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Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
Improving page with detailed specifications, sections, and references
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|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Type = [[Head-Mounted Display]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Subtype = [[PC VR]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]], [[Pimax Play]]
|Platform = [[SteamVR]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Developer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Manufacturer = [[Pimax]]
|Release Date = 2024
|Release Date = Q1 2025
|Price = $1,695 USD
|Announcement Date = 2024
|Website = https://pimax.com/pages/pimax-crystal-super
|Price = $999 USD (pre-order)
|Website = https://pimax.com/
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Predecessor = [[Pimax Crystal]]
|Display = QLED / Micro-OLED (swappable)
|Display = QLED (swappable engines)
|Resolution = 3840x3840 per eye (QLED)
|Resolution = 3840x3840 per eye
|PPD = 57 pixels per degree
|PPD = 57 PPD
|Refresh Rate = 90/120 Hz
|Local Dimming = 1000 zones per eye
|Field of View = 120° (QLED) / 105° (Micro-OLED)
|Refresh Rate = 90 Hz
|Field of View = 127°
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Ocularity = Binocular
|Tracking = SLAM (inside-out) or Lighthouse
|Eye Tracking = Integrated (120 fps, 10 IR sensors)
|Eye Tracking = Yes (120fps, 10 IR sensors)
|Tracking = Inside-out or Lighthouse
|Hand Tracking = Yes
|IPD = Automatic
|IPD = Automatic adjustment
|Audio = Spatial audio + dual microphones
|Audio = 3.5mm jack, 2x microphone
|Foveated Rendering = Yes (DFR)
|Local Dimming = 2.0 (1000 zones per eye)
|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.
The '''Pimax Crystal Super''' is a high-end PC-tethered [[virtual reality]] [[head-mounted display]] developed by [[Pimax]], announced 2024 and releasing Q1 2025 at $999 (pre-order). The world's first retina-level VR headset featuring 57 PPD (pixels per degree), 3840x3840 per eye resolution, Local Dimming 2.0 with 1000 zones per eye, 127° field of view, swappable optical engines (including micro-OLED), upgraded eye tracking with 10 IR sensors at 120fps, and 30% smaller design than predecessors.


== History and Development ==
== 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.<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>
Pimax announced the Crystal Super in 2024 alongside the Crystal Light, positioning it as their flagship with unprecedented visual clarity. The 57 PPD rating surpasses all competitors, achieving what Pimax calls "retina-level" VR where individual pixels become imperceptible. The swappable optical engine system enables future upgrades including micro-OLED panels without replacing the entire headset.<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>


== Design and Hardware ==
== Design and Hardware ==
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=== Display ===
=== Display ===


Retina-level QLED technology:
Retina-level clarity:


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


=== Swappable Optical Engines ===
=== Swappable Optical Engines ===


Modular design:
Upgrade path:


* '''QLED Engine''': 57 PPD, 120° FOV
* '''Standard QLED''' (included)
* '''Micro-OLED Engine''': Higher PPD, 105° FOV
* '''Micro-OLED engine''' ($699 upgrade)
* Changeable optical modules
* '''50 PPD QLED engine''' ($399, 135° FOV)
* Faster repairs
* Faster repairs
* Easier upgrades
* Future upgrades
* Future expansion options


=== Micro-OLED Option ===
=== Field of View ===


* '''3840x3552 per eye'''
* '''127° FOV'''
* '''105° field of view'''
* Wide immersion
* '''90 Hz refresh rate'''
* 135° with optional engine
* True OLED blacks
* Premium visual option


=== Eye Tracking ===
=== Eye Tracking ===


Advanced integrated system:
Upgraded system:


* '''Built-in eye tracking'''
* '''Built into lens barrel'''
* '''10 infrared sensors'''
* '''10 IR sensors'''
* '''120fps capture rate'''
* '''120 fps''' capture rate
* High-accuracy tracking
* High-accuracy
* '''Dynamic Foveated Rendering'''
* '''True Dynamic Foveated Rendering'''
* Performance optimization
* Automatic IPD adjustment
* '''Automatic IPD adjustment'''
* Lens barrel integration


