The Bigscreen Beyond 2 is set to ship next month, featuring enhanced and adjustable lenses, while the Beyond 2e will be available in May with eye tracking capabilities.
Similar to the original Beyond, the Bigscreen Beyond 2 and 2e are tethered VR headsets for PCs that utilize SteamVR Tracking. For their use, you’ll need a strong PC equipped with a robust graphics card and at least one (preferably two) tracking base stations from Valve or HTC. Additionally, you’ll need your own input devices, such as Valve Index controllers or a steering wheel and HOTAS configuration.
As with the first version, owners will need to create a face scan using an iPhone to receive a custom-fit face pad. However, this requirement will be eliminated with the launch of the new Bigscreen Beyond 2 Halo Mount accessory later this year.
The Bigscreen Beyond 2 and Beyond 2e take the place of the original Beyond model, which has recently been discontinued. Customers who ordered the Beyond 1 in recent weeks will be offered the new Beyond 2 instead.
UploadVR’s Ian Hamilton had the opportunity to try the Bigscreen Beyond 2 at GDC 2025 and his impressions can be found here.
Per-Eye IPD Adjustment
The original Bigscreen Beyond (2023) was acclaimed for being the smallest and lightest VR headset available, offering 18 distinct fixed lens separation sizes. However, the Beyond 2 allows for adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD) while also reducing the device’s weight to 107 grams compared to its predecessor’s 127 grams.
The Beyond 2 provides independent horizontal adjustment for each lens using an insertable tool, which is a more detailed process than the scroll-wheel adjustment found on headsets like the Quest 3, but it offers reduced weight and better support for users with asymmetric IPD. Keep in mind that you’ll need to manually enter the IPD in the PC software since the headset lacks a sensor to relay the lens separation to SteamVR.
Wider FoV & Clearer Optics
The most notable enhancement in the Beyond 2 is its new lenses, which have reportedly “dramatic improvements” compared to the first version. Bigscreen claims these lenses feature wider field of view, excellent edge-to-edge clarity, a substantial sweet spot, and significantly reduced glare.
During his hands-on experience, Ian Hamilton noted that the lenses appeared clear all the way to the edges with fewer distracting internal reflections. While he did not measure the field of view, Bigscreen states it now measures 108° horizontally and 96° vertically. In comparison, the Meta Quest 3 and Valve Index are said to have similar dimensions.
Halo Mount Accessory Coming
Although an iPhone scan is mandatory at launch for the custom face pad, Bigscreen plans to release the Beyond 2 Halo Mount accessory later in the year, which will eliminate that requirement. The Halo Mount will be compatible with the included soft strap as well as a $130 Audio Strap, allowing for three different wearing configurations.
Eye Tracking In Beyond 2e
The Beyond 2e introduces eye tracking, utilizing what is claimed to be “the world’s smallest eye-tracking suite” with sensors no larger than a grain of sand, only adding 1.05 grams to the device’s weight. This eye tracking operates efficiently on your GPU, unlike other solutions that drain CPU resources.
Initially, eye tracking will enable more realistic avatars in VRChat. Although eye-tracked foveated rendering won’t be available at launch, it is on Bigscreen’s agenda for later implementation, with collaborative efforts with Valve and Nvidia. Additionally, Bigscreen is considering utilizing eye tracking to measure IPD in the future.
Upscaling Still Used For 90Hz
Beyond 1 received criticism for its upscaling in 90Hz mode, a feature that carries over to the Beyond 2. While it can operate at 75Hz with full 2560×2560 resolution, the 90Hz mode drops to 1920×1920, requiring the headset to upscale back to 2560×2560, which Bigscreen admits may result in a slight sharpness loss, particularly noticeable in fine details.
Colors & Pricing
The Bigscreen Beyond 2 will retail for $1019 starting next month, while the Beyond 2e will cost $1219 and be shipped in May. Unlike its predecessor, Beyond 2 and 2e will be available in colors beyond just black, including Crystal Clear and Nuclear Orange.
For a limited time, existing Beyond 1 owners can receive a $200 discount on either the Beyond 2 or Beyond 2e, and they can continue using their existing accessories, such as face pads and the Audio Strap, which are compatible with the new models.
