Bigscreen has just unveiled their latest Beyond PC VR headset, aiming to revolutionize our virtual experiences with enhanced field-of-view (FOV) and sharper imagery, all thanks to their innovative pancake lenses. This sleek and lightweight model is also more accommodating for both home users and businesses, with its customizable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface.
They’re rolling out two models: the Beyond 2 and the Beyond 2e. Now, unlike Apple’s naming convention for its iPhone 16e, the ‘e’ in Beyond 2e stands for “eye-tracking.” The Beyond 2e offers everything the Beyond 2 does, with the added benefit of a compact eye-tracking suite. This feature boasts AI-driven computer vision for precise, privacy-centric tracking and integrates seamlessly with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat. A beta program is expected to launch by Summer 2025, providing early access to this tech.
The headsets are priced at $1,019 for Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e. Loyal customers who own the original Beyond will get a discount, dropping the prices to $849 and $1,049, respectively. Expect the first batch to hit the market in April, with an additional halo-style strap mount arriving in the third quarter of 2025. color choices include Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange, offering plenty of styles to match functionality.
Like its predecessor, Beyond 2 retains the essence of a slim and light PC VR headset, compatible with SteamVR tracking standards. Users will need base stations compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0, alongside accessories like body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers. Don’t forget, you’ll require a VR-ready PC to operate the Bigscreen Beyond 2. Check online to see if your system meets the specs.
Although the Beyond 2 doesn’t boast a resolution upgrade, it features the same dual 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays as the original 2023 model. The standout improvement is the new pancake lens, which expands the FOV to an impressive 116-degree diagonal, up from its predecessor at 102 degrees. Remarkably, this model is 16% lighter, weighing only 107 grams, surpassing even the lightweights like Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.
The display may be the same, but Bigscreen notes improvements in brightness and a significant reduction in glare. The updated lens yields edge-to-edge clarity and a substantial sweet spot, enhancing the viewing experience.
For the first time, the Beyond 2 introduces an adjustable IPD mechanism, allowing you to tweak settings with an included tool. Millimeter markings inside the headset help users fine-tune each lens for optimal clarity, overcoming the Beyond 1’s fixed IPD system, which was limited to 18 sizes and required a face scan for a custom fit.
When it comes to accessories, the Beyond 2 supports the same custom-fit cushions as its predecessor but comes equipped with a universal-fit Lightseal interface, making it ideal for shared use at home or in a professional setting.
Many legacy accessories from the original Beyond will work with Beyond 2, including its five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, and Audio Strap. Prescription lens inserts from before 2025 are compatible with Beyond 2 but not Beyond 2e. New inserts post-2025 will work across all models.
Each headset package includes a soft strap, with a new halo-style mount set to release in late 2025, designed with inspiration from night vision goggles. This mount offers adjustable controls and supports various configurations, making it a versatile addition for users looking to customize their VR experience.
You can place your order for Bigscreen Beyond 2 on their website. Shipments will be coming from Los Angeles and reaching customers in the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Plans for expanding distribution to South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE are also on the horizon.
### Specifications
– Field of View: 116° diagonal
– Weight: 107 grams
– IPD: Adjustable, 48mm to 75mm (55mm to 70mm physically)
– Resolution: 2,560 × 2,560 per-eye
– Refresh Rate: 90Hz, 75Hz
– 6DOF Tracking: SteamVR tracking
– Tracking Requirements: SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 Base Stations (not included)
– Eye Tracking: Yes, on Beyond 2e
– Full-body Tracking: Compatible with SteamVR trackers such as HTC Vive Trackers, Tundra Trackers (not included)
– Controllers: Compatible with SteamVR controllers like Valve Index Controllers (not included)
### PC Requirements
– Audio Input: Dual microphone array
– Audio Output: Built-in on-ear speakers with the Audio Strap (not included)
– Accessory Ports: 1 × USB-C
– Cable: 5-meter fiber optic cable
– GPU: Nvidia RTX 2070 or AMD RX 5700 XT or newer (DisplayPort 1.4 and DSC required)
– CPU: Quad-core Intel or AMD
– Ports: 1 × DisplayPort 1.4, 2 × USB 3.0 ports
– OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11