Pimax Aims to Take on Steam Frame with New ‘Crystal Pro’ Headset, Priced at $1,400

Get ready to dive into the next level of PC VR streaming with Pimax’s revolutionary new headset, Crystal Pro! This powerhouse of a device is set to take on the likes of Steam Frame with its cutting-edge technology and impressive specs. With a price tag of $1,399, it’s clear that Pimax is targeting serious enthusiasts who want the best possible VR experience.

At the heart of Crystal Pro lies Pimax’s proprietary Native Foveated Streaming tech, which allows for wireless PC VR streaming via Wi-Fi 6E or an optional 60G AirLink kit. This innovative approach enables the GPU to send its native, uncompressed image directly to the panels in the user’s focus area at blistering speeds of up to 6 Gbps and under 2ms of added latency. It’s a game-changer for PC VR streaming, and Pimax is confident that it will outshine even the most demanding Steam Frame experiences.

But Crystal Pro isn’t just about wireless streaming – it also boasts native standalone gameplay capabilities, running OpenXR mobile VR titles and Android applications on its Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 chipset. This means that users can enjoy a seamless experience without the need for a PC or other external device. The headset’s impressive specs include aspheric glass lenses paired with quantum-dot LCD (QLED) display panels at 2,880 x 2,880 pixels per eye (~17 million pixels total), a 110° horizontal field of view, and refresh rates of 72/90/120Hz.

One of the most exciting features of Crystal Pro is its integrated Omnivision eye-tracking with ten infrared emitters per eye, sampling at 120Hz. This allows for dynamic foveated rendering, which means that the headset can adapt to the user’s gaze in real-time, providing an even more immersive experience. With the optional 60G AirLink kit installed, users can also enjoy foveated streaming, further reducing latency and increasing overall performance.

But what about comfort and modularity? Pimax has clearly thought of everything with Crystal Pro’s design. The headset features a rigid backstrap, a magnetically attached facemask and foam interface, adjustable eye relief, three remappable buttons, three microphones, and off-ear speakers – all of which can be swapped out for optional components like DMAS 2.0 earphones.

In addition to Crystal Pro, Pimax also announced its new Ringless VR Controllers, which use hand tracking from the headset’s cameras in conjunction with an infrared-LED and motion-sensor tracking system. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a tracking ring, allowing users to enjoy full 6DOF motion controllers for PC VR as well as a standard wireless gamepad for Windows and Steam.

Lastly, Pimax is launching its Spation mini-PC, a Steam Machine-style device that’s perfect for those who want to take their VR experience to the next level. With specs that include an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, AMD RX 9070 XT or Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti GPU, and 32GB DDR5-6000 memory, Spation is built to handle even the most demanding VR applications.

With Crystal Pro, Pimax is poised to shake up the PC VR market with its innovative technology and impressive specs. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting out in the world of VR, this headset is definitely worth keeping an eye on. And at $1,399, it’s clear that Pimax is targeting serious gamers who want the best possible experience.

As we look to the future of VR/XR, one thing is clear: innovation is happening at a breakneck pace. With companies like Pimax pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we can expect even more exciting developments in the coming months and years. Whether you’re interested in PC VR streaming, native standalone gameplay, or advanced eye-tracking technology, Crystal Pro has something for everyone. Get ready to experience VR like never before – it’s going to be a wild ride!


Source: Road to VR — 2026-10-06

Scroll to Top