Pimax Alters Payment System to Lower Flagship Costs, Reduces Refund Options

Following notable upgrades to its PC VR headset range, Pimax has unveiled a fresh financing option aimed at making the Crystal Super and Crystal Light models more accessible. However, this new plan also brings changes to the payment system and returns policy that might not sit well with everyone.

Originally announced in April, the Crystal Super is poised to lead as Pimax’s next flagship PC VR headset. It sports an impressive 57 PPD with QLED panels offering a remarkable resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye. Additionally, it features a 120-degree field-of-view and glass aspheric lenses touted for 99% light transmission.

Adding to this mix, the Crystal Super comes with eye-tracking, dynamic foveated rendering, inside-out tracking, and interchangeable optical engines. Its revamped design promises better ergonomics. Primarily aimed at VR simulation enthusiasts equipped with high-end GPUs, these headsets are set to fulfill many a VR aficionado’s wishlist when they debut in Q1 2025.

As if that weren’t enticing enough, there’s more. Pimax plans to introduce additional optical engines, including a $699 micro-OLED engine and a $399 50 PPD QLED engine with a 135-degree FOV. Pre-orders for these add-ons are anticipated early next year.

With the launch of Crystal Super pre-orders, Pimax hasn’t just tweaked the features but also overhauled the pricing for both Crystal Super and the previously released Crystal Light. While the overall cost has been trimmed, the adjustments to the payment and returns policies may stir some controversy.

Now, digging deeper beyond their customary elaborate video presentations, here’s what these changes spell for consumers.

On the surface, Crystal Super’s base price has been reduced from $1,800 to $1,695, while Crystal Light drops from $899 to $858. Each package comes with controllers, though there’s always more than meets the eye with Pimax.

Enter ‘Pimax Prime,’ a mandatory financing and membership program enabling buyers to get the Crystal Super for $999 upfront and the Crystal Light for $599 upfront. Much like the Trial Payment scheme for Crystal Light introduced in May, a trial period lets users assess if the purchase is a fit. Concluding the trial, one must either commit to one of two payment plans to maintain software access or return the headset for a full refund.

When it comes to Crystal Super, you can opt for a one-time payment of $696, or pay $33 monthly over two years ($792 total) for Pimax Play access. For Crystal Light, it’s a $259 one-time fee, or $12 monthly over two years ($288 total). Missing payments during this plan results in suspended software access.

Once the Prime payments are completed, Pimax Play access becomes free for the specific headset in question. This could be promising news if everything goes smoothly and you’re content with your purchase—or decide to return it within the trial period for a refund.

Pimax Prime also promises early software feature access, exclusive event invites, and priority technical support. Nonetheless, tying refunds to this new plan does limit flexibility compared to previous policies, even with lower pricing.

Previously, the Trial Payment scheme allowed a 15-day no-damage return period for Crystal Light, and 30 days for transit damage. Now, it’s a 10-day return for all conditions, locking customers into a payment plan once the trial ends.

While return policies vary in the U.S., lacking federal consumer protection laws, the EU and UK allow undamaged product returns within 14 days and offer two years for faulty goods, excluding user mishaps or wear-and-tear.

The concern is the inflexibility after the 10-day window, as highlighted by a Reddit commentator, meaning refunds become discretionary. Even opting for the one-time payment during the trial leaves it to Pimax to decide on full refund eligibility including the Prime membership.

Interestingly, the 12-month limited warranty doesn’t cover any software, a point worth noting.

While it remains to be seen if this strategic move is a misstep or a calculated risk for Pimax, its potential to overshadow quality hardware is real. On the other hand, it may offer just enough time for users to evaluate and potentially return a headset. Yet, paying for essential middleware access could feel off for some, regardless of the rationale.

The Prime program is set to expand beyond Crystal Light and Crystal Super, intending to include future headsets. It’s a wait-and-see scenario to gauge the community’s reaction and judge if this approach sticks around.

Update: Initially stated as non-refundable beyond the 10-day period, new information clarifies that Pimax Prime is refundable within this timeframe or at the company’s discretion afterward, as noted by a marketing executive. We’ve adjusted the article to reflect this alongside details about the limited warranty.