Bigscreen has just unveiled its latest Beyond PC VR headset, boasting significant improvements in field-of-view and clarity thanks to the addition of new pancake lenses. The new headset is designed to cater to both at-home and enterprise users with features like adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface.
There are two versions of the new headset available—Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. The ‘e’ in Beyond 2e signifies the inclusion of eye-tracking technology.
Beyond 2e includes all the features of Beyond 2 but with the addition of a small eye-tracking suite that utilizes AI-powered computer vision for precise tracking. The eye-tracking is integrated with platforms like VRChat and a beta program is set to launch in Summer 2025.
The pricing for the headsets is set at $1,019 for Beyond 2 and $1,219 for Beyond 2e. However, previous owners of the original Beyond can avail of a discount, bringing the prices down to $849 and $1049 respectively.
The initial batches of the headsets are expected to launch in April, with an optional halo-style strap mount planned for release in Q3 2025. Both Beyond 2 models will be offered in Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange color options.
Similar to its predecessor, Beyond 1, the new PC VR headset utilizes SteamVR tracking and is compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations, as well as various SteamVR accessories like body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers.
To use Bigscreen Beyond 2, a VR-ready PC along with the required base stations is necessary. Click here to check if your PC meets the requirements.
While the resolution remains the same as the original Beyond, the new Beyond 2 boasts improved field-of-view with its new pancake lenses, offering a reported 116-degree diagonal FOV compared to the original’s 102-degree diagonal FOV.
Moreover, the headset is now lighter, weighing 16% less than its predecessor at only 107 grams, making it notably lighter than standalone headsets like Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro, as well as other slim and light PC VR headsets.
Despite unchanged displays, Bigscreen mentions that Beyond 2 features enhanced brightness and reduced glare with the new pancake lens design, offering total edge-to-edge clarity and a large sweet spot.
For the first time, Beyond 2 introduces an adjustable IPD mechanism, allowing users to customize the IPD setting for each lens independently for optimal viewing clarity. This new mechanism is considered a major improvement over the fixed IPD system of Beyond 1.
In terms of accessories, Beyond 2 is compatible with custom-fit cushions like Beyond 1 but also comes with a universal-fit Lightseal interface, making it more appealing to users looking for enhanced comfort and shareability.
The headsets are set to ship with various accessories including a soft strap and a newly announced halo-style mount, inspired by night vision goggles. The mount provides fine-tuned controls for tilt and eye relief and supports multiple configurations.
Bigscreen Beyond 2 is now available for orders on its website, with shipping to several countries including the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. The company is also planning to expand to other countries like South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and 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
