Bigscreen Beyond 2 PC VR Headset Set to Launch Next Month, Promising Enhanced Field-of-View and Clarity

Bigscreen has just revealed its latest PC VR headset, the Beyond, which introduces some exciting enhancements in its field-of-view (FOV) and visual clarity, all thanks to innovative pancake lenses. They’ve also designed it to be more appealing to both home users and businesses by incorporating an adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface.

The upcoming headset will be available in two versions: Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. While the "e" in Beyond 2e might remind some of Apple’s iPhone naming, here it signifies the integration of eye-tracking technology.

The Beyond 2e model boasts all the features of Beyond 2, with a compact eye-tracking system that’s AI-powered for efficient, privacy-conscious tracking. It’s built to seamlessly integrate with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, and a beta program is expected to roll out in the summer of 2025.

For those looking to purchase, Beyond 2 is priced at $1,019, and Beyond 2e comes in at $1,219. However, Bigscreen is offering discounts to previous owners of the original Beyond, reducing the prices to $849 and $1,049, respectively.

Customers can expect the first shipments to begin in April. Additionally, an optional halo-style strap mount is scheduled for a Q3 2025 release. The headsets will be offered in three stylish colors: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.

Continuing with the same design principles as the original Beyond, this new version also uses the SteamVR tracking standard, compatible with both SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations. It works seamlessly with various SteamVR accessories, including body trackers and controllers such as Valve’s Index controllers.

To enjoy the Bigscreen Beyond 2, you’ll need a VR-ready PC and the necessary base stations. You can click here to check your PC’s compatibility.

While the resolution remains unchanged, using the same dual 1-inch 2560×2560 micro-OLED displays from the 2023 model, significant improvements come with the new pancake lenses. These new lenses promise a substantial FOV increase to 116 degrees diagonally, as opposed to the 102-degree FOV of the original model.

The headset is also impressively lightweight, shedding 16% of its weight from the original Beyond, now only 107 grams. This makes it far lighter than standalone headsets like Meta Quest 3 (515g) or Apple Vision Pro (650g), and even among PC VR headsets like the forthcoming MaganeX superlight 8K (179g).

Even without a change in display specs, Bigscreen assures users that the Beyond 2 boasts enhanced brightness and reduced glare, thanks to the new lens design which provides improved edge-to-edge clarity and a sizeable sweet spot for viewing.

This latest version brings a first for Beyond headsets: an adjustable IPD mechanism. Users can tweak their settings using a tool provided, with visible millimeter markings inside the headset to help achieve optimal clarity for each lens.

Bigscreen describes the new IPD mechanism as a "major improvement" from the fixed system of Beyond 1, which involved choosing from 18 sizes and required users to scan their faces with an iPhone for a custom fit.

Regarding accessories, Beyond 2 is compatible with the same custom-fit cushions as Beyond 1, but it now comes standard with a universal Lightseal interface, enhancing its appeal for individuals who share their VR experience and for companies prioritizing flexible use.

Moreover, many of the original Beyond accessories are still compatible, such as the five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, Audio Strap, and soft strap. Prescription lens inserts made before 2025 for Beyond 1 will work with Beyond 2, but not with Beyond 2e. Those made in 2025 and after will fit all models.

Shipping with a soft strap included, Bigscreen is also planning to release a new halo-style mount in Q3 2025, drawing inspiration from night vision goggles.

This halo mount offers fine adjustments for tilt and eye relief and is versatile enough to accommodate various configurations, whether that’s with the Lightseal, custom interfaces, or no extra fit at all.

Since it functions as a mount rather than a full strap unit, it supports different strap solutions, including the provided soft strap, Bigscreen’s Audio Strap, and third-party options. Details on its pricing will be announced closer to its launch.

You can place your orders for the Bigscreen Beyond 2 on their website. The headsets will ship from their Los Angeles factory to customers across the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. There are plans to expand to locations such as South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and UAE later in the year.

Specifications:

• Field of View: 116° diagonal
• Weight: 107 grams
• IPD: Adjustable, 48mm to 75mm (55mm to 70mm physically)
• Resolution: 2560 × 2560 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
• Controllers: Compatible with SteamVR controllers

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
• CPU: Quad-core Intel or AMD
• Ports: 1 × DisplayPort 1.4, 2 × USB 3.0 ports
• OS: Windows 10 or Windows 11