Bigscreen has just made an exciting announcement about their latest innovation, the Beyond PC VR headset. This next-generation device promises significant improvements in both field-of-view (FOV) and clarity, largely thanks to the addition of cutting-edge pancake lenses. But that’s not all; the headset also sports a new adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD) and a universal Lightseal facial interface, making it even more appealing to both home users and businesses.
The company is offering two versions: the Beyond 2 and the more advanced Beyond 2e. You might think of the ‘e’ as just a letter, but in this case, it signifies the presence of eye-tracking technology. The Beyond 2e includes everything from the Beyond 2, with the added benefit of an eye-tracking suite that utilizes AI-powered computer vision. This innovative feature ensures low-latency and privacy-centric tracking, and it’s seamlessly integrated with platforms like SteamVR, OpenXR, and VRChat. A beta program for these platforms is expected to kick off in Summer 2025.
As for the pricing, the Beyond 2 is set at $1,019, while the Beyond 2e will be available for $1,219. For those who have been loyal to the original Beyond headset, Bigscreen is offering a discount, bringing the prices down to $849 and $1049 respectively. The first shipments are scheduled for April, and a halo-style strap mount will be released in the third quarter of 2025. Both headset models will come in three eye-catching colors: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange.
Keeping in line with previous models, the Beyond 2 series uses the reliable SteamVR tracking system. That means users will need SteamVR 1.0 or 2.0 base stations, along with their usual array of accessories like Valve’s Index controllers, commonly known as ‘Knuckles.’ A VR-ready PC is also essential to run either Beyond 2 model. You can check here to see if your system measures up.
In terms of resolution, there hasn’t been a leap forward, as the Beyond 2 continues to use the same dual 1-inch, 2,560 × 2,560 micro-OLED displays from the 2023 version. However, the inclusion of the pancake lenses marks a significant upgrade by boosting the field-of-view to 116 degrees diagonally, up from the original’s 102 degrees. Plus, weighing in at just 107 grams, it’s a lightweight option, especially when compared to standalone options like the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro.
Bigscreen also points out improvements in brightness and reduced glare, crediting the new pancake lens design for its extraordinary edge-to-edge clarity and sweet spot size. Moreover, for the first time, Beyond 2 features an adjustable IPD mechanism. With a simple tool, users can finely tune the IPD settings, thanks to clear millimeter markings inside the headset. This is a big leap from the fixed IPD system of Beyond 1, which required users to send in facial scans for custom fitting.
Accessory-wise, Beyond 2 retains compatibility with Beyond 1’s custom-fit cushions but now comes with a universal-fit Lightseal interface, making it much more shareable for home users and suitable for business environments. Even better, many accessories from Beyond 1, including fiver optic cables, link boxes, and the Audio Strap, are compatible with the new headsets. Prescription lens inserts created before 2025 will fit Beyond 2, but won’t suit the Beyond 2e model. However, those made in or beyond 2025 will be cross-compatible.
The headset package includes a soft strap, but Bigscreen is also introducing an optional halo-style mount with a design inspired by night vision goggles, set for release in Q3 2025. This mount allows for various strap configurations, accommodating not just the included soft strap but Bigscreen’s Audio Strap and other third-party options. Pricing for the halo mount hasn’t been announced yet, but we’re likely to hear more as the release date approaches.
Bigscreen Beyond 2 is already available for orders through their website. They are shipping from their Los Angeles facility to numerous countries, including the US, Canada, Japan, the UK, and several parts of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. There are future plans to extend availability to South Korea, Mexico, Israel, and the UAE later this year.
Specifications
- Field of View: 116° diagonal
- Weight: 107 grams
- IPD: Adjustable from 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 like 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
