Discovering the Bigscreen Beyond 2: A VR Gamer's Journey
As a dedicated PC gamer, I've watched VR evolve rapidly, but the subtle yet transformative upgrades in headsets like the Bigscreen Beyond 2 have reignited my passion for immersive experiences, making me question if I've been missing out on the best in virtual worlds.
TL;DR
I rediscovered VR's excitement with the Beyond 2, a sequel that fixed key flaws from its predecessor for deeper immersion in games.
Improved optics and a wider field of view eliminated blurry edges and lens flare, turning high-contrast scenes into crystal-clear adventures.
Despite new features like adjustable IPD for sharing, minor issues like fragile audio drivers kept things from being perfect.
At a steep price, the Beyond 2 shines for PC VR enthusiasts but falls short against competitors with higher refresh rates.
Ultimately, its focused design made me weigh the trade-offs, wondering if this upgrade is worth the investment for true immersion.
VR has been exploding with innovation, yet as a PC gamer, I often overlooked the small but significant changes that could transform my setup. The Bigscreen Beyond 2 caught my eye because it promised the ultimate immersion for video games, far beyond the flashy AR concepts from Silicon Valley.
When I first tried the Beyond One, it outshone my old Valve Index, sparking a fresh excitement for VR that I hadn't felt in years. Now, just a year later, the Beyond 2 has elevated that experience even further, with enhancements like better optics, a more user-friendly design, and optional eye tracking, all while being lighter than before.
The original Beyond had impressive pancake lenses, but they came with problems like a tiny sharp area and chromatic aberration that blurred the edges. In the Beyond 2, these issues are resolved; the lenses now provide a sharp image across a wider 116-degree field of view, up from 102 degrees, without the distracting lens flare that once broke my immersion.
Even though it uses the same 2560x2560 micro-OLED panels, the Beyond 2's optical improvements make everything feel more vivid. Brightness is still reduced due to the lens design, dropping to around 150 nits from the panel's potential 3,000, but the custom 3D-printed face cushion creates an excellent seal that minimizes light leakage and enhances the overall experience.
However, not everything was smooth; I encountered new quirks, like magnets falling out of the face cushions, though Bigscreen offers custom thicker ones to fix issues like smudges from long eyelashes. This attention to user problems shows their commitment, even if it means a slight trade-off in field of view.
Making the headset more sharable was a key goal, and features like adjustable interpupillary distance help, though it's less convenient than a simple wheel on other models. The audio strap, developed with a partner, uses drivers that feel cheap and can pop off easily, providing decent sound for music games but lacking the immersiveness I craved at its $130 price.
Eye tracking is an intriguing add-on for $200, boasting the smallest sensors on the market, but without support for features like foveated rendering in Steam VR, its benefits are limited to social experiences. The 75 Hz default refresh rate, maxing at 90 Hz, felt underwhelming compared to headsets reaching 120 Hz, potentially affecting comfort in fast-paced games like Beat Saber.
Tracking can be finicky in tight spaces with just two base stations, and the absence of inside-out cameras makes it less practical for everyday use, like finding controllers or typing. At $1,199 for the headset alone, plus accessories, the cost adds up quickly, making it a tough sell against all-in-one options.
Still, Bigscreen's laser-focused design for PC VR users who don't mind a wired setup delivers on its promise, offering a definitive upgrade for those with aging gear like the HTC Vive or Valve Index.
This headset's refinements have reminded me why I fell in love with VR, balancing innovation with practical improvements that enhance every gaming session.
Key Takeaways
The Beyond 2's optical upgrades and wider field of view greatly improve immersion over the original model.
Despite features like adjustable IPD, issues with audio quality and refresh rates highlight areas for improvement.
Custom face cushions address user-specific problems, emphasizing Bigscreen's responsive support.
At a high price, it's best for dedicated PC VR users seeking a tethered upgrade rather than beginners.
