Pimax Portal
| Pimax Portal | |
|---|---|
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Virtual Reality / Handheld Gaming |
| Type | Handheld Console |
| Subtype | Android Handheld, Convertible VR |
| Platform | Android |
| Creator | Pimax |
| Developer | Pimax |
| Manufacturer | Pimax |
| Announcement Date | CES 2023 |
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Price | $369-$549 (LCD to QLED models) |
| Website | https://pimax.com/ |
| Versions | Pimax Portal LCD (128GB/256GB), Pimax Portal QLED (256GB) |
| Requires | Optional: Portal View VR headset shell |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | None announced |
| System | |
| Operating System | Android |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 |
| GPU | Adreno 650 (up to 587MHz) |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB (expandable via microSD) |
| Memory | 8GB RAM |
| SD Card Slot | Yes (up to 1TB microSD) |
| Display | |
| Display | 5.46" LCD (1080p) or QLED+Mini-LED (4K) |
| Subpixel Layout | RGB |
| Peak Brightness | 400 nits |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (LCD) / 3840×2160 (QLED) |
| Pixel Density | High |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz (LCD), 144Hz (QLED) |
| Persistence | Low persistence |
| Image | |
| Field of View | Handheld display |
| Horizontal FoV | N/A (handheld) |
| Vertical FoV | N/A (handheld) |
| Average Pixel Density | High |
| Peak Pixel Density | Very high (4K QLED) |
| Foveated Rendering | No |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Direct view (handheld), Pancake lenses (VR shell) |
| Ocularity | Binocular (in VR mode) |
| IPD Range | Interchangeable lenses (VR) |
| Adjustable Diopter | Via lens swap (VR) |
| Passthrough | Yes (5 cameras on VR shell) |
| Tracking | |
| Tracking | 6DoF (inside-out, via Portal View) |
| Tracking Frequency | High-speed |
| Base Stations | None required |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Face Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No (controllers included) |
| Body Tracking | No |
| Rotational Tracking | Yes (in VR mode) |
| Positional Tracking | Yes (in VR mode) |
| Update Rate | 120Hz/144Hz |
| Tracking Volume | Room-scale (VR mode) |
| Play Space | Seated handheld or VR |
| Latency | Low latency |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Built-in speakers |
| Microphone | Yes |
| 3.5mm Audio Jack | Yes |
| Camera | 5 cameras (tracking/AR) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, USB-C |
| Ports | USB-C |
| Wired Video | Yes (USB-C) |
| Wireless Video | Yes (Wi-Fi streaming) |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Power | Built-in battery (+ 6000mAh QLED bonus) |
| Battery Capacity | Standard (+ 6000mAh QLED) |
| Battery Life | Multi-hour gaming |
| Charge Time | USB-C fast charging |
| Device | |
| Dimensions | Nintendo Switch-like form |
| Weight | ~300-367g (handheld only) |
| Material | Plastic housing |
| Headstrap | Via Portal View VR shell |
| Haptics | Controller haptics |
| Color | Black |
| Sensors | IMU, 5 cameras (tracking/AR) |
| Input | 32 physical buttons, removable controllers, touchscreen |
| Compliance | FCC, CE |
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The Pimax Portal is a hybrid Android handheld gaming console and convertible virtual reality system developed by Pimax, announced at CES 2023 and released in 2023 starting at $369. Representing Pimax's entry into the handheld gaming market, the Portal features a Nintendo Switch-like form factor with removable controllers and a 5.46-inch display, available in LCD (1920×1080 at 120Hz) or premium QLED+Mini-LED (3840×2160 4K at 144Hz) configurations. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 processor (the same chip used in Meta Quest 2 and Pico 4) with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB expandable storage, the Portal runs Android and supports native Android gaming, retro game emulation, cloud gaming services, and PC game streaming. The device weighs approximately 300-367 grams—significantly lighter than the Steam Deck's 669 grams—and features 32 physical buttons, 5-point touchscreen, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and five rear cameras for tracking and AR features. The unique convertible aspect comes from the optional Portal View VR headset shell, into which the Portal tablet slides to become a standalone 6DoF VR headset with interchangeable pancake lenses. Priced at $369 for the LCD 128GB model up to $549 for the QLED 256GB model, the Pimax Portal positions itself as a versatile gaming device bridging handheld and VR gaming.
