View source for Pimax 8KX

{{Device Infobox
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Announcement Date = January 2020 (CES)
|Release Date = 2020
|Price = ~$1,199 USD (headset), ~$1,976 USD (full kit)
|Website = https://pimax.com/product/vision-8k-x/
|Predecessor = [[Pimax 8K]]
|Successor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Display = 2× 4K CLPL LCD
|Resolution = 3840×2160 per eye (native 4K)
|Refresh Rate = 75 Hz, 90 Hz (native), 114 Hz (upscale)
|Field of View = 200° diagonal (170° horizontal, 115° vertical)
|PPD = ~20 PPD
|IPD Range = 55-75mm (mechanical)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Fresnel lenses
|Tracking = Lighthouse (SteamVR base stations)
|Eye Tracking = Optional module
|Hand Tracking = Optional module
|Audio = DMAS (optional), 3.5mm jack
|Connectivity = DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0
|Weight = ~500g
}}

The '''Pimax Vision 8KX''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in 2020. It was the world's first consumer VR headset to feature dual native 4K displays (3840×2160 per eye) and became famous for its ultra-wide 200° diagonal field of view—approaching natural human vision. The 8KX won Digital Trends' "Top Tech of CES: AR/VR" award in January 2020 and remains popular among simulation enthusiasts for its unparalleled clarity and field of view in racing, flight, and space simulations.

== History and Development ==

Pimax unveiled the Vision 8K X at CES 2020 in January 2020 as their flagship headset, building on the earlier [[Pimax 8K]] which used upscaled 4K displays. The 8KX marked a significant advancement by running both panels at native 4K resolution without upscaling, delivering unprecedented clarity for a consumer VR headset.<ref name="tomshardware">{{cite web |url=https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pimax-vision-8k-x-review-ultrawide-gaming-with-incredible-clarity |title=Pimax Vision 8K X Review: Ultrawide Gaming with Incredible Clarity |publisher=Tom's Hardware |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

The headset uses [[SteamVR]] Lighthouse tracking, maintaining compatibility with existing HTC Vive and Valve Index base stations and controllers.<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimax |title=Pimax |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

== Design and Hardware ==

=== Display ===

Industry-leading resolution and clarity:

* Dual CLPL (Customized Low Persistence Liquid) LCD panels
* '''3840×2160 native resolution per eye''' (true 4K each)
* 7680×2160 combined resolution
* 75 Hz, 90 Hz native refresh rates
* 114 Hz in upscale mode
* RGB pixel matrix panels
* Excellent for text readability

=== Field of View ===

Signature ultra-wide FOV:

* '''200° diagonal field of view'''
* 170° horizontal FOV
* 115° vertical FOV
* Closest to natural human vision (~220°) in consumer VR
* Angled panel design wraps around nose
* Dramatically enhanced immersion and peripheral awareness

=== Dual Engine Mode ===

Flexible rendering options:

* '''Native mode:''' Full 3840×2160 per eye at native 4K
* '''Upscale mode:''' 2560×1440 input upscaled to 4K output
* Allows trading quality for frame rate
* 114 Hz available in upscale mode
* Switch freely between modes

=== Optics ===

* Dual Fresnel lenses
* Mechanical IPD adjustment (55-75mm)
* Wide IPD range for diverse users
* Large eye box

=== Tracking ===

Uses SteamVR Lighthouse ecosystem:

* Compatible with HTC Vive base stations
* Compatible with Lighthouse 2.0 base stations
* SteamVR sensors with 9-axis tracking
* 6DoF positional tracking
* Full SteamVR integration

=== Audio ===

* '''DMAS:''' Deluxe Modular Audio Strap (optional)
* 3.5mm audio jack for headphones
* Off-ear speakers available

=== Optional Modules ===

* '''Eye Tracking Module:''' For foveated rendering
* '''Hand Tracking Module:''' Controller-free interaction
* Modular upgrade path

== System Requirements ==

High-end PC required for native 4K:

* '''OS:''' Windows 10 or 11
* '''GPU:''' NVIDIA RTX 2080 or higher recommended
* '''CPU:''' Intel i5-9400 or higher
* '''RAM:''' 8 GB minimum
* '''Ports:''' DisplayPort 1.4, USB 3.0

== Pricing ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Package !! Price
|-
| Headset only || ~$1,199
|-
| Full kit (base stations + Index controllers) || ~$1,976
|}

== Use Cases ==

The ultra-wide FOV and high resolution make the 8KX particularly suited for:

* '''Racing simulations:''' iRacing, Assetto Corsa
* '''Flight simulations:''' Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, DCS World
* '''Space simulations:''' Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen
* '''Immersive exploration:''' Any game benefiting from peripheral vision

== Reception ==

'''Praise:'''
* World's first dual native 4K consumer VR headset
* 200° FOV approaches natural human vision
* "Ultrawide Gaming with Incredible Clarity" - Tom's Hardware
* CES 2020 Top Tech award
* Exceptional for simulation enthusiasts
* Compatible with Valve Index controllers
* Mechanical IPD adjustment (55-75mm)
* Dual Engine mode flexibility
* Outstanding text and detail clarity
* Modular upgrade options

'''Criticism:'''
* Extremely demanding on GPU (RTX 2080+ required)
* High price point (~$1,200-$2,000)
* Heavy for extended sessions (~500g)
* Fresnel lens distortion at edges
* Some software compatibility issues
* Complex setup compared to standalone headsets
* Requires Lighthouse base stations<ref name="pilotpassion">{{cite web |url=https://pilotpassion.com/pimax-8k-x-vr-headset/ |title=Review: Pimax 8K X VR Headset for MSFS 2020 |publisher=Pilot Passion |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

<ref name="knoxlabs">{{cite web |url=https://www.knoxlabs.com/products/pimax-vision-8k-x |title=Pimax Vision 8K X DMAS |publisher=Knoxlabs |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>

== See Also ==
* [[Pimax 8K]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super]]
* [[Valve Index]]
* [[HP Reverb G2]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:SteamVR]]
[[Category:2020 in technology]]