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

Bigscreen has just unveiled its latest innovation in the realm of PC VR headsets—the Beyond series—set to redefine immersive experiences with a notable enhancement in field-of-view and image clarity. This leap forward is achieved through cutting-edge pancake lenses. Catering to both home users and businesses, the headset flaunts a sleek design that’s lightweight and boasts customizable interpupillary distance (IPD) along with a universal Lightseal facial interface for added comfort and versatility.

Two versions are being introduced: the Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. Notably, the ‘e’ model brings in eye-tracking capabilities, akin to certain configurations you may recognize from Apple’s iPhone line-up, but here, the ‘e’ signifies its eye-tracking prowess. Beyond 2e packs everything found in Beyond 2 with the addition of an eye-tracking suite powered by AI-driven computer vision promising low latency and privacy-focused features. This functionality is integrated seamlessly with platforms such as SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat, with a beta expected to kick off by the summer of 2025.

When it comes to price, the Beyond 2 is tagged at $1,019, while the Beyond 2e is set at $1,219. Bigscreen is offering discounts for loyal customers upgrading from the original Beyond, lowering the prices to $849 and $1,049 respectively. The first headphones are expected to ship in April, with an optional halo-style strap mount anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. Buyers can choose from three striking designs: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.

Following the lineage of Beyond 1, these headsets will operate using the SteamVR tracking standard, which embraces SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0 base stations and a variety of SteamVR accessories, including body trackers and Valve’s Index controllers. However, remember, to enjoy the Beyond 2 experience, you’ll need a PC ready for VR. Curious if yours fits the bill? A quick check will tell.

While there’s no bump in resolution for the Beyond 2—since it maintains the dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays from the 2023 model—the game-changer here is the innovative pancake lenses. They significantly widen the field-of-view to a generous 116-degree diagonal, improving upon the original’s 102 degrees.

Moreover, this new edition is lighter, weighing in at just 107 grams, making it notably lighter than other headsets like Meta Quest 3 (515g) or Apple Vision Pro (650g). Even compared to other PC VR headsets in the slim category, like the upcoming MaganeX superlight 8K (179g), it holds a distinct advantage. Alongside a brighter display, reduced glare, and vastly enhanced edge-to-edge clarity with a sweet spot, Bigscreen has made commendable progress in user experience.

A new feature in Beyond 2 is the adjustable IPD, allowing users to fine-tune the headset to ensure optimal viewing with a tool provided. Users can easily adjust each lens individually following the marked settings in millimeters on the headset.

Continuing with accessories, Beyond 2 supports the same cushions from Beyond 1 but now comes with a universal-fit Lightseal interface, enhancing its appeal to shared home users and business environments. Furthermore, many accessories from the original Beyond, like the five-meter fiber optic cable, link box, and Audio Strap, remain compatible. For prescription lens users, inserts made prior to 2025 will work with Beyond 2, but those made from 2025 and onwards are compatible with all models of this series, except the Beyond 2e.

Anticipate the halo-style mount’s arrival inspired by night vision goggles, expected in Q3 2025. It offers adjustable controls for tilt and eye relief and supports various configurations, including the headset’s Lightseal, custom facial interfaces, or even none at all.

This mount isn’t a strap unit, so it harmonizes with various straps, including the included soft strap, Bigscreen’s Audio Strap, and potentially other third-party solutions. Pricing details will be unveiled closer to its release.

Customers can place orders through Bigscreen’s website, and the headsets will be dispatched from their Los Angeles facility to various countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, UK, and others, with an expansion strategy targeting additional nations later on.

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