Pimax Crystal Super
| 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]