Today, Bigscreen has unveiled their next-generation PC VR headset, the Beyond, which promises significant improvements in both field-of-view (FOV) and clarity, thanks to the incorporation of innovative pancake lenses. In a move to cater to both individual users at home and businesses, the headset is designed to be slim and lightweight while featuring adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and an optional universal Lightseal facial interface.
Bigscreen is rolling out two versions: the Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. While the ‘e’ commonly found in Apple’s iPhone models often refers to a variation, in the Beyond 2e, it signifies the inclusion of eye-tracking technology.
Both headsets are set to offer what the Beyond 2 does, with the Beyond 2e adding a compact eye-tracking suite. This suite harnesses AI-powered computer vision to enable low-latency, privacy-oriented tracking. It’s also integrated with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta program expected to begin in the summer of 2025.
The pricing for these headsets is set at $1,019 for the Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e. However, Bigscreen is cutting those prices for earlier Beyond headset owners, bringing them down to $849 and $1049 respectively.
The initial wave of these headsets is scheduled for April release, with an optional halo-style strap mount set to become available in the third quarter of 2025. Beyond 2 models will come in three vibrant colors: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Continuing with its predecessor’s legacy, the Beyond 2 series relies on the SteamVR tracking standard, supporting both 1.0 and 2.0 base stations as well as a variety of SteamVR accessories, such as body trackers and the renowned Valve Index controllers (aka ‘Knuckles’).
To operate the Bigscreen Beyond 2, users will need a VR-ready PC and compatible base stations. You can check your PC’s compatibility here.
Though there’s no bump in resolution since the new models retain the dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays of the original Beyond from 2023, the standout enhancement is the upgraded pancake lenses. These lenses take the diagonal FOV from 102 degrees in the original model to an impressive 116 degrees in the new models.
Weighing in at just 107 grams, a 16% reduction from its predecessor, Beyond 2 is substantially lighter than standalone headsets like Meta Quest 3 (515g) and Apple Vision Pro (650g), as well as other compact PC VR headsets like the forthcoming MaganeX superlight 8K (179g).
Beyond the displays, Bigscreen states that Beyond 2 boasts higher brightness and reduced glare substantially. Their cutting-edge pancake lens design reportedly provides total edge-to-edge clarity and an expansive sweet spot.
A notable update with Beyond 2 is the adjustable IPD mechanism, which can be fine-tuned with a provided tool. Users can now see the precise IPD setting in millimeters on the inside of each lens, allowing them to tweak for optimal clarity.
This new adjustable IPD system is a major step up from the Beyond 1’s fixed system, which required choosing from 18 different sizes and scanning users’ faces using an iPhone for a custom fit.
Accessory-wise, Beyond 2 remains compatible with the custom-fit cushions from Beyond 1. The new halo mount, which will come with a universal-fit Lightseal interface, enhances shareability among households and enterprise environments alike.
Most of Beyond 1’s accessories are compatible with Beyond 2, including the fiber optic cable, link box, Audio Strap, and soft strap. Prescription lens inserts from before 2025 will work with Beyond 2, but not Beyond 2e. Inserts made from 2025 onwards will fit all models.
The headset will be sold with a soft strap by default, but Bigscreen is also introducing a new halo-style mount coming in Q3 2025. This mount, inspired by night vision goggles, offers adjustable controls for tilt and eye relief and can be used with or without other facial interfaces.
A versatile option, the mount is compatible with the soft strap, Bigscreen’s Audio Strap, and third-party solutions. Pricing will be announced closer to its release date.
Customers can order the Bigscreen Beyond 2 through its official website, with distribution planned from their factory in Los Angeles, California to the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, with future expansion to locations like South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and UAE planned later in the 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
This new series looks set to redefine lightweight VR experiences, merging advanced features with practical design. Whether you’re a VR gamer or a professional seeking top-tier virtual tools, the Beyond 2 series is one to watch.
