Bigscreen Beyond 2 Review & Specs: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Ah, the Bigscreen Beyond 2. I remember the first time I saw the announcement, I thought, “Okay, they can’t possibly make this thing any smaller or lighter without breaking the laws of physics.” And yet, here we are. After spending the last few weeks testing it, tinkering with it, and I'll be honest fumbling with the setup more times than I care to admit, I’ve got some thoughts. Some good, some... well, you’ll see.

If you’re like me, you probably bought the original Bigscreen Beyond and thought, “This is it. I’m done. My wallet’s safe now.” But then the Beyond 2 dropped, and you start hearing things like higher resolution, wider FOV, and better tracking, and suddenly that upgrade itch hits hard. I gave in. What can I say? VR has that effect on me.

The Specs (Because Details Matter)

Before I dive into the nitty-gritty of my experience, here’s a quick rundown of the numbers for those who like their data straight.

Spec	Bigscreen Beyond 2
Display	Dual MicroOLED Panels
Resolution	5120 x 2560 (2560 x 2560 per eye)
Refresh Rate	75Hz, 90Hz
Field of View (FOV)	Up to 120 degrees (horizontal)
Weight	~130g (without strap and cable)
Tracking	SteamVR Lighthouse (1.0, 2.0, 2.5)
Facepad	Custom 3D-scanned facial interface
IPD	Custom, non-adjustable (based on scan)
Compatibility	SteamVR ecosystem (PCVR only)
Connection	USB-C (tethered)
Audio	None (BYOA Bring Your Own Audio)

So, on paper? It’s a serious upgrade. But specs only tell part of the story, right?

My Hands-On Experience with the Beyond 2

The Setup: Not Quite Plug & Play

Okay, real talk. The setup isn’t exactly what I’d call intuitive. If you’re already familiar with the SteamVR Lighthouse tracking system, you’ll have a leg up. But if you’re new, expect to spend some time fiddling. And I do mean fiddling.

I had to reposition my base stations twice because my tracking was dropping out anytime I turned my head too fast. Annoying? Absolutely. But once I got it dialed in, it was buttery smooth.

Also, you have to do the 3D facial scan for the custom facepad. I thought, “Eh, how hard can that be?” Well, let’s just say the first scan made me look like my face had been smushed in a car door. The second try was better. Once I got my custom interface, though, it was like slipping on a glove tailored just for me. Super comfy. But patience is key.

Display & Visuals: Tiny Panels, Big Impact

This is where I got genuinely giddy. The jump in resolution is noticeable. Like, jaw-dropping noticeable. The original Beyond was already crisp, but this? We’re talking zero screen-door effect. None. I threw on Half-Life: Alyx, which I’ve played more times than I’ll admit, and it felt like I was seeing it for the first time again.

Colors? Insanely vibrant. Blacks are true blacks thanks to the MicroOLED panels. There was one moment where I was walking through a dark alley in VR, and I honestly took the headset off to check if I was still in my living room because it was that dark.

That said, it’s not perfect. There’s still some edge distortion at the periphery. It’s minor, but if you’re someone who notices that stuff (guilty), it can be a little distracting at first. I got used to it after a few sessions.

Field of View (FOV): Wider, But Manage Expectations

One of the big selling points was the increased FOV. Bigscreen claims up to 120 degrees horizontally, and I’d say it’s pretty close, but your mileage may vary based on your face shape and IPD. For me, it was definitely wider than the original Beyond, but don’t expect Pimax-style wraparound vision.

It’s an improvement objects don’t feel boxed in but it’s not a game-changer. Still, I appreciated it most in games where peripheral awareness mattered, like Pavlov VR. I spotted opponents I probably would’ve missed with the OG Beyond.

Comfort & Weight: Floaty Lightness

This is where Bigscreen really flexes. At 130g, this thing is ridiculously light. I’m not kidding sometimes I forgot I was wearing it. There were a couple of times I got up to grab water and almost yanked my laptop off the table because I forgot I was tethered. Lesson learned.

But seriously, this makes a huge difference if you’re planning long sessions. I spent almost three hours straight playing Asgard’s Wrath 2, and I didn’t get that forehead fatigue I usually do with heavier headsets. Plus, the custom facepad means no light leakage (for me), so immersion was top-notch.

Audio: BYOA (Bring Your Own Audio)

Let’s talk about what’s missing: built-in audio.

I’ll be honest; I was a little annoyed. I get it, keeping things minimal and all, but not including speakers? Eh.

I ended up pairing it with my trusty Index speakers, and once I got them mounted, it was fine. Some folks swear by earbuds, but I hate the feeling of stuff in my ears for long sessions. Just be prepared to DIY your sound setup.

Tracking: Rock Solid (Once You Nail the Setup)

As I mentioned earlier, tracking was a bit finicky at first, but after some trial and error, it’s rock solid. No drift, no jitter. I tested it with Beat Saber on Expert+ just to see if it could keep up with fast motion, and it did without a hitch.

It’s reliant on SteamVR base stations, though. So if you’re new to that ecosystem, you’ll need to factor in the cost and space for those. I already had two 2.0 base stations, so I was good to go.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Now, the million-dollar question.

For me? Yeah.

But let’s break it down because this won’t be the same for everyone.

If you already have the original Beyond, here’s who I think should upgrade:

• You really want that resolution bump (it’s noticeable).
• You need the extra FOV for more immersive sims or shooters.
• Comfort is king, and you’re in the headset for hours at a time.

But if you’re happy with the original and don’t mind the existing FOV or resolution? You might not need to rush out and drop the cash. It’s pricey. And remember, you still need base stations and controllers on top of that.

Final Thoughts: My Lessons Learned

• Don’t skimp on your 3D face scan. Take your time.
• If you’re new to SteamVR tracking, give yourself an afternoon to get things working.
• Bring your own audio solution and plan for it early.
• If you love sim racing or flight sims, the clarity makes this headset worth every penny.

I’ve had a few frustrating moments (looking at you, tracking setup), but once everything clicked, the experience was borderline magical. I don’t throw that word around lightly.

So yeah, the Bigscreen Beyond 2? It’s earned its spot in my VR lineup.

Want me to dive into accessories or compare it to something like the Pimax Crystal? Let me know!