With its latest updates to the PC VR headset lineup, Pimax has introduced a new financing plan for the Crystal Super and Crystal Light models aimed at making them more affordable. However, this change in pricing comes with a twist in the payment structure and returns policy that might catch some users off guard.
The Crystal Super, initially announced in April, is anticipated to be Pimax’s groundbreaking flagship PC VR headset. It boasts a base model offering a jaw-dropping resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye using QLED panels, promising an expansive 120-degree field-of-view coupled with glass aspheric lenses, which reportedly allow 99% light transmission.
Furthermore, the Crystal Super includes features like eye-tracking, dynamic foveated rendering, inside-out tracking, and replaceable optical engines, all encased in a more ergonomic design. It’s a dream come true for VR sim enthusiasts equipped with high-end GPUs, as this headset is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2025.
Adding to its appeal, additional optical engines will soon be available. A micro-OLED engine priced at $699 and a 50 PPD QLED engine with a 135-degree FOV at $399 are set to go on pre-order early next year.
Along with launching pre-orders for the Crystal Super, Pimax has also overhauled its pricing model for both the Crystal Super and the already released Crystal Light. Although this offers reductions in base costs, it comes with a controversial shake-up of payment methods and the return policy.
For those trying to make sense of Pimax’s somewhat complex video announcements, what this means for the consumer is worth a deeper dive.
At first glance, the sticker price for the Crystal Super drops from $1,800 to $1,695 and the Crystal Light goes from $899 to $858. Both packages include controllers, but as is often the case with Pimax, there’s more to consider.
A mandatory financing and membership program called ‘Pimax Prime’ allows buyers to pay $999 upfront for the Crystal Super and $599 for the Crystal Light. While seemingly beneficial, it’s crucial to note that this program, similar to the Trial Payment option introduced in May for the Crystal Light, comes with conditions.
After a trial period, customers must choose between two payment plans to continue using the headset’s software or send the headset back for a refund. For the Crystal Super, you either make a one-time payment of $696 or select a two-year plan at $33 per month, totaling $792. Crystal Light users face a $259 one-time payment or $12 per month over two years, totaling $288. Missing a monthly payment leads to suspended software access.
Once Prime payments are completed, you’ll enjoy free access to Pimax Play software for your headset. This sounds appealing if everything goes smoothly, allowing either satisfaction with your purchase or a refund within the trial period.
Pimax Prime is enticing users with benefits like early software feature access, member-exclusive events, and priority technical support. Nevertheless, the revised payment plan also reshapes refunds, restricting flexibility despite lower prices overall.
Where previously, under the Trial Payment scheme, Crystal Light allowed returns within 15 days, that window has now narrowed to 10 days, putting more pressure on buyers to commit to a payment plan once the trial ends.
In the U.S., where federal consumer protection laws aren’t as strict, this change could be significant, contrasting with EU and UK policies that allow for a 14-day return period for any physical product, alongside two years of protection against defective goods.
This shift introduces complications. As pointed out by Reddit user ‘TotalWarspammer’, outside the 10-day trial, the Prime subscription becomes non-refundable, barring company discretion. Basically, you’re tied to Pimax’s decisions if you reconsider past day 10, complicating refund processes, which would include the Prime subscription.
It’s also notable that Pimax’s limited one-year warranty excludes any software, whether developed by Pimax or a third party, meant for use with the product.
The effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen. While it might overshadow otherwise promising hardware, those curious about Pimax’s VR options now have a chance to explore them with minimal risk. However, the idea of having to pay extra for middleware that traditionally comes included might not sit well with everyone.
Pimax indicates that the Prime membership isn’t limited to just the Crystal Light and Crystal Super; it’s poised to expand to future headsets too. How the community responds to this strategy will determine if Pimax’s approach is a sustainable one.
_Update (November 26, 2024): Contrary to an earlier statement in the FAQs, the Pimax Prime is refundable within the 10-day trial, or at Pimax’s discretion afterward. According to Jaap Grolleman, Director of Overseas Marketing Operations, both the base price and Prime would be refunded if returned within the return window._
