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

Today, Bigscreen lifted the curtain on their new Beyond series of PC VR headsets. By adding advanced pancake lenses to the equation, they’re aiming for a leap in field-of-view (FOV) and clarity. On top of that, this lightweight and sleek design is geared to win over both home and business users, thanks to features like an adaptable interpupillary distance (IPD) and an all-purpose Lightseal facial interface.

The Beyond series is rolling out in two models: Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. In this case, the ‘e’ signifies the eye-tracking function—quite different from what we see in Apple’s ‘e’ model names. The Beyond 2e model enjoys all the perks of Beyond 2 but integrates a compact eye-tracking suite. This suite boasts AI-driven computer vision, focusing on privacy and low latency, and is set to mesh seamlessly with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta program kicking off in the summer of 2025.

The prices come in at $1,019 for the Beyond 2, and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e, but for those loyal fans who own the original Beyond, discounts will bring these prices down to $849 and $1,049 respectively. Fans should mark their calendars for April when the first units ship out, with an exciting halo-style strap mount slated for a Q3 2025 debut. These headsets will come in three enticing shades: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.

Much like its predecessor, the Beyond 2 embraces the SteamVR tracking standards. This ensures compatibility with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations, not to mention the usual range of SteamVR accessories, including body trackers and the Index controllers from Valve. Naturally, using the Beyond 2 calls for a VR-ready PC. Curious about your PC’s readiness? Click here to find out.

While the display specs remain consistent with dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED screens akin to the original Beyond from 2023, the new pancake lenses promise an FOV upgrade to 116 degrees diagonally compared to the previous 102 degrees. Improved design means this version sheds some weight too—it’s now 107 grams, 16% lighter than the original. When you compare this to the heft of standalone headsets like the Meta Quest 3 (515g) or Apple Vision Pro (650g), Beyond 2 is practically featherweight.

Despite the displays remaining the same, users will benefit from enhancements in brightness and glare reduction. The pancake lens method has brought in dramatic improvements over the Beyond 1, offering sharper clarity across the entire view and a generous sweet spot.

A noteworthy first for the Beyond 2 is its adjustable IPD feature, which can be fine-tuned using an included tool. This new mechanism displays the current IPD setting for each lens inside the headset, making it easier than ever to achieve optimal clarity for individual eyes.

The IPD system overhaul represents a significant leap from the Beyond 1’s fixed options, which required a size choice based on a face scan done through an iPhone. Now, Beyond 2 makes accessibility a breeze with its universal Lightseal interface and retained compatibility with the original’s custom-fit cushions, pitching its tent for both home and business users seeking flexibility.

Most of your trusty Beyond accessories, like the five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, audio strap, and soft strap, are usable with the new models. However, prescription lens inserts designed before 2025 will only fit the Beyond 2, not the Beyond 2e. Post-2025 inserts are crafted for mutual compatibility across all models.

Beyond 2 also features a wearable soft strap, with an additional halo-style mount on the horizon in Q3 2025. This mount, echoing night vision goggles, brings micro-adjustments for tilt and eye relief, while also supporting varied configurations with different strap styles. While pricing remains under wraps, rest assured more info is coming as the release date nears.

Grabbing a Beyond 2 headset is just a click away on their official website, with shipments kicking off from Bigscreen’s Los Angeles facility to places like the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia. Expansion plans include reaching countries like South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE as the year unfolds.

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

So, if you’re in the market for a sleek, capable, and advanced VR headset, Bigscreen’s latest offerings might just hit the sweet spot.