Bigscreen has made a splash with its announcement of the advanced Beyond PC VR headset series, promising enhanced field-of-view (FOV) and clarity brought by innovative pancake lenses. Along with these visual improvements, the headsets cater to both home and business users with features like adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a versatile Lightseal facial interface that can be customized.
There are two models in this new release, the Beyond 2 and its sibling, the Beyond 2e. This ‘e’ variant includes eye-tracking capabilities, setting it apart from its counterpart. Despite Apple’s similar naming convention in its iPhone lineup, the Beyond 2e packs a compact suite for eye-tracking using advanced AI-driven computer vision tech, promoting privacy-focused tracking. This feature integrates seamlessly with SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta program expected to roll out by the summer of 2025.
The pricing for these devices is set at $1,019 for the Beyond 2 and $1,219 for the Beyond 2e. Bigscreen is extending a loyalty discount to previous Beyond owners, reducing the prices to $849 and $1,049, respectively. Expect the first units to hit the market in April, followed by a halo-style strap mount expected in Q3 2025. Buyers can choose from three color options: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Both models hold true to the original Beyond’s design ethos—a light and slim PC VR headset that utilizes SteamVR tracking. They are compatible with SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations, along with various accessories such as body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers.
You’ll need a VR-capable PC to use these headsets and the necessary base stations, though. Make sure your setup is up to the challenge!
The headsets maintain the dual 1-inch 2,560 x 2,560 micro-OLED displays from the earlier model, offering no increased resolution. However, the major leap forward here is the upgraded pancake lenses, boosting FOV to 116 degrees diagonally—an improvement over the original’s 102 degrees. They reduce glare, improve brightness, and promise sharper clarity across the entire lens.
Weighing a mere 107 grams, Beyond 2 is impressively light, shedding 16% of its predecessor’s weight. This makes it significantly lighter compared to standalone VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro, as well as other slim and light PC VR headsets like the MaganeX.
The introduction of an adjustable IPD mechanism in Beyond 2 marks a significant enhancement over the fixed IPD setup of Beyond 1, which required selecting from different sizes and demanded a facial scan for a tailored fit. Now, users can adjust the IPD themselves using a tool provided, with clear millimeter markings on the headset’s interior to guide them.
In terms of accessories, the Beyond 2 continues to support custom-fit cushions from the original model. The newly announced halo-style mount is designed with a universal-fit Lightseal interface, enhancing appeal to shared and enterprise environments.
Many accessories from the original Beyond are compatible with Beyond 2, like the optical cable, link box, Audio Strap, and the soft strap. It’s worth noting that prescription lens inserts from before 2025 fit Beyond 1 and 2 but not 2e, whereas new inserts will suit all models as per the manufacturer’s update.
The system will come packaged with a soft strap, and that halo mount inspired by night vision goggles is slated for a release in Q3 2025. There are fine adjustments possible for tilt and eye relief, and it accommodates various configurations. Pricing details are currently under wraps.
For those eager to get their hands on one, orders can be placed through Bigscreen’s website. The devices will be shipped from Los Angeles to customers across the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, with plans to expand to South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE later this year.
Specifications
- Field of View: 116° diagonal
- Weight: 107 grams
- IPD: Adjustable, ranging from 48mm to 75mm (physical adjustment from 55mm to 70mm)
- Resolution: 2,560 × 2,560 per eye
- Refresh Rate: Options for 90Hz or 75Hz
- 6DOF Tracking: Uses SteamVR tracking
- Tracking Requirements: Compatible SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations (not included)
- Eye Tracking: Available with Beyond 2e
- Full-body Tracking: Compatible with various SteamVR trackers
- Controllers: Compatible with all SteamVR controllers
PC Requirements
- Audio Input: Features a dual microphone array
- Audio Output: Comes with built-in on-ear speakers, paired when using the Audio Strap (separately purchased)
- Accessory Ports: 1 × USB-C
- Cable: Comes with a 5-meter fiber optic cable
- GPU: Needs an Nvidia RTX 2070 or AMD RX 5700 XT or newer (DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC required)
- CPU: Requires a quad-core Intel or AMD processor
- Ports: Needs 1 × DisplayPort 1.4 and 2 × USB 3.0 ports
- OS: Compatible with Windows 10 or Windows 11
