Bigscreen recently unveiled its cutting-edge Beyond PC VR headset, slated to offer a substantial upgrade in field-of-view (FOV) and visual clarity courtesy of new pancake lenses. With this release, Bigscreen is also aiming to make the headset more appealing for both household and business users by introducing a customizable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface.
This next-generation headset comes in two versions: the Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. The ‘e’ in Beyond 2e signifies the addition of eye-tracking features, unlike Apple’s recent iPhone 16e’s naming convention. The Beyond 2e includes all the features of Beyond 2 with a compact eye-tracking suite that boasts AI-powered computer vision, promising low-latency, privacy-focused tracking. This feature will integrate seamlessly with SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta program kicking off in the summer of 2025.
For fans of visuals, here’s a look at Beyond 2e | Image courtesy of Bigscreen.
The price points for these headsets are set at $1,019 for the Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e; however, Bigscreen is offering discounts for returning customers from the original Beyond series, bringing the prices down to $849 and $1049 respectively. The initial batch is expected by April, with an optional halo-style strap mount set for a Q3 2025 release. Customers can choose between three color options: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Like its predecessor, the slim and lightweight Beyond headset adopts the SteamVR tracking standard. This allows it compatibility with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations and other common accessories, including body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers (also known as ‘Knuckles’).
Do keep in mind that a VR-ready PC is a must to utilize Bigscreen Beyond 2 and its required base stations. Here’s how to check if your system is up to the task.
Check out more visuals of Bigscreen Beyond 2 here | Image courtesy Bigscreen.
Though there’s no bump in resolution—as it uses the same dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays as the original 2023 Beyond model—the Beyond 2’s standout improvement is its updated pancake lenses, expanding the diagonal FOV to 116 degrees, up from the previous 102 degrees.
This new iteration is also impressively lighter by 16%, weighing just 107 grams. That’s significantly lighter when compared to standalone headsets like Meta Quest 3 (515g) or Apple Vision Pro (650g), and also other slim PC VR headsets such as the forthcoming MaganeX superlight 8K (179g).
Although the displays remain unchanged, enhancements in brightness and a notable reduction in screen glare have been achieved, thanks to the redesigned pancake lenses. The company claims they deliver dramatic improvements over Beyond 1, offering total edge-to-edge clarity and a substantial sweet spot.
A significant innovation with Beyond 2 is the introduction of an adjustable IPD, allowing users to fine-tune it using an included tool. Inside markings provide the current IPD setting in millimeters, enabling each lens to be adjusted independently for optimal visual clarity.
Bigscreen describes this improvement as a “major leap” from Beyond 1’s fixed IPD setup that required personalized facial interface sizes and a face scan using an iPhone.
When it comes to accessories, Beyond 2 supports the same custom-fit cushions as its predecessor but ships with a universally fitting Lightseal, enhancing its appeal for home users seeking greater shareability, as well as for enterprise clients.
Additionally, many accessories from the original Beyond are compatible with Beyond 2, such as its five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, Audio Strap, and soft strap. Notably, prescription lens inserts made prior to 2025 will fit Beyond 2 but not the 2e. However, inserts manufactured post-2025 are compatible across Beyond 1, 2, and 2e.
A soft strap is included with the headset, but there’s an eagerly awaited halo-style mount due in Q3 2025—taking inspiration from night vision goggles. This mount offers refined adjustments for tilt and eye relief, compatible with various configurations like the light seal, Beyond’s custom interfaces, or used bare.
As this is not a complete strap but a mount, it pairs with several strap solutions, including Bigscreen’s Audio Strap and third-party options. Pricing for the halo mount hasn’t been disclosed yet but should be forthcoming as its launch approaches.
Bigscreen will be open for orders on its website, shipping from its Los Angeles factory to customers across the U.S., Canada, Japan, the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Plans are also afoot to expand into South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE later this year.
Specifications
- Field of View: 116° diagonal
- Weight: 107 grams
- IPD: Adjustable, 48mm to 75mm (physical 55mm to 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: Yes, on Beyond 2e
- Full-body Tracking: Compatible with SteamVR trackers like HTC Vive Trackers, Tundra Trackers (not included)
- Controllers: Works with SteamVR controllers like the Valve Index Controllers (not included)
PC Requirements
- Audio Input: Dual microphone array
- Audio Output: On-ear speakers with 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 (supports DisplayPort 1.4 and DSC)
- CPU: Quad-core Intel or AMD
- Ports: 1 × DisplayPort 1.4, 2 × USB 3.0 ports
- OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11
