Today, Bigscreen made waves by unveiling its next-gen Beyond PC VR headset, which promises to enhance both field-of-view (FOV) and image clarity with the addition of innovative pancake lenses. The new, sleek, and lightweight design is certain to appeal not only to home users but also to enterprise clients, thanks to the adjustability of the interpupillary distance (IPD) and an optional universal Lightseal facial interface.
Bigscreen has split its offering into two distinct models—the Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. While “e” might remind some of Apple’s iPhone 16e branding, here, it indicates the incorporation of eye-tracking technology.
The Beyond 2e brings everything the Beyond 2 offers, plus a compact eye-tracking suite powered by AI-driven computer vision. This feature promises low-latency, privacy-focused tracking compatibility with platforms such as SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat. A beta program will roll out in the summer of 2025.
These innovative headsets are priced at $1,019 for the Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e, yet Bigscreen is offering discounts to existing Beyond owners, bringing prices down to $849 and $1,049, respectively.
The first units are expected to ship in April, and those who like a bit of customization will appreciate the halo-style strap mount slated for a Q3 2025 release. Buyers can also choose from three appealing color options: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Like its predecessor, Beyond 1, these headsets are compatible with the SteamVR tracking ecosystem, including both 1.0 and 2.0 base stations and a variety of accessories, like Valve’s Index controllers. However, a VR-ready PC is essential to make the most of the Bigscreen Beyond 2. Check compatibility with your rig to ensure you’re set.
The Beyond 2 doesn’t change up the resolution game, retaining the dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays from its predecessor. Instead, its standout upgrade comes from the newly designed pancake lenses, which boost FOV from 102-degree to an impressive 116-degree diagonal.
This headset is notably light, shedding 16% of the weight compared to the original Beyond. Weighing in at just 107 grams, it’s lighter than stand-alone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 (515g) or Apple Vision Pro (650g), as well as other slim and light PC VR headsets like the anticipated MaganeX superlight 8K (179g).
While the displays are unchanged, users will benefit from improvements in brightness and a reduction in glare. Bigscreen claims the pancake lenses deliver “dramatic improvements” over those in Beyond 1, offering edge-to-edge clarity with a large sweet spot.
For the first time, Beyond 2 includes an adjustable IPD, modifiable with an included tool and visible markings within the headset to guide both lens settings in millimeters, allowing for optimization to individual preferences.
This is a significant step up from the fixed IPD system in Beyond 1, which required users to select from preset sizes based on an iPhone scan.
As for accessories, Beyond 2 supports the familiar custom-fit cushions from Beyond 1, but now includes a universal-fit Lightseal interface through the newly introduced halo mount. This addition enhances shareability for home users and appeal for enterprise use.
Additionally, many of Beyond 1’s accessories, such as the five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, Audio Strap, and soft strap, are compatible with Beyond 2. Prescription lens inserts made before 2025 will fit Beyond 2 but not Beyond 2e, while those produced from 2025 onwards will fit all models.
A soft strap is included with the headset, while a new halo-style mount inspired by night-vision goggles will arrive in Q3 2025, offering options for those seeking customizability.
The halo mount, designed for tilt and eye relief adjustments, supports various setups, including using the bundled lightseal or Beyond’s original custom facial interfaces, or even none at all. Compatible with different strap solutions like the included soft strap, Bigscreen’s Audio Strap, and various third-party options, more details and pricing will emerge as its release approaches.
Ready to order? Bigscreen Beyond 2 is available online, shipping from Los Angeles to a wide audience across the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Plans are in place for further expansion to markets like South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE 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: 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 such as 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