=== Tracking ===
=== Tracking ===


Flexible tracking options:
Flexible options:


* '''SLAM tracking''' (inside-out)
* '''Inside-out''' (4 cameras)
* '''4 tracking cameras'''
* '''SLAM algorithm'''
* No base stations required
* No base stations needed
* '''Lighthouse compatible''' (optional)
* '''Lighthouse compatible'''
* 6DoF controllers included
* External tracking optional
* Hand tracking support


=== Build ===
=== Design ===


Refined design:
Improved ergonomics:


* '''30% smaller''' than Crystal
* '''30% smaller''' than Crystal/Light
* '''No integrated battery'''
* Better materials
* Lighter weight
* Superior heat transfer
* Improved ergonomics
* Comfort backstrap
* '''Comfort backstrap'''
* Dual fan cooling
* Stable fit during motion
* Dual cooling fans
* Split DisplayPort cable


=== Audio ===
=== Audio ===


* '''3.5mm audio jack'''
* '''Integrated spatial audio'''
* Interchangeable headphones
* '''3.5mm jack''' (interchangeable)
* '''2x microphones'''
* '''Dual microphones'''
* Integrated spatial audio
* Voice communication
 
== Features ==


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


=== Local Dimming 2.0 ===
* '''DisplayPort cable''' (required)
* 1000 zones per eye
* PCVR only
* Near-OLED contrast
* No wireless/battery
* Deep blacks
* No WiFi streaming
* HDR-like experience


== PC Requirements ==
== PC Requirements ==


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


== Technical Specifications ==
== Technical Specifications ==
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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Specification !! QLED !! Micro-OLED
! Specification !! Details
|-
| Display || 3840x3840 QLED x2
|-
|-
| Resolution || 3840x3840 per eye || 3840x3552 per eye
| PPD || 57 (retina-level)
|-
|-
| PPD || 57 || Higher
| Local Dimming || 1000 zones/eye
|-
|-
| FOV || 120° || 105°
| Refresh Rate || 90 Hz
|-
|-
| Refresh Rate || 90/120 Hz || 90 Hz
| FOV || 127° (135° optional)
|-
|-
| Local Dimming || 1000 zones/eye || N/A
| Eye Tracking || 120 fps (10 IR sensors)
|-
|-
| Eye Tracking || 120fps (10 IR) || Same
| Tracking || Inside-out or Lighthouse
|-
|-
| Tracking || SLAM or Lighthouse || Same
| Optical Engines || Swappable
|-
|-
| Price || $1,695 || Additional
| Price || $999 (pre-order)
|}
|}


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'''Praise:'''
'''Praise:'''
* 57 PPD retina-level clarity
* 57 PPD industry-leading
* 3840x3840 per eye stunning
* Retina-level clarity
* Local Dimming 2.0 impressive
* 3840x3840 exceptional
* Swappable optical engines innovative
* 1000-zone local dimming
* Eye tracking at 120fps accurate
* Swappable optics innovative
* Dynamic Foveated Rendering effective
* Eye tracking upgraded
* 30% smaller than Crystal
* 30% smaller design
* SLAM tracking convenient
* $999 competitive for specs
* Lighthouse optional flexibility
* Micro-OLED upgrade path
* Automatic IPD adjustment


'''Criticism:'''
'''Criticism:'''
* $1,695 premium pricing
* PCVR only (no standalone)
* RTX 2080 minimum demanding
* No wireless option
* No wireless/standalone
* RTX 2080+ required
* PC tethered only
* High PC requirements
* No 60G Airlink support
* Pimax software reputation
* Micro-OLED extra cost
* No battery operation
* Pimax software concerns
* Q1 2025 release delays
* Limited mainstream appeal
* Tracking base stations extra<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>
* 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]]
* [[Varjo Aero]]
* [[Varjo XR-4]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond 2]]
* [[Bigscreen Beyond]]


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:PC VR]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:Pimax]]
[[Category:2024 in technology]]
[[Category:2025 in technology]]

