Today, Bigscreen has taken a bold leap in the world of virtual reality by unveiling its next-gen PC VR headset, the Beyond. Promising a significant enhancement in the field-of-view (FOV) and image clarity through innovative pancake lenses, Bigscreen’s latest offering aims to charm both home users and enterprise clients. The appeal is further heightened with features like adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface.
The new range includes two models: Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e. While the former adopts a straightforward tech update, the latter, with its ‘e’ suffix, introduces the novelty of eye tracking—a nod to the kind of detail we might associate with Apple’s iPhone 16e. The Beyond 2e packs everything you would find in the Beyond 2, adding on a specialized eye-tracking suite. This suite incorporates AI-driven computer vision to ensure low-latency and privacy-focused tracking, working seamlessly with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat. A beta version is knocking on summer 2025’s door.
When it comes to the pricing scene, the Beyond 2 sets you back $1,019, while for $1,219, you can grab the eye-tracking-equipped Beyond 2e. However, early adopters of the original Beyond are in luck, with discounted prices at $849 and $1,049, respectively. Looking ahead, the company targets releasing the first units in April, also teasing an optional halo-style strap expected in Q3 2025. Both new models will appear in three striking colors: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Holding onto familiarity, the slim and light Beyond series remains reliant on the trusty SteamVR tracking setup, friendly with base stations from both SteamVR 1.0 and 2.0, alongside a host of accessories like Valve’s beloved Index controllers, aka ‘Knuckles’. However, don’t forget—the operation calls for a compatible VR-ready PC. For those curious about their system’s readiness, additional information is just a click away.
While the latest headset doesn’t boast a resolution upgrade—it keeps the dual 1-inch 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays from its 2023 predecessor—the real magic lies in the expanded FOV, now a sweeping 116-degree diagonal, a tidy bump from the older 102-degree release. Furthermore, the headset has shed some weight, slimming down by 16% to a mere 107 grams. This nimbleness notably eclipses bulkier standalone sets like Meta’s Quest 3 or Apple’s Vision Pro.
Despite maintaining the original’s displays, Bigscreen insists on boasting improved brightness and minimized glare in the Beyond 2. The brand-new lenses offer dramatic enhancements, bringing ultra-crisp clarity from edge to edge and a notably larger sweet spot. Alongside these technical marvels, the introduction of adjustability in the IPD is a noteworthy upgrade. Now, users can use an included tool to set their perfect lens distance, replacing the previous fixed approach that demanded a smartphone-assisted custom fit.
Not stopping at internal upgrades, Bigscreen has embraced universal compatibility with its new Lightseal interface, catering to broader shareability among at-home users, as well as enticing enterprise-level operations. Accessories from the first Beyond era, such as the five-meter optical cable and Audio Strap, find continued relevance here. Moreover, pre-2025 prescription lens inserts are also in step, although Beyond 2e excludes this perk. Freshly made inserts after 2025 will fit the entire Beyond 2 line.
Every headset comes with a cozy soft strap, while a new halo-style mount, reminiscent of military-grade night-vision goggles, awaits a Q3 2025 debut. This mount allows various strap maneuvers, pairing smoothly with existing solutions like the soft strap and third-party models.
Interested customers can head to Bigscreen’s website to place their orders, shipping directly from the company’s Los Angeles base to enthusiasts across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more. The brand’s global aspirations continue from there, with expansion plans set for South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE later this year.
Putting all the specs on the table, we’ve got a 116-degree FOV, a lightweight 107-gram frame, and an impressive IPD mechanism that ranges from 48mm to 75mm. Its display holds its ground with 2,560 × 2,560 resolution per eye at adjustable refresh rates of 90Hz or 75Hz. It demands SteamVR base stations for tracking and matches well with compatible controllers like the Valve Index. For audiophiles, dual microphones and built-on ear speakers via the optional Audio Strap offer an immersive soundscape.
Now, let’s talk tech needs. Your setup should ideally feature a robust GPU—Nvidia RTX 2070 or AMD RX 5700 XT—or anything newer, alongside a swift, quad-core CPU. Connectivity demands are straightforward, needing a DisplayPort 1.4 and a couple of USB 3.0 ports running on Windows 10 or 11. Get ready to step into a more dynamic digital realm with Bigscreen’s Beyond 2, defining the frontier of personal and professional VR experiences.
