Pimax Introduces Software Subscription to Offset Costs Amid US-China Trade Tensions

Pimax, a China-based manufacturer known for its innovative PC VR headsets, recently addressed how the ongoing trade conflict between the US and China is influencing their operations. Specifically, their flagship Crystal Super VR headset is becoming pricier for US customers. However, Pimax’s newly introduced subscription payment model is mitigating some of these added expenses.

Unveiled in April 2024, the Crystal Super headset is poised as the company’s premier offering, equipped with a base 57 PPD version that boasts impressive QLED panels. Each eye experiences stunning visuals with a resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels and a 120-degree field of view. While the headset remains in the pre-order phase, shipping is anticipated to commence in the near future.

As of this report, the US has implemented a massive 145% tariff on goods produced in China, a challenging development for VR headset manufacturers, given China’s dominance in manufacturing. Pimax, stationed in Shanghai, is among the first in this sector to announce price adjustments in response to these tariffs.

In a recent blog post, Pimax shed light on how these tariffs impact US customers, noting that the situation is not as dire as one might expect. US buyers who place orders for the Crystal Super before February 4, 2025, can avoid the additional tariff charges, but they should be prepared for a potential shipping delay of roughly 20 days due to bulk shipments headed for US warehouses.

Orders made between February 4 and April 10 will incorporate a $75 ‘Regional Surcharge,’ which Pimax explains is partly to balance the higher shipping and logistical expenses. From April 10 onwards, new US orders will include a $95 surcharge, with shipments starting in June. To better manage these challenges, Pimax is setting up a new facility for final assembly in Delaware.

Despite these changes, the overall price of Crystal Super isn’t really changing drastically. Pimax has revised its pricing strategy, where the shift to a subscription-based payment format plays a crucial role in cushioning tariff-related costs. The initial price for the Crystal Super is now reduced to $799, and customers will pay the remaining $885 later through the Pimax Play with Prime plan, totaling $1,684, excluding the US-specific $95 surcharge.

International customers will see only minor adjustments. Previously, the headset was $999 upfront, with the Prime subscription costing an additional $696, bringing the total to $1,695. Now, local prices reflect the lowered initial payment.

Intriguingly, Pimax continues to offer a 14-day trial period. For non-US customers, this could make the Crystal Super an even more tempting offer, requiring less upfront payment—refunds are available within the trial period, and continued use beyond it requires the Prime subscription.

Pimax uniquely positions itself to balance its expenses via its costly but beneficial subscription model. This is in stark contrast to companies like Meta, which already subsidize hardware in efforts to enhance software appeal. Although Meta hasn’t recently raised prices, remember that the company did increase its Quest 2 headset price from $300 to $400 during the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2022.

We will keep a close eye on how US-China tariffs impact XR hardware in the future, so stay tuned for more updates.