Shiftall MeganeX
| Shiftall MeganeX | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality |
| Type | Head-Mounted Display |
| Subtype | PC VR |
| Platform | SteamVR |
| Developer | Shiftall (Panasonic subsidiary) |
| Manufacturer | Shiftall |
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Price | $1,699 USD (Consumer) / $1,900 (superlight 8K) |
| Website | https://en.shiftall.net/ |
| System | |
| Storage | |
| Display | |
| Display | Micro-OLED (Kopin) |
| Resolution | 2560x2560 per eye (original) / 3552x3840 (8K) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
| Image | |
| Field of View | 100° |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Panasonic pancake lenses |
| Ocularity | Binocular |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | Inside-out + SteamVR 1.0/2.0 |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in speakers |
| Connectivity | |
| Device | |
| Weight | 185g (superlight, without strap) |
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The Shiftall MeganeX is a PC virtual reality head-mounted display developed by Shiftall (a Panasonic subsidiary), debuted at CES 2020 and released in 2023 at $1,699. An ultra-slim and lightweight PC VR headset featuring dual Kopin micro-OLED displays at 2560x2560 per eye, Panasonic-designed pancake lenses enabling the compact form factor, 10-bit HDR support, 90 Hz refresh rate, both inside-out and SteamVR base station tracking options, and weighing just 185g (superlight version without strap). Designed for extended VR sessions with comfort as priority.
History and Development
Shiftall first unveiled the MeganeX concept at CES 2020, with the consumer version launching in early 2023. As a Panasonic subsidiary, Shiftall leveraged Panasonic's optical expertise for the pancake lenses. The original MeganeX was followed by the "superlight" and "8K" versions with improved displays (3552x3840 per eye) and motorized IPD. A Business Edition is also available. The headset targets VR enthusiasts prioritizing visual quality and comfort.[1]
Design and Hardware
Display
Kopin micro-OLED technology:
- 2560x2560 per eye (original)
- 3552x3840 per eye (8K version)
- Dual 1.3-inch Kopin micro-OLED
- 10-bit HDR support
- 90 Hz refresh rate
- 42 PPD clarity
- True blacks (OLED)
- Premium visual quality
Optics
Panasonic pancake lenses:
- Pancake lens design
- Created by Panasonic
- Ultra-slim profile
- Enables lightweight form factor
- Edge-to-edge clarity
Tracking
Dual tracking options:
- Inside-out tracking
- SteamVR 1.0 base stations
- SteamVR 2.0 base stations
- User choice of tracking
- Best of both worlds
Vision Adjustment
- IPD adjustment: 56mm - 72mm
- Motorized IPD (superlight/8K)
- Diopter adjustment: 0D to -7D (superlight)
- Built-in vision correction
Processing
- Snapdragon XR1 onboard
- Tethered PC VR only
- No standalone mode
- Processing assists tracking
Audio
- Built-in speakers
- Spatial audio
- Lightweight audio solution
Build
Ultra-lightweight design:
- 185g (superlight, headset only)
- Ultra-slim profile
- Forehead pad weight distribution
- Extended wear comfort
- Flip-up design (superlight)
Versions
| Version | Resolution | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MeganeX | 2560x2560/eye | Original model | $1,699 |
| MeganeX superlight 8K | 3552x3840/eye | Flip-up, motorized IPD | $1,900 |
| MeganeX 8K Mark II | 3552x3840/eye | 179g, new lenses | $1,900 |
| Business Edition | Various | Enterprise features | TBD |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Original | superlight 8K |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 2560x2560 micro-OLED | 3552x3840 micro-OLED |
| Total Resolution | 5K | ~7K (27 megapixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 90 Hz | 90 Hz |
| HDR | 10-bit | 10-bit |
| FOV | 100° | 100° |
| IPD | Manual 56-72mm | Motorized 58-72mm |
| Diopter | N/A | 0D to -7D |
| Weight | ~200g | 185g |
| Price | $1,699 | $1,900 |
Reception
Praise:
- Panasonic pancake lenses excellent
- 185g ultra-lightweight
- Kopin micro-OLED quality
- 10-bit HDR support
- Dual tracking options
- SteamVR compatible
- Slim profile innovative
- Extended comfort
- Motorized IPD (superlight)
- Flip-up convenience (superlight)
Criticism:
- $1,699-$1,900 premium pricing
- 90Hz only (vs 120Hz competitors)
- PC-only (no standalone)
- Limited availability
- Snapdragon XR1 underutilized
- US release delays
- Niche market
- 100° FOV average
- Competition from others[2]