Bigscreen has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of its next-generation Beyond PC VR headset. With promises of an enhanced field-of-view (FOV) and crystal clear visuals, all thanks to the new pancake lenses, they’re definitely catching eyes in both the consumer and enterprise sectors. The headset’s new adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and universal Lightseal facial interface add to its allure.
Bigscreen is rolling out two exciting versions: the Beyond 2 and the Beyond 2e. Now, while Apple’s iPhone series uses an "e" to mean economy, here it stands for eye-tracking in Beyond 2e. This model has all the features of Beyond 2, but steps up the game with a compact eye-tracking suite. This system uses AI-powered computer vision, offering low-latency, privacy-focused tracking. It even integrates with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta set for summer 2025.
These headsets come with price tags of $1,019 for the Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e. However, there’s good news for those upgrading from the original Beyond headset—a discount brings those prices down to $849 and $1,049, respectively. Expect the initial batch to hit the market by April, with a halo-style strap mount planned for release in Q3 2025. Both models will be available in three colors: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Maintaining the slim and lightweight design of its predecessor, Beyond 2 continues to use the SteamVR tracking standard. It supports SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations and accessories including body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers, affectionately called ‘Knuckles.’ A VR-ready PC is, of course, a must. Curious if your PC meets the mark? You can easily find out with a quick check online.
While the resolution of Beyond 2 remains the same—featuring the dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays as before—the introduction of the new pancake lenses steals the show. With a 116-degree diagonal FOV, an upgrade from the original’s 102 degrees, your virtual adventures just got more immersive. Weighing in at just 107 grams, it’s considerably lighter than standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.
Despite unchanged display specs, the Beyond 2 boasts improved brightness and reduced glare. The new lens design delivers better edge-to-edge clarity with an impressively large sweet spot. This iteration introduces an adjustable IPD for the first time, enabling users to tweak each lens individually using a specially included tool for perfect clarity.
Bigscreen has made strides in user-friendliness with the IPD mechanism, moving away from the cumbersome fixed system of the Beyond 1, which required customizing an interface via a facial scan. The new universal-fit Lightseal interface also accommodates more users at home or across enterprises.
On the accessory front, Beyond 2 is compatible with most of the original Beyond’s add-ons, including fiber optic cables and prescription lens inserts. A new halo-style mount, inspired by night vision goggles, is set to launch in Q3 2025. This product promises to enhance comfort with adjustable tilt and eye relief settings.
Your order for the Beyond 2 can be placed on Bigscreen’s site, and it will ship from their Los Angeles factory to numerous locations worldwide. There are plans to expand availability to more countries, including South Korea and Mexico, later this year.
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: Utilizes SteamVR tracking
- Tracking Requirements: Requires SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 Base Stations (not included)
- Eye Tracking: Available on Beyond 2e
- Full-body Tracking: Compatible with SteamVR trackers [e.g., HTC Vive Trackers]
- Controllers: Works with SteamVR controllers like Valve Index Controllers
PC Requirements
- Audio Input: Dual microphone array
- Audio Output: Built-in on-ear speakers [requires 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
- CPU: Quad-core Intel or AMD
- Ports: 1 × DisplayPort 1.4, 2 × USB 3.0 ports
- OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11
It’s safe to say that Bigscreen has worked hard to make Beyond 2 a true contender in the world of VR headsets, blending comfort, efficiency, and high-tech features into a remarkably light package.