History and Development
Pimax VR Heritage
Company background:
- Founded for VR headsets
- Wide-FOV VR pioneer
- Pimax 8K series
- Consumer VR focus
CES 2023 Announcement
Portal reveal:
- Handheld concept debut
- VR conversion feature
- Multiple configurations
- Industry interest
2023 Release
Market launch:
- LCD models first
- QLED model later
- Global availability
- Consumer sales
VR Shell Development
Portal View status:
- Development ongoing
- Weight/comfort improvements
- Component refinement
- Future release
Design Philosophy
Hybrid Device
Dual-purpose concept:
- Handheld gaming primary
- VR conversion capability
- Multi-use device
- Value proposition
Switch-Like Form
Familiar design:
- Removable controllers
- Tablet center display
- Portable form factor
- Console-like gaming
Android Platform
Software choice:
- Android OS base
- App compatibility
- Emulation support
- Cloud gaming
VR Conversion
Expandable functionality:
- Portal View shell
- Standalone VR
- Interchangeable lenses
- 6DoF tracking
Display Technology
LCD Model
Standard display:
- Size: 5.46 inches
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 (1080p)
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Price: $369-$399
QLED Model
Premium display:
- Size: 5.46 inches
- Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Technology: QLED + Mini-LED
- Price: $549
Display Features
Visual quality:
- Brightness: 400 nits
- 5-point touchscreen
- High contrast (QLED)
- Vivid colors
Processing
Snapdragon XR2
Processor specifications:
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2
- Same as Quest 2/Pico 4
- VR-optimized processor
- Proven performance
Adreno 650 GPU
Graphics:
- GPU: Adreno 650
- Frequency: Up to 587MHz
- Mobile VR capable
- Efficient performance
Memory
System resources:
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Expansion: microSD up to 1TB
- Ample capacity
Physical Design
Weight
Lightweight form:
- Weight: ~300-367g
- Lighter than Switch (422g)
- Lighter than Steam Deck (669g)
- Portable-friendly
Removable Controllers
Nintendo Switch style:
- Detachable Joy-Con-like
- 32 physical buttons
- Ergonomic design
- Multiple configurations
Form Factor
Dimensions:
- Nintendo Switch-like
- Tablet center section
- Controller rails
- Portable size
Input Controls
Physical Buttons
Control options:
- Buttons: 32 physical
- D-pad
- Analog sticks
- Face buttons
- Triggers/bumpers
Touchscreen
Display input:
- 5-point touch
- Gesture support
- Android navigation
- Game interaction
Removable Controllers
Flexibility:
- Attached (handheld mode)
- Detached (tablet mode)
- Separate (tabletop)
- Charging dock
Connectivity
Wireless
Network capabilities:
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E (high-speed)
- Bluetooth: Standard
- Cloud gaming ready
- Streaming capable
USB-C
Wired connection:
- USB-C port
- Charging
- Data transfer
- Video output
Storage Expansion
Capacity options:
- microSD slot
- Up to 1TB expansion
- Game library growth
- Media storage
Gaming Capabilities
Android Gaming
Native games:
- Google Play Store
- Android games
- Mobile gaming
- Native apps
Retro Emulation
Classic gaming:
- Multiple emulators
- Retro consoles
- ROM support
- Nostalgia gaming
Cloud Gaming
Streaming services:
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
- GeForce NOW
- Other services
- Wi-Fi 6E advantage
PC Streaming
Remote play:
- Steam Link
- PC game streaming
- Home network play
- Full PC library
VR Capability (Portal View)
Portal View Shell
VR conversion:
- Tablet slides in
- VR headset form
- Pancake lenses
- 6DoF tracking
Tracking System
VR tracking:
- 5 cameras
- Inside-out tracking
- Room-scale capable
- Standalone VR
Interchangeable Lenses
Customization:
- Multiple lens options
- IPD adjustment via lens
- Diopter options
- Personalization
Development Status
Current state:
- Still in development
- Weight optimization
- Comfort improvements
- Component refinement
Battery
Standard Battery
Base capacity:
- Multi-hour gaming
- USB-C charging
- Fast charging support
- Portable duration
QLED Bonus Battery
Enhanced model:
- Additional 6000mAh
- Extended gaming
- QLED model exclusive
- All-day capability
Product Variants
Portal LCD 128GB
Entry model:
- Display: 1080p LCD 120Hz
- Storage: 128GB
- Price: $369
- Base configuration
Portal LCD 256GB
Mid-tier model:
- Display: 1080p LCD 120Hz
- Storage: 256GB
- Price: $399
- Expanded storage
Portal QLED 256GB
Premium model:
- Display: 4K QLED 144Hz
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: + 6000mAh bonus
- Price: $549
Comparison with Handheld Gaming Devices
| Feature | Pimax Portal QLED | Nintendo Switch | Steam Deck | ASUS ROG Ally |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 4K QLED 144Hz | 720p/1080p | 1280×800 LCD | 1080p 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 | Nvidia Tegra X1 | AMD Zen 2 | AMD Z1 Extreme |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB | 16GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB+SD | 32-64GB | 64-512GB | 512GB |
| Weight | ~300-367g | 422g | 669g | 608g |
| VR Capable | Yes (Portal View) | No | No | No |
| OS | Android | Nintendo | SteamOS | Windows |
| Price | $549 | $299-$349 | $399-$649 | $599-$699 |
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- 4K QLED 144Hz display option
- Snapdragon XR2 proven processor
- Lightweight (~300-367g)
- 32 physical buttons
- Wi-Fi 6E high-speed connectivity
- microSD expansion (up to 1TB)
- VR conversion capability (Portal View)
- Android app/game compatibility
- Retro emulation support
- Cloud gaming ready
Limitations
- Portal View VR shell still in development
- Android (not SteamOS/Windows native)
- Smaller game library than Steam Deck
- 8GB RAM (vs 16GB competitors)
- VR experience unproven
- Weight distribution concerns (VR)
- Limited first-party game support
- Emulation-dependent for retro
- Newer ecosystem (less support)
Technical Specifications Summary
| Specification | LCD Model | QLED Model |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.46" 1080p LCD | 5.46" 4K QLED+Mini-LED |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon XR2 | Snapdragon XR2 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 256GB |
| Weight | ~300-367g | ~300-367g (+ battery) |
| Bonus Battery | No | 6000mAh extra |
| VR Capable | Yes (Portal View) | Yes (Portal View) |
| OS | Android | Android |
| Price | $369-$399 | $549 |