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{{Device Infobox
{{Device Infobox
|image =  
|image =
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|VR/AR = [[Virtual Reality]]
|Type = [[Head-mounted display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Release Date = January 2025
|Release Date = 2024
|Price = $1,696 - $1,791 USD
|Price = $1,695 USD
|Website = https://pimax.com/products/pimax-crystal-super
|Website = https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super
|Requirements = NVIDIA RTX 2080 minimum, RTX 3070+ recommended
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Display = 2× Custom QLED LCD with mini-LED local dimming
|Display = QLED / Micro-OLED (swappable)
|Resolution = 3840×3840 per eye (29.5 million pixels total)
|Resolution = 3840x3840 per eye (QLED)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz, 120 Hz
|PPD = 57 pixels per degree
|Field of View = 120° horizontal
|Refresh Rate = 90/120 Hz
|Horizontal FoV = 120°
|Field of View = 120° (QLED) / 105° (Micro-OLED)
|Brightness = 280 nits
|PPD = 57 PPD
|IPD Range = 58-72mm (automatic hardware adjustment)
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Optics = Glass aspheric lenses
|Tracking = SLAM (inside-out) or Lighthouse
|Tracking = Inside-out 6DoF (4 cameras, SLAM)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (120fps, 10 IR sensors)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (120 Hz)
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|Hand Tracking = No
|IPD = Automatic adjustment
|Audio = Optional DMAS deluxe audio strap
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone
|Connectivity = DisplayPort
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (DFR)
|Weight = ~975g (without audio), ~1000g+ (with DMAS)
|Local Dimming = 2.0 (1000 zones per eye)
|Color = Black
|Weight = Reduced 30% from Crystal
}}
}}


The '''Pimax Crystal Super''' is a high-end [[PC VR]] [[head-mounted display]] developed and manufactured by [[Pimax]], released in January 2025. It is designed for enthusiast users, particularly sim racing and flight simulation players, featuring an ultra-high resolution QLED display with mini-LED local dimming technology and a wide 120° field of view.
The '''Pimax Crystal Super''' is a high-end PC [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], released in 2024 at $1,695. The world's first retina-level VR headset with 57 pixels per degree (PPD), the Crystal Super features QLED panels at 3840x3840 per eye with Local Dimming 2.0 (1000 zones per eye), swappable optical engines (including Micro-OLED option), integrated eye tracking at 120fps with Dynamic Foveated Rendering, SLAM tracking (with optional Lighthouse support), and a design 30% smaller than the original Crystal. Targeting simulation enthusiasts and professionals, the Crystal Super delivers unprecedented visual clarity.


== History and Development ==
== History and Development ==


The Pimax Crystal Super was first unveiled at [[CES]] 2025, where it was shown in its DVT2 (Design Validation Test 2) form. Pimax positioned the headset as the successor to the original Pimax Crystal, addressing many of the criticisms of the previous model while pushing resolution and field of view to new heights.<ref name="ces2025">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/blogs/blogs/the-world-meets-the-crystal-super-dvt2-at-ces2025 |title=The world meets the Crystal Super DVT2 at CES2025 |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
Pimax announced the Crystal Super in 2024 as the successor to the popular Crystal, focusing on dramatically improved pixel density and display quality. Initially announced at $1,799, the headset launched at $1,695. The Crystal Super introduces the concept of swappable optical engines, allowing users to choose between QLED (wider FOV) and Micro-OLED (higher PPD) configurations. The headset eliminates the integrated battery of the original Crystal, reducing weight and complexity.<ref name="pimax">{{cite web |url=https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super |title=Pimax Crystal Super |publisher=Pimax |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


The headset represents Pimax's continued focus on the high-end PCVR market segment, targeting users who prioritize visual fidelity and immersion over standalone convenience.
== Design and Hardware ==
 
=== Display ===
 
Retina-level QLED technology:
 
* '''3840x3840 per eye''' resolution (QLED)
* '''57 PPD''' (pixels per degree)
* World's first retina-level VR
* '''QLED panels'''
* '''Local Dimming 2.0'''
* '''1000 local dimming zones''' per eye
* Near-OLED contrast/blacks
* Unprecedented clarity
 
=== Swappable Optical Engines ===


== Design and Hardware ==
Modular design:


