Pimax has unveiled a suite of new virtual reality hardware, including the wireless Crystal Pro VR headset, updated controllers, and a compact gaming PC that echoes the design of Valve's Steam Machine. The announcements signal Pimax's intent to compete in the premium VR market, incorporating advanced features seen in recent competitor releases.
Crystal Pro VR Headset
The Pimax Crystal Pro headset emphasizes wireless performance, shipping with a Wi-Fi 6E adapter for connectivity to a gaming PC. Pimax is also offering an optional 60G AirLink wireless streaming kit, which utilizes 60 GHz 2x2 MIMO technology to provide a higher-bandwidth, more stable connection than standard Wi-Fi streaming. This system aims to deliver uncompressed image quality wirelessly, with claimed latency as low as 1.8 ms.
The headset features dual QLED displays, each with a resolution of 2880 x 2880 and capable of refresh rates up to 120 Hz. It incorporates Mini-LED backlighting with 576 local dimming zones per eye and offers 200 nits of brightness. For advanced visual processing, the Crystal Pro employs Native Foveated Streaming, a technology pioneered by Valve. This system leverages integrated 120 Hz eye-tracking to render the area a user is looking at in full native resolution, while the periphery is streamed at a reduced detail level to conserve bandwidth and processing power.
The Crystal Pro utilizes aspheric glass lenses, which Pimax states are better suited for eye-tracking compared to the pancake lenses found in many other modern headsets. Pricing for the Crystal Pro starts at $1,399, with the 60G AirLink system adding an additional $599, bringing the total to $1,899 for the wireless-enabled model.
Enhanced Tracking and Controllers
Pimax is integrating SLAM 2.0 inside-out tracking into the Crystal Pro, utilizing four cameras, a motion sensor, and infrared illuminators for robust tracking, even in low-light conditions. This system is paired with new ringless VR controllers. These controllers feature dual triggers, TMR sticks, grip sensing, and a full complement of face buttons, designed to offer comprehensive input capabilities. A central module can be attached between the left and right controllers to combine them into a more traditional gamepad-style input device.
The Crystal Pro also supports swappable faceplates. These allow for the addition of full-color passthrough capabilities and LiDAR scanning, or alternatively, Lighthouse support for external base station tracking. Optional over-ear speakers, reminiscent of those found on the Valve Index, are also available.
Pimax Spation Gaming PC
Accompanying the new VR hardware is the Pimax Spation, a compact gaming PC. Its elongated form factor draws a clear visual parallel to Valve's Steam Machine.
No specific release dates have been provided for the Crystal Pro headset, controllers, or the Spation PC at this time.