by Virtual reality keeps pushing forward with relentless momentum. While standalone headsets grab most of the attention these days, Bigscreen’s latest PC-tethered marvel proves that premium PC-powered VR still delivers impressive results for those who want top-tier visuals without compromise.
The Beyond 2 arrives as Bigscreen’s sophomore effort in the ultra-lightweight category, tackling the limitations of its predecessor while doubling down on what made it special. It comes in two flavors – the standard Beyond 2 and the Beyond 2e with eye-tracking tech that’ll make your avatar’s eyes actually follow what you’re looking at.
I’ve seen plenty of VR evolution over the years, but what Bigscreen has pulled off here genuinely impresses me. They’ve somehow managed to enhance nearly every aspect of this headset while keeping it lighter than a smartphone. What makes Beyond 2 fascinating is how it zigs while the rest of the market zags. Rather than attempting to be all things to all users, it focuses intensely on specific aspects of the VR experience. That’s serious engineering worth talking about.
Those Pancake Lenses Are No Joke
Let’s cut straight to what matters most: the visuals. The Beyond 2’s completely redesigned pancake lenses deliver the kind of edge-to-edge clarity that makes you forget you’re wearing a headset at all. The sweet spot is massive, eliminating that annoying blur that plagues so many other headsets when you glance toward the edges.
Glare reduction? Phenomenal. We’re talking about 80% less light artifacts compared to the original Beyond. If you’ve ever cursed at god rays ruining your immersion during a dark scene with bright elements, you’ll immediately get why this matters so much. These lenses handle high-contrast scenes with remarkable composure.
The expanded field of view – 108° horizontal and 96° vertical – creates a substantially more immersive experience. That annoying scuba mask feeling gets minimized, putting the Beyond 2 in league with much heavier premium headsets. And yet, it weighs a fraction of what they do.
These optical improvements don’t just look good on paper. They fundamentally transform how you experience VR content. The clarity extends all the way to the periphery, letting you actually use the full display resolution without constantly readjusting to find that elusive sweet spot.
Finally, An IPD System That Makes Sense
The original Beyond had one glaring issue that limited its appeal – a fixed IPD system that required choosing from 18 different sizes when ordering. Try sharing that with friends or family. Actually, don’t – it was practically impossible.
The Beyond 2 solves this with an ingenious adjustable IPD mechanism allowing independent adjustment for each eye. You fine-tune each lens position using an included specialized tool, with visible markings inside showing your current settings in millimeters. The adjustment range spans from 48mm to 75mm (physical range 55mm to 70mm).
This independent adjustment system handles asymmetrical eye positioning – something many of us have without realizing it. It’s a level of customization rarely seen in consumer VR and shows Bigscreen actually understands what contributes to visual comfort during marathon VR sessions.
They’ve also added a universal Lightseal facial interface, making the Beyond 2 far more shareable than its predecessor. And if you’re upgrading from the original model, your custom-fit cushions will still work – a thoughtful touch that saves existing customers some cash.
Eye-Tracking That Actually Works
The Beyond 2e variant incorporates some seriously impressive eye-tracking tech that opens up fascinating possibilities. This isn’t just a gimmick – it’s a genuine step forward for natural interaction in virtual spaces.
The compact eye-tracking system uses AI-powered computer vision for low-latency tracking while keeping your eye data private. It integrates with SteamVR, OpenXR, and social platforms like VRChat, enabling more natural avatar interactions. Your virtual self can finally make eye contact that feels genuine rather than creepy.
At $1,219, the Beyond 2e commands a $200 premium over the standard model. For developers and early adopters interested in where VR interaction is headed, that’s a reasonable investment in capabilities that will likely become standard in future generations.
A beta program for eye-tracking features launches in Summer 2025, giving early adopters a chance to shape how this technology evolves. Having tested similar systems, I’m genuinely excited to see what developers do with this capability.
Impossibly Light, Incredibly Capable
The Beyond 2 maintains the featherweight form factor that made its predecessor unique but somehow manages to shed even more grams. At just 107 grams – roughly the weight of four AA batteries – it’s about 15% lighter than the original Beyond. Considering the expanded feature set and improved optics, that’s an engineering achievement worth celebrating.
At launch, three colorways will be available: Carbon Black, Crystal Clear, and Nuclear Orange. The transparent Crystal Clear option lets you see the internal components, a treat for tech enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate engineering packed into such a compact device.
For those concerned about comfort during extended sessions, Bigscreen has an optional halo-style strap mount accessory coming in Q3 2025. This strap will incorporate quality audio components, addressing the one obvious limitation of the ultra-minimal base design. The dramatically reduced weight makes it ideal for extended sessions where comfort becomes paramount – a crucial factor for the flight sim enthusiasts and productivity users this headset seems designed for.
Technical Muscle Under The Hood
The Beyond 2 continues using micro OLED display technology with 2,560 × 2,560 pixels per eye. While this matches the original Beyond’s resolution on paper, the improved optics make substantially better use of these pixels, resulting in visibly higher fidelity.
The headset runs at a 75Hz refresh rate, prioritizing visual quality over maximum fluidity. Some testing suggests limitations when pushing to 90Hz at native resolution, indicating these displays are operating near their technical ceiling.
Like its predecessor, the Beyond 2 requires SteamVR Tracking infrastructure (base stations) and doesn’t include controllers. You’ll need to provide your own input devices, which adds to the overall cost but allows flexibility in choosing controllers that match your specific needs – whether that’s knuckle controllers for hand tracking or flight sticks for simulation.
For users primarily engaging with seated experiences like flight simulators, racing games, or productivity applications, Beyond 2’s emphasis on visual quality over integrated features makes perfect sense. This specialist approach represents a refreshing alternative to the one-size-fits-all strategy of mainstream headsets. Instead of compromising to accommodate every possible use case, the Beyond 2 excels at specific aspects of the VR experience.
Premium Positioning With Purpose
The standard Beyond 2 costs $1,019, while the eye-tracking Beyond 2e costs $1,219. Previous Beyond owners get solid loyalty discounts: $849 for the Beyond 2 and $1,049 for the Beyond 2e.
The standard model’s first shipments will begin in April 2025, with the eye-tracking variant following in May. The optional halo-style strap is targeted for a Q3 2025 release.
These prices firmly place Beyond 2 in premium territory. But the unique combination of ultra-lightweight, great optics, and specialized features creates a compelling case for serious PC VR enthusiasts who prioritize visual quality and comfort above all else.
The adjustable IPD system, dramatically improved optics, and optional eye-tracking capabilities address the most significant limitations of the original model while building on its strengths. As VR continues maturing, this kind of specialization becomes increasingly important. The Beyond 2 proves there’s still plenty of room for innovation in the PC VR space, especially when companies focus on solving specific problems rather than creating jack-of-all-trades devices that master none.
For PC VR enthusiasts willing to invest in a premium visual experience, Beyond 2 represents a significant step forward that demonstrates the continued potential of tethered virtual reality. For those who take their virtual worlds seriously, this featherweight contender demands attention. It won’t be for everyone—and that’s precisely the point.