=== Display and Optics ===
* '''QLED Engine''': 57 PPD, 120° FOV
* '''Micro-OLED Engine''': Higher PPD, 105° FOV
* Changeable optical modules
* Faster repairs
* Easier upgrades
* Future expansion options


The Crystal Super features dual custom QLED LCD panels with an extraordinary resolution of 3840×3840 pixels per eye, totaling nearly 30 million pixels across both displays. This results in a pixel density of 57 pixels per degree (PPD), making it one of the sharpest consumer VR headsets available.<ref name="mrtv">{{cite web |url=https://mrtv.co/2025/04/pimax-crystal-super-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super Review: A Hot Contender For Best High-End VR Headset Of 2025 |publisher=MRTV |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Micro-OLED Option ===


A key innovation is the mini-LED local dimming system, featuring up to 1000 dimming zones per eye. This technology allows the headset to achieve OLED-like contrast in many scenarios by dimming dark areas of the screen while maintaining LCD-level brightness and color accuracy. Peak brightness is rated at 280 nits.
* '''3840x3552 per eye'''
* '''105° field of view'''
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* True OLED blacks
* Premium visual option


The headset uses glass aspheric lenses that provide sharp, clear visuals across the entire 120° horizontal field of view, minimizing edge distortion and chromatic aberration.
=== Eye Tracking ===


=== Processing and PC Requirements ===
Advanced integrated system:


As a PC-tethered headset, the Crystal Super requires a DisplayPort connection and does not support wireless streaming or standalone operation. The headset has no onboard processing, relying entirely on a connected PC.
* '''Built-in eye tracking'''
* '''10 infrared sensors'''
* '''120fps capture rate'''
* High-accuracy tracking
* '''Dynamic Foveated Rendering'''
* Performance optimization
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
* Lens barrel integration


'''Minimum Requirements:'''
=== Tracking ===
* NVIDIA RTX 2080 or equivalent
* High-end CPU


'''Recommended Requirements:'''
Flexible tracking options:
* NVIDIA RTX 3070 or higher
* Modern high-end CPU


=== Tracking System ===
* '''SLAM tracking''' (inside-out)
* '''4 tracking cameras'''
* No base stations required
* '''Lighthouse compatible''' (optional)
* 6DoF controllers included
* Hand tracking support


The Crystal Super uses inside-out tracking with four external cameras and a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm. This eliminates the need for external base stations, simplifying setup while providing 6 degrees of freedom tracking for both the headset and controllers.<ref name="boosted">{{cite web |url=https://boostedmedia.net/sim-racing/hardware-reviews/pimax/pimax-crystal-super-detailed-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super - Detailed Review |publisher=Boosted Media |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Build ===


=== Eye Tracking ===
Refined design:
 
* '''30% smaller''' than Crystal
* '''No integrated battery'''
* Lighter weight
* Improved ergonomics
* '''Comfort backstrap'''
* Stable fit during motion
* Dual cooling fans
* Split DisplayPort cable


Integrated eye tracking operates at 120 Hz and enables several features:
=== Audio ===
* Automatic IPD adjustment (58-72mm range)
* Dynamic foveated rendering for supported titles
* Gaze-based interactions


=== Ergonomics and Build ===
* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
* Interchangeable headphones
* '''2x microphones'''
* Integrated spatial audio
* Voice communication


The headset weighs approximately 975 grams without the optional DMAS (Deluxe Modular Audio Strap) headphones, and over 1 kilogram with the audio accessory attached. This makes it one of the heavier consumer VR headsets, though Pimax has worked to improve weight distribution and comfort compared to previous models.
== Features ==


== Modular Design ==
=== Dynamic Foveated Rendering ===
* Eye-tracked rendering optimization
* Performance boost
* Visual quality maintained
* GPU efficiency improved


One of the Crystal Super's most innovative features is its modular architecture. The headset supports removable and interchangeable display modules, allowing users to upgrade components without specialized tools. This extends the device's lifespan and provides a cost-effective upgrade path as new display technologies emerge.<ref name="geeky">{{cite web |url=https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/pimax-crystal-super-vr-headset-2025/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super Review: High-Resolution VR Headset Review |publisher=Geeky Gadgets |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
=== Local Dimming 2.0 ===
* 1000 zones per eye
* Near-OLED contrast
* Deep blacks
* HDR-like experience


