Forum Discussion

Hezaa123's avatar
Hezaa123
Honored Guest
3 months ago

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, I genuinely appreciate the technical explanation.

I agree that inside-out optical tracking generally fails in more obvious ways (blocked camera, LED failure, battery disconnect etc.), and I’m not suggesting the tracking algorithm itself is “wearing out.”

When I describe it as gradual degradation, I mean the user experience has progressively become less reliable over time - not that the underlying tracking system is mechanically decaying in a linear way.

A few clarifications:

  • This isn’t about missing more notes due to skill progression. The issue presents as occasional controller position jumps or momentary micro-loss during swings that previously registered cleanly.
  • It occurs even on slower, controlled maps where speed ceiling isn’t a factor.
  • I’ve tested with conscious grip/form adjustments to rule out posture drift.
  • It’s consistent across rooms and across standalone vs PCVR.

I completely accept that optical tracking systems don’t “degrade” in a software sense. My concern is whether there could be:

  • LED output dimming slightly over time (not total failure, but reduced intensity).
  • Subtle battery contact wear causing very brief voltage dips
  • Internal IMU drift that only becomes noticeable during high acceleration
  • Long-term wear that doesn’t produce catastrophic failure but affects edge-case performance

I’m not married to the hardware-failure explanation - I’m trying to rule things out before replacing controllers or a total headset upgrade.

Just to clarify on the environmental side - the test space is fairly minimal. There are no ceiling fans, TVs, glossy frames, motion detectors, LED strips, mirrors, or reflective surfaces in the play area. The lighting is a single standard LED bulb with a fabric lampshade, and I’ve also tested in a second location with similar results.

If you (or anyone else) have suggestions for how to objectively test LED strength or detect micro-disconnects, I’d be very open to trying that. I’d much rather identify a concrete cause than assume replacement is the only path.

Appreciate the input.

Choleni's avatar
Choleni
MVP
3 months ago

Hi Hezaa123​ 🙂

That's what google says about LED degration

LED ribbon degradation in Meta Quest 2 controllers typically manifests as erratic tracking, floating hands, or complete tracking loss, often caused by damage to the infra-red (IR) LED strip running along the tracking ring.

This ribbon is fragile and frequently breaks or becomes disconnected when the plastic tracking ring sustains impact damage.

 

If your problems are caused by the LED flex cable, this can be replaced, you don't need necessarily buy new controllers.

LED flex cable

If you feel confident doing it yourself, there are youtube videos - like the one below - that shows how to to that.

Otherwise you can use a repair services like "Fix my Oculus" - if you are in the US - or google for headset repair services in your country.