected in the headset’s condition.
Cosmetic and functional condition
My renewed Rift S arrived clean and fully functional; small cosmetic marks were minimal. All sensors, displays, and controllers performed normally, and the headset came with essential accessories.
Warranty and return considerations
Renewed units often come with a limited seller warranty or return window. I recommend checking the seller’s warranty terms and confirming whether replacement face gaskets or extra accessories are included or available.
Pros and cons based on my hands-on use
I made a quick pros/cons list to summarize what stood out during daily use.
Pros
- Comfortable halo headband with quick adjustments that made long sessions easy.
- Inside-out tracking eliminated the need for external sensors.
- Good visual clarity with reduced screen-door effect.
- Large Oculus and Steam VR library access.
- Renewed price offers good value for budget-conscious buyers.
Cons
- 80 Hz refresh rate lags behind some modern headsets with higher refresh options.
- Integrated speakers are convenient but not as immersive as dedicated headphones.
- Requires DisplayPort — some PCs may need adapters or lack the necessary ports.
- Tracking can struggle in fully occluded or extremely fast rotations.
Comparison to close alternatives
I compared the Rift S to a few competing options to give context for the buying decision.
Oculus Rift S vs. Meta Quest 2 (via PC Link)
The Rift S is tethered to PC and designed for dedicated PC VR, while Quest 2 is a standalone headset with optional PC tethering via Link. I found Rift S easier to set up for PC-only use and slightly more comfortable for long sessions, while Quest 2 offers the flexibility of standalone play and often a lower entry price.
Rift S vs. Valve Index
Valve Index has higher refresh rate options and wider field of view, delivering a premium experience. The Rift S is more affordable and simpler to set up, while Index is a step up in performance and comfort if my budget and space allow.
Rift S vs. newer PC headsets (higher refresh/OLED)
Newer headsets can offer higher refresh rates, OLED displays for better blacks, and improved audio. The Rift S remains a compelling value for the price, especially as a renewed unit, but it shows its age against the newest high-end options.
Practical tips for daily use
I picked up a few practical tips that made my time with the Rift S better and less frustrating overall.
Fit and hygiene tips
I swapped the facial interface with a washable or replaceable cover for comfort and hygiene, especially if the headset is shared. Keeping your hair and glasses adjustments in mind helps avoid pressure points.
Lighting and room setup
Moderate lighting works best for the inside-out tracking cameras; avoid overly reflective floors or mirrors in the play area. A clear play area of at least 2m x 2m helps with room-scale experiences.
Optimization tips
Lowering shadow details and anti-aliasing in demanding games often gave me a better balance between visuals and framerate. Using the Oculus performance tools in the PC app helped me find a stable target framerate.
Troubleshooting common issues
I ran into a few common issues that were easy to fix with basic steps.
Tracking hiccups
If controllers stutter or disappear, I first checked for obstructed or reflective surfaces and restarted the Oculus app. Re-centering the headset and re-pairing controllers typically resolved persistent tracking oddities.
Display or USB/DP issues
If the headset shows no display or flickers, I tested different DisplayPort and USB ports and confirmed drivers were up to date. Reinstalling Oculus software can clear driver or permissions conflicts.
Who should buy the Rift S (renewed)?
I recommend the Rift S to people who want solid PC VR without sensor setups and who value comfort and a strong content library. As a renewed unit, it’s the right choice if you want the best value for PC-only VR and are comfortable with a slightly older refresh rate.
Ideal user profiles
- PC gamers who want immediate access to Oculus-optimized titles and SteamVR.
- Players who prefer tethered PC performance over standalone flexibility.
- Buyers who want a cost-effective way into PC VR with reliable inside-out tracking.
Who might want something else
If I needed the absolute highest frame rates, OLED deep blacks, or top-tier audio, I would consider other newer headsets. Also, if I wanted a wireless or standalone-first experience with occasional PC tethering, Quest 2 or newer Quest-class headsets might be better.
Consider alternatives if you need:
- Higher refresh rates for competitive VR (look at Valve Index or high-end PC headsets).
- Standalone play with optional PC Link (look at Meta Quest 2 / Quest 3).
- Deeper audio immersion out of the box (consider headsets with built-in over-ear solutions or separate good headphones).
Value and price considerations for a renewed unit
I think the renewed price is one of the Rift S’s strongest selling points, especially for newcomers to PC VR. The headset offers most of the essentials for a great VR experience while saving money compared to new, high-end models.
What to expect from renewed pricing
Renewed units can be significantly cheaper than new models, often by hundreds of dollars depending on market conditions. Make sure the seller includes clear warranty or return terms, and check if the headset was factory-refurbished or seller-inspected.
Final verdict
After using the Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset – 301-00178 (Renewed), I feel it remains a very capable and comfy entry into PC VR. It doesn’t compete with the absolute bleeding edge in refresh rates or display tech, but its comfortable design, accurate inside-out tracking, and access to a large game library make it a practical and enjoyable choice — especially when buying renewed for cost savings.
My final recommendation
If you want reliable PC VR with solid comfort and a broad content library, and you’re okay with an 80 Hz panel and integrated speakers, the Rift S renewed is a smart buy. For competitive or high-fidelity needs, consider newer premium headsets, but for everyday VR gaming, I found this headset hits a strong balance of performance and value.
Frequently asked questions I encountered while using the Rift S
I answered a few practical questions I often get asked after testing the Rift S.
Is the Rift S still supported with software updates?
Meta (Oculus) has historically updated software for its ecosystem, but support focus shifts over time. For daily play and existing apps, the Rift S remains functional and compatible with many titles through Oculus PC and SteamVR.
Can I use the Rift S wirelessly?
Rift S is a tethered headset and requires a wired DisplayPort + USB connection for full PC VR. Third-party wireless options exist but require additional hardware and setup, and the experience can vary.
Does the Renewed unit come with accessories?
Renewed packages vary by seller. Commonly included items are the headset, controllers, and necessary cables, but I recommend confirming exact contents and checking warranty/return policies before purchasing.
If you want, I can compare specific games and how they perform on Rift S versus another headset you own or plan to buy, or I can help you check whether your current PC is ready to run the Rift S smoothly.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