A variant called the '''Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED''' is available with Sony micro-OLED panels for users who prefer OLED technology.
== PC Requirements ==


== Software and Compatibility ==
* '''Minimum''': RTX 2080
* '''Recommended''': RTX 3070+
* PC VR only (no standalone)
* DisplayPort connection required
* No wireless streaming support


The Crystal Super is compatible with:
== Technical Specifications ==
* [[SteamVR]] with native OpenXR support
* [[Pimax Play]] software suite
* Most PCVR titles


The headset supports dynamic foveated rendering in compatible titles such as [[DCS World]], using eye tracking data to render the area of focus at full resolution while reducing quality in peripheral vision.
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Specification !! QLED !! Micro-OLED
|-
| Resolution || 3840x3840 per eye || 3840x3552 per eye
|-
| PPD || 57 || Higher
|-
| FOV || 120° || 105°
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90/120 Hz || 90 Hz
|-
| Local Dimming || 1000 zones/eye || N/A
|-
| Eye Tracking || 120fps (10 IR) || Same
|-
| Tracking || SLAM or Lighthouse || Same
|-
| Price || $1,695 || Additional
|}


== Reception ==
== Reception ==


The Pimax Crystal Super has received generally positive reviews from the VR enthusiast community, particularly from sim racing and flight simulation users.
'''Praise:'''
 
* 57 PPD retina-level clarity
=== Praise ===
* 3840x3840 per eye stunning
* "An ambitious, high-performance headset that brings Pimax closer than ever to delivering the ultimate PCVR experience"<ref name="mrtv"/>
* Local Dimming 2.0 impressive
* Exceptional visual clarity at 57 PPD
* Swappable optical engines innovative
* Wide 120° field of view
* Eye tracking at 120fps accurate
* Improved software experience with native OpenXR support
* Dynamic Foveated Rendering effective
* Effective local dimming for improved contrast
* 30% smaller than Crystal
* Eye-tracked foveated rendering in supported titles
* SLAM tracking convenient
* Lighthouse optional flexibility
* Automatic IPD adjustment


=== Criticism ===
'''Criticism:'''
* Heavy weight (~1kg) affects long-term comfort
* $1,695 premium pricing
* Controller tracking described as "functional but not reliable enough for FPS players"
* RTX 2080 minimum demanding
* Playspace sometimes forgotten between sessions
* No wireless/standalone
* Inconsistent dynamic foveated rendering activation
* PC tethered only
* Significant tweaking required for optimal experience
* No 60G Airlink support
* Premium pricing compared to competitors<ref name="simracing">{{cite web |url=https://simracing-pc.de/en/2025/09/19/pimax-crystal-super-vr-headset-simracing-review/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super VR-Headset – Simracing-Review |publisher=Simracing-PC |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>
* Micro-OLED extra cost
* Pimax software concerns
* Limited mainstream appeal
* Complex ecosystem
* Enthusiast/professional only<ref name="xrtoday">{{cite web |url=https://www.xrtoday.com/virtual-reality/pimax-crystal-super-everything-we-know-so-far/ |title=Pimax Crystal Super |publisher=XR Today |access-date=2025-01-07}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Light]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Light]]
* [[Pimax Crystal Super 8K Micro-OLED]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond 2e]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond 2]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:Virtual Reality Devices]]
[[Category:PC VR Headsets]]
[[Category:Head-Mounted Displays]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2025 in technology]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]

Revision as of 16:52, 7 January 2026

Pimax Crystal Super
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR, Pimax Play
Developer Pimax
Manufacturer Pimax
Release Date 2024
Price $1,695 USD
Website https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super
Predecessor Pimax Crystal
System
Storage
Display
Display QLED / Micro-OLED (swappable)
Resolution 3840x3840 per eye (QLED)
Refresh Rate 90/120 Hz
Image
Field of View 120° (QLED) / 105° (Micro-OLED)
Foveated Rendering Yes (DFR)
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking SLAM (inside-out) or Lighthouse
Eye Tracking Yes (120fps, 10 IR sensors)
Hand Tracking Yes
Audio
Audio 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone
Connectivity
Device
Weight Reduced 30% from Crystal


The Pimax Crystal Super is a high-end PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax, released in 2024 at $1,695. The world's first retina-level VR headset with 57 pixels per degree (PPD), the Crystal Super features QLED panels at 3840x3840 per eye with Local Dimming 2.0 (1000 zones per eye), swappable optical engines (including Micro-OLED option), integrated eye tracking at 120fps with Dynamic Foveated Rendering, SLAM tracking (with optional Lighthouse support), and a design 30% smaller than the original Crystal. Targeting simulation enthusiasts and professionals, the Crystal Super delivers unprecedented visual clarity.

