Get ready for a fascinating journey into the world of VR and the future of immersive technology! Darshan Shankar, the visionary founder of Bigscreen, has some bold predictions and exciting updates to share as we delve into the world of Beyond 2 production.
Shankar believes that the Beyond headsets could soon become one of the top five systems on Steam, revolutionizing the VR experience. But here's where it gets controversial: he aims to meet the overwhelming demand for Beyond 2 headsets by February, ensuring a swift shipping process, including custom and universal-fit orders.
As Bigscreen celebrates a decade of shared VR co-watching on Steam, Shankar hints at a potential permanent 'beta' tag, leaving us curious about the reasons behind this decision.
The timing of Valve's Steam Frame announcement, coinciding with one of Bigscreen's biggest sales days, is intriguing. The Beyond2, with its ultra-lightweight micro-OLED display, has become the go-to upgrade for those seeking high-resolution VR without compromising their preferred tracking and controller setup.
When asked about supporting flat-screen co-watching to devices like Steam Deck, Shankar emphasizes Bigscreen's focus on VR, believing that others, especially Valve, will excel in cross-play across PC and VR. He teases that while they have no official announcements yet, they've been hard at work developing their software, and we can expect some exciting updates soon.
Bigscreen recently launched Dynamic Foveated Rendering for the Beyond 2e headset, with early access in iRacing and DCS World. This feature promises eye-tracking-driven performance improvements, and we're eager to hear from customers about their real-world experiences.
Shankar highlights the widespread adoption of SteamVR Base Stations and Controllers, with hundreds of thousands of customers actively using them with their Valve Index and HTC Vive setups. The Beyond2 offers an attractive upgrade path, combining lightweight design and high-resolution display with familiar tracking and controller setups.
Bigscreen is committed to manufacturing the Beyond2 with SteamVR Lighthouse tracking for the next two years, ensuring a continuous production line and meeting the demands of enterprise customers who rely on their hardware.
The Beyond 2 was announced in March 2025, and its shipping started in July of the same year, with a universal fit cushion option available towards the end of the year. December has become the biggest shipping month for Bigscreen, with Beyond2 sales outpacing their expectations, selling approximately three times more than its predecessor, the Beyond1.
Shankar believes that within a year or two, the Beyond headsets could climb to the top five on Steam, joining the likes of Steam Frame and Quest 3. He reveals that the Beyond2e's built-in eye-tracking cameras are their first computer vision-driven product, and while they have no timeline for future camera-based features, the high bar for such innovations is evident.
In 2026, Bigscreen plans to expand its international presence, currently selling in the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, with over 50% of sales coming from international markets. They aim to improve shipping and support speeds for European customers by opening a facility in the Netherlands, reducing shipping times from their Los Angeles factory to just 1-2 days.
Shankar's vision for Bigscreen is clear: to stay true to their values, built by VR enthusiasts for VR enthusiasts, and to continue their long-term commitment to the VR community.
So, what do you think? Are you excited about the future of VR and the potential of the Beyond headsets? Join the discussion and share your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your predictions and insights.
