The Original Bigscreen Beyond: Tiny Tech with Huge Impact
First released in September 2023, the original Bigscreen Beyond carved a niche as the world’s smallest VR headset, with a featherlight design and high-fidelity visuals. Weighing in at just 127 grams (without head strap), it packed impressive specs into a minimalist frame:
What Made It Special?
- Micro-OLED Displays: Dual 1-inch panels delivering 2560x2560 resolution per eye at 75Hz/90Hz refresh rates. This minimized the dreaded screen door effect while offering vivid visuals.
- Pancake Lenses: Swapped out bulky Fresnel optics for thin, compact pancake lenses—key to its slim form factor.
- Custom Facial Interface: Leveraging 3D facial scans (via iPhone XR or later), Bigscreen 3D-printed a washable, face-specific mask for perfect comfort and light blocking.
- Fixed IPD: To reduce mechanical complexity, the interpupillary distance (IPD) was fixed at the factory based on user scans—excellent for personal use, but not ideal for sharing.
- SteamVR Tracking: Required external SteamVR base stations and excluded controllers from the base $999 price tag—clearly aimed at PC VR purists.
Highlights:
- Even lighter design — possibly down to 107g
- Adjustable IPD for broader user compatibility
- Enhanced pancake optics — wider FOV, edge clarity
- Optional eye tracking in a rumored "2e" variant
- New headstrap designs and color customization
- Possible launch: June 2025
- Speculated price: ~$1019 USD and up
Bigscreen Beyond 2: Evolution in a Compact Package?
Fast forward to 2025, and Bigscreen officially discontinued the original Beyond in March. Now, rumors are swirling about a sequel: the Bigscreen Beyond 2. Leaks and listings (including from MX2Games) suggest a device that retains the ultra-compact spirit of the original while introducing several long-awaited improvements.
What’s Expected from Bigscreen Beyond 2?
- Even Lighter Build: Reports suggest the Beyond 2 could weigh just 107 grams, reaffirming its title as the world’s lightest VR headset.
- Improved Pancake Lenses: Enhanced lenses may offer a wider diagonal field of view (FOV) of around 116 degrees and superior edge-to-edge clarity—surpassing even the Meta Quest 3 in FOV.
- Adjustable IPD (Interpupillary Distance): A major upgrade! Leaks indicate hardware-adjustable IPD (48–75mm range), making the headset more versatile and shareable.
- Optional Eye Tracking: A potential model dubbed the "Beyond 2e" could introduce integrated eye tracking, enabling:
- Foveated rendering for performance boosts
- Enhanced social VR features via precise gaze detection
- New Headstrap Options: In contrast to the original’s soft strap, the Beyond 2 may introduce halo-style mounts (like night-vision goggles) for greater comfort and balance.
- Color Variants: Customization is coming! Leaked colorways include:
- Carbon Black
- Crystal Clear
- Nuclear Orange
- Same Display Resolution & Refresh Rate: Likely to retain 2560x2560 per eye micro-OLED screens and 75Hz/90Hz support—sticking with proven visual fidelity.
Bigscreen Beyond 2: Release Date & Price Predictions
As of May 19, 2025, Bigscreen has not officially confirmed the Beyond 2. However, sources hint at a June 2025 launch window, with pricing expected to start around $1019 USD for the headset-only version. The potential "2e" eye-tracking variant may carry a premium price tag.
The Future of VR: Small, Lightweight, and Ultra-Crisp
The anticipated Bigscreen Beyond 2 reflects a larger industry trend: the drive toward lightweight, highly personalized VR without sacrificing performance.
How Does It Compare to Standalones?
While all-in-one headsets like the Meta Quest 3 focus on mobility, PC VR headsets like the Beyond are built for maximum visual quality and immersion—especially appealing to enthusiasts, developers, and content creators.
Why It Matters:
- Adjustable IPD solves the original’s biggest flaw.
- Eye tracking introduces new UX possibilities.
- Even lighter build improves long-session comfort.
- Customization (colors, straps) adds personality and ergonomics.
The Beyond 2, if real, could redefine compact VR once again—pushing the envelope of what’s possible in tethered, ultra-light virtual reality experiences.
Stay Tuned for Official Announcements
As speculation turns into anticipation, all eyes are on Bigscreen for confirmation. The Beyond 2 could be the next big leap for minimalist VR hardware—and a must-have for anyone chasing the cutting edge of virtual immersion.
Follow Bigscreen's channels and VR news hubs to catch the official reveal!