Revision as of 18:12, 7 January 2026

Pimax Crystal Super
Basic Info
VR/AR Virtual Reality
Type Head-Mounted Display
Subtype PC VR
Platform SteamVR
Developer Pimax
Manufacturer Pimax
Announcement Date 2024
Release Date Q1 2025
Price $999 USD (pre-order)
Website https://pimax.com/
Predecessor Pimax Crystal
System
Storage
Display
Display QLED (swappable engines)
Resolution 3840x3840 per eye
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
Image
Field of View 127°
Optics
Ocularity Binocular
Tracking
Tracking Inside-out or Lighthouse
Eye Tracking Integrated (120 fps, 10 IR sensors)
Audio
Audio Spatial audio + dual microphones
Connectivity
Device


The Pimax Crystal Super is a high-end PC-tethered virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Pimax, announced 2024 and releasing Q1 2025 at $999 (pre-order). The world's first retina-level VR headset featuring 57 PPD (pixels per degree), 3840x3840 per eye resolution, Local Dimming 2.0 with 1000 zones per eye, 127° field of view, swappable optical engines (including micro-OLED), upgraded eye tracking with 10 IR sensors at 120fps, and 30% smaller design than predecessors.

History and Development

Pimax announced the Crystal Super in 2024 alongside the Crystal Light, positioning it as their flagship with unprecedented visual clarity. The 57 PPD rating surpasses all competitors, achieving what Pimax calls "retina-level" VR where individual pixels become imperceptible. The swappable optical engine system enables future upgrades including micro-OLED panels without replacing the entire headset.[1]

Design and Hardware

Display

Retina-level clarity:

  • 3840x3840 per eye resolution
  • 57 PPD pixels per degree
  • World's highest PPD VR
  • QLED panels
  • Local Dimming 2.0
  • 1000 zones per eye
  • Near micro-OLED contrast

Swappable Optical Engines

Upgrade path:

  • Standard QLED (included)
  • Micro-OLED engine ($699 upgrade)
  • 50 PPD QLED engine ($399, 135° FOV)
  • Faster repairs
  • Future upgrades

Field of View

  • 127° FOV
  • Wide immersion
  • 135° with optional engine

Eye Tracking

Upgraded system:

  • Built into lens barrel
  • 10 IR sensors
  • 120 fps capture rate
  • High-accuracy
  • True Dynamic Foveated Rendering
  • Automatic IPD adjustment

Tracking

Flexible options:

  • Inside-out (4 cameras)
  • SLAM algorithm
  • No base stations needed
  • Lighthouse compatible
  • External tracking optional

Design

Improved ergonomics:

  • 30% smaller than Crystal/Light
  • Better materials
  • Superior heat transfer
  • Comfort backstrap
  • Dual fan cooling

Audio

  • Integrated spatial audio
  • 3.5mm jack (interchangeable)
  • Dual microphones

Connectivity

  • DisplayPort cable (required)
  • PCVR only
  • No wireless/battery
  • No WiFi streaming

PC Requirements

  • Minimum: RTX 2080
  • Recommended: RTX 3070+

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Display 3840x3840 QLED x2
PPD 57 (retina-level)
Local Dimming 1000 zones/eye
Refresh Rate 90 Hz
FOV 127° (135° optional)
Eye Tracking 120 fps (10 IR sensors)
Tracking Inside-out or Lighthouse
Optical Engines Swappable
Price $999 (pre-order)

Reception

Praise:

  • 57 PPD industry-leading
  • Retina-level clarity
  • 3840x3840 exceptional
  • 1000-zone local dimming
  • Swappable optics innovative
  • Eye tracking upgraded
  • 30% smaller design
  • $999 competitive for specs
  • Micro-OLED upgrade path

Criticism:

  • PCVR only (no standalone)
  • No wireless option
  • RTX 2080+ required
  • High PC requirements
  • Pimax software reputation
  • No battery operation
  • Q1 2025 release delays
  • Tracking base stations extra[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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