Today, Bigscreen unveiled its cutting-edge Beyond PC VR headset lineup, boasting a significant enhancement in clarity and field-of-view (FOV) thanks to innovative pancake lenses. With an adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface, this sleek and lightweight headset is set to appeal to both home users and enterprise customers.
Bigscreen introduces two variations: the Beyond 2 and the Beyond 2e. While the naming might remind you of Apple’s ‘e’ designation, here, the ‘e’ in Beyond 2e signifies the integration of eye-tracking technology.
The Beyond 2e includes all the features of the Beyond 2, plus it houses an advanced eye-tracking suite. This system utilizes AI-powered computer vision to deliver quick and privacy-focused tracking. Additionally, it’s compatible with platforms such as SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta expected to roll out in the summer of 2025.
For this high-tech gear, they’re priced at $1,019 for the Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e. However, existing owners of the original Beyond model can snap them up for discounted prices of $849 and $1,049, respectively.
Bigscreen plans to release the first batch in April, with a halo-style strap mount following in the third quarter of 2025. Both models will be available in three stylish colors: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Echoing the approach of its predecessor, Beyond 1, this new model will utilize the SteamVR tracking standard, supporting both SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations and a variety of accessories like body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers.
Notably, you’ll need a VR-ready PC setup to enjoy the Beyond 2 experience, alongside the necessary base stations. It’s always a good idea to ensure your PC can handle the load before diving in.
Although the resolution remains the same, with dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays as seen in the original 2023 Beyond model, the standout feature of Beyond 2 is the inclusion of the new pancake lenses. These lenses increase the FOV to a remarkable 116 degrees diagonally, a notable improvement from the original’s 102 degrees.
The headset is also lighter, weighing in at just 107 grams—making it significantly lighter than standalone models like the Meta Quest 3 (515g) and Apple Vision Pro (650g), and even lighter than the upcoming MaganeX superlight 8K (179g).
Despite maintaining the same display specs, the Beyond 2 has ramped up brightness and cut down on glare. The new pancake lenses offer "dramatic improvements over Beyond 1," according to Bigscreen, providing total edge-to-edge clarity and a significantly larger sweet spot.
For the first time, Beyond 2 introduces an adjustable IPD mechanism, which users can tweak using an included tool. This mechanism shows precise millimeter adjustments on the inside, allowing users to fine-tune each lens for optimal viewing.
Bigscreen describes the new IPD system as a "major improvement" over the fixed IPD setup of Beyond 1, which required selecting from multiple sizes and using an iPhone to scan for a customized facial fit.
As for accessories, Beyond 2 supports the same custom-fit cushions as the Beyond 1. However, it comes with a universal Lightseal interface, enhancing its usability for both home and enterprise users, thanks to improved shareability.
Older accessories from the original Beyond are largely compatible with Beyond 2, including the five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, Audio Strap, and soft strap. It’s worth noting that prescription lens inserts made before 2025 for Beyond 1 are compatible with Beyond 2, but not Beyond 2e. All prescription lens inserts produced from 2025 onwards will fit all three models: Beyond 1, 2, and 2e.
Included with the headset is a soft strap, though Bigscreen is also rolling out a new halo-style mount, expected in Q3 2025. Inspired by night-vision goggles, this mount offers adjustable tilt and eye relief and can be used with or without the lightseal or the original custom facial interfaces.
This mount, rather than being a full strap unit, is compatible with a variety of strap solutions, including the soft strap, Bigscreen’s Audio Strap, and other third-party options. Pricing details are yet to be announced, but more information will likely come as we approach the Q3 2025 launch date.
Customers eager to get their hands on the Bigscreen Beyond 2 can place their orders on the company’s website. Shipping is set to begin from Bigscreen’s Los Angeles factory to customers in the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, with further plans to expand to countries such as South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and UAE later this year.
Specifications
- Field of View: 116° diagonal
- Weight: 107 grams
- IPD: Adjustable, ranging from 48mm to 75mm (physically adjustable between 55mm and 70mm)
- 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: Included in Beyond 2e
- Full-body Tracking: Compatible with SteamVR trackers like 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
The Beyond 2 series looks promising for VR enthusiasts eager for a lightweight, feature-packed experience, whether they’re gaming at home or using VR for enterprise applications.