History and Development

Pimax announced the Crystal Super in 2024 as the successor to the popular Crystal, focusing on dramatically improved pixel density and display quality. Initially announced at $1,799, the headset launched at $1,695. The Crystal Super introduces the concept of swappable optical engines, allowing users to choose between QLED (wider FOV) and Micro-OLED (higher PPD) configurations. The headset eliminates the integrated battery of the original Crystal, reducing weight and complexity.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Retina-level QLED technology:

  • 3840x3840 per eye resolution (QLED)
  • 57 PPD (pixels per degree)
  • World's first retina-level VR
  • QLED panels
  • Local Dimming 2.0
  • 1000 local dimming zones per eye
  • Near-OLED contrast/blacks
  • Unprecedented clarity

Swappable Optical Engines

Modular design:

  • QLED Engine: 57 PPD, 120° FOV
  • Micro-OLED Engine: Higher PPD, 105° FOV
  • Changeable optical modules
  • Faster repairs
  • Easier upgrades
  • Future expansion options

Micro-OLED Option

  • 3840x3552 per eye
  • 105° field of view
  • 90 Hz refresh rate
  • True OLED blacks
  • Premium visual option

Eye Tracking

Advanced integrated system:

  • Built-in eye tracking
  • 10 infrared sensors
  • 120fps capture rate
  • High-accuracy tracking
  • Dynamic Foveated Rendering
  • Performance optimization
  • Automatic IPD adjustment
  • Lens barrel integration

Tracking

Flexible tracking options:

  • SLAM tracking (inside-out)
  • 4 tracking cameras
  • No base stations required
  • Lighthouse compatible (optional)
  • 6DoF controllers included
  • Hand tracking support

Build

Refined design:

  • 30% smaller than Crystal
  • No integrated battery
  • Lighter weight
  • Improved ergonomics
  • Comfort backstrap
  • Stable fit during motion
  • Dual cooling fans
  • Split DisplayPort cable

Audio

  • 3.5mm audio jack
  • Interchangeable headphones
  • 2x microphones
  • Integrated spatial audio
  • Voice communication

Features

Dynamic Foveated Rendering

  • Eye-tracked rendering optimization
  • Performance boost
  • Visual quality maintained
  • GPU efficiency improved

Local Dimming 2.0

  • 1000 zones per eye
  • Near-OLED contrast
  • Deep blacks
  • HDR-like experience

PC Requirements

  • Minimum: RTX 2080
  • Recommended: RTX 3070+
  • PC VR only (no standalone)
  • DisplayPort connection required
  • No wireless streaming support

Technical Specifications

Specification QLED Micro-OLED
Resolution 3840x3840 per eye 3840x3552 per eye
PPD 57 Higher
FOV 120° 105°
Refresh Rate 90/120 Hz 90 Hz
Local Dimming 1000 zones/eye N/A
Eye Tracking 120fps (10 IR) Same
Tracking SLAM or Lighthouse Same
Price $1,695 Additional

Reception

Praise:

  • 57 PPD retina-level clarity
  • 3840x3840 per eye stunning
  • Local Dimming 2.0 impressive
  • Swappable optical engines innovative
  • Eye tracking at 120fps accurate
  • Dynamic Foveated Rendering effective
  • 30% smaller than Crystal
  • SLAM tracking convenient
  • Lighthouse optional flexibility
  • Automatic IPD adjustment

Criticism:

  • $1,695 premium pricing
  • RTX 2080 minimum demanding
  • No wireless/standalone
  • PC tethered only
  • No 60G Airlink support
  • Micro-OLED extra cost
  • Pimax software concerns
  • Limited mainstream appeal
  • Complex ecosystem
  • Enthusiast/professional only[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "Pimax Crystal Super". Pimax. https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super.
  2. ↑ "Pimax Crystal Super". XR Today. https://www.xrtoday.com/virtual-reality/pimax-crystal-super-everything-we-know-so-far/.
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