Bigscreen’s Bold Vision: How the Beyond 2 is Reshaping the VR Landscape
Bigscreen, the company behind the increasingly popular Beyond 2 VR headset, isn’t just building hardware; it’s betting on a specific future for virtual reality. Founder Darshan Shankar’s recent statements paint a picture of a thriving SteamVR ecosystem, even as Valve shifts its focus with the Steam Frame. The Beyond 2, it seems, is positioned to capitalize on this shift, and potentially become a major player in the VR market.
The SteamVR Ecosystem: A Surprisingly Robust Foundation
Despite Valve’s move towards the Steam Frame – a headset that notably drops support for SteamVR’s Lighthouse tracking – the existing SteamVR user base remains substantial. Shankar points out that “the size of the existing SteamVR ecosystem is underestimated,” and Bigscreen is seeing growing sales as users seek an upgrade path that doesn’t abandon their existing setups. This is a key differentiator for the Beyond 2, which is designed to work seamlessly with existing SteamVR Base Stations and Controllers.
This isn’t just anecdotal. Bigscreen reports December was its biggest shipping month ever, moving more units than it typically did in an entire year with the original Beyond 1. Demand is currently three times higher than it was for its predecessor. This surge in popularity coincides with the announcement of Steam Frame, suggesting a clear preference among some VR enthusiasts for maintaining compatibility with the established SteamVR infrastructure.
Beyond 2: The Lightweight, High-Resolution Alternative
The appeal of the Beyond 2 lies in its combination of lightweight design and high-resolution micro-OLED displays. For users invested in SteamVR, it offers a significant visual and comfort upgrade without requiring a complete overhaul of their existing VR setup. This is a compelling proposition, particularly for those who have already invested in Base Stations and controllers.
The introduction of Dynamic Foveated Rendering for the Beyond 2e, with early access in demanding simulators like iRacing and DCS World, further enhances the headset’s capabilities. This technology promises performance improvements by focusing rendering power on where the user is looking, maximizing visual fidelity without sacrificing frame rates. Early reports from 2e users will be crucial in determining the real-world impact of this feature.
Did you know? Foveated rendering can significantly reduce the processing load on your GPU, allowing for higher resolutions and more detailed graphics in VR.
Bigscreen’s Long-Term Strategy: Expansion and Innovation
Bigscreen isn’t resting on its laurels. Shankar envisions the Beyond headsets potentially cracking the top five most used systems on Steam within the next few years. To achieve this, the company is focusing on several key areas. First, they are working to resolve supply chain issues, aiming to ship Beyond 2 headsets within 1-2 business days, including custom-fit orders, by February.
Second, Bigscreen is expanding its international presence. A new facility in The Netherlands, slated to open in early 2026, will significantly reduce shipping times to Europe. This expansion is supported by impressive revenue growth; the company expects to surpass $100 million in annual revenue in the coming year.
Third, Bigscreen continues to invest in research and development, particularly in the area of computer vision. While there’s no immediate timeline, Shankar hints at future Beyond headsets incorporating more cameras for advanced features. He emphasizes a high bar for camera-based features, suggesting a focus on quality and innovation over simply adding more hardware.
The Future of VR Co-Watching: Staying Focused on the Core Experience
With Valve exploring cross-play between PC and VR with the Steam Frame, a natural question arises: will Bigscreen support flat-screen co-watching on devices like the Steam Deck? Shankar’s response is clear: Bigscreen will remain focused on VR.
“We’ve stayed focused on VR, and I think that’s our strength,” he explains. “Many others (especially Valve) will do a good job of cross-play across PC and VR. We’re focused on the areas in which we think we have an exceptional edge in capability and knowledge.” This strategic decision underscores Bigscreen’s commitment to delivering a premium VR experience, rather than diluting its focus with broader compatibility.
FAQ: Bigscreen Beyond 2 and the VR Future
- What is Dynamic Foveated Rendering? It’s a rendering technique that focuses processing power on where your eyes are looking, improving performance and visual fidelity.
- Will the Beyond 2 work with my existing SteamVR setup? Yes, the Beyond 2 is designed to be fully compatible with SteamVR Base Stations and Controllers.
- When will Bigscreen ship Beyond 2 headsets faster? Bigscreen aims to ship within 1-2 business days by February.
- Is Bigscreen expanding internationally? Yes, with a new facility opening in The Netherlands in early 2026.
- What are Bigscreen’s plans for future headsets? They are investing in computer vision technology, with plans to incorporate more cameras in future models.
Pro Tip: Before purchasing a VR headset, consider the ecosystem you’re investing in. Compatibility with existing hardware and software can save you money and frustration.
What are your thoughts on Bigscreen’s strategy? Share your opinions in the comments below! For more in-depth VR coverage, explore our other articles on the latest VR hardware and the future of virtual reality. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.
