In a bid to make their PC VR headsets more wallet-friendly, Pimax has not only rolled out updates to their lineup but also unveiled an intriguing financing strategy for the Crystal Super and Crystal Light models. However, some changes to the payment and return policies might leave potential buyers with raised eyebrows.
First off, let’s revisit the specs that have the VR chatter buzzing. The Crystal Super, Pimax’s long-touted flagship headset from its announcement in April, is packed with jaw-dropping features — 57 PPD base offering via QLED panels, a mind-blowing 3,840 x 3,840 resolution per eye, a broad 120-degree field of view, and glass aspheric lenses that promise 99% light transmission.
But this isn’t just a numbers game. With support for eye-tracking, dynamic foveated rendering, and inside-out tracking, it’s clearly designed with VR enthusiasts—particularly simmers with beefy GPUs—in mind. The ability to swap out optical engines and its sleeker, more comfortable form factor are just the cherries on top when it launches in Q1 2025.
Additional goodies are on the horizon too, like a micro-OLED engine priced at $699 and a higher FOV 50 PPD QLED engine for $399, with pre-orders beginning early next year.
Pimax is also shaking up its pricing structure for the Crystal Super and the already available Crystal Light with reduced base prices. Yet, there’s a twist. A new mandatory program dubbed ‘Pimax Prime’ allows buyers to snag the Crystal Super for $999 upfront (down from an original $1,800) and the Crystal Light for $599 (down from $899). Both prices include controllers, yet the path isn’t without its twists.
Like the Trial Payment scheme from May, this new buyer journey involves a trial period where you get to test the waters. If the headset doesn’t float your boat, you can opt for a full refund. But if you decide to keep it, there are two payment options: With the Crystal Super, that’s either a single payment of $696 or a two-year plan at $33 a month. Crystal Light owners face a $259 single payment, or $12 monthly over the same period. Missing a payment? Expect the Pimax Play software to take a nap.
Successfully navigating this financial labyrinth nets you free, perpetual access to Pimax Play for that headset. But here’s the rub—the full refund policy after the trial period leaves little room for error or change of heart beyond those initial days.
Pimax sweetens the pot with extra perks for Prime members, like early software access, special event invites, and priority tech support. Despite the enticing extras, there’s a catch—return flexibility reduces, with just a 10-day window now, down from 15, or 30 if damage occurs during shipment.
The lack of stronger consumer protection in the U.S. is stark beside the EU and UK’s broader return rights, possibly placing U.S. consumers at a disadvantage. ‘TotalWarspammer’, a Reddit user, noted that the policy seems inflexible after 10 days. Pimax could allow returns at their discretion but after signing up for a one-time payment, getting a refund gets sticky.
That brings us to the warranty mishap—Pimax’s 12-month limited warranty excludes all software, third-party or otherwise.
In light of these changes, it’s unclear if this move will be a boon for Pimax or risk overshadowing the allure of their headsets, which remain excellent in their niche. Perhaps the strategy works for you, giving that vital trial period, but customers might balk at paying for what should arguably be freeware.
Pimax’s announcement isn’t contained to just these two headsets—Prime is set to extend to future models too. We’ll have to watch how customers and the market respond to this novel approach.
An update as of November 26, 2024: Initial information suggested the non-refundability of Prime subscriptions, but it’s clarified that within the 10-day trial, or sometimes beyond at Pimax’s discretion, refunds cover both the headset and Prime subscription. Jaap Grolleman, Director of Overseas Marketing Operations, assures that returns within the stipulated time will indeed trigger full refunds.
