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

Pimax, a China-based PC VR headset manufacturer, has recently opened up about how the US-China trade tensions are affecting its operations, particularly with its latest Crystal Super VR headset. While U.S. customers might find prices a tad higher, Pimax’s new subscription-based payment plan appears to ease the overall financial burden.

Launched in April 2024, the Crystal Super is positioned as Pimax’s cutting-edge PC VR headset. Boasting a base 57 PPD version equipped with stunning QLED panels, it delivers a high resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels per eye and a wide 120-degree field of view. Although still in the pre-order phase, it seems shipments will kick off soon.

Currently, the US has imposed a hefty 145% tariff on all products made in China. This is particularly challenging for creators of XR headsets, given China’s dominance in manufacturing. Pimax, headquartered in Shanghai, is among the first to announce adjustments to its pricing in the face of these tariffs.

Pimax has shared a blog post explaining the situation for U.S.-based customers amid the new tariffs. Surprisingly, the news isn’t as grim as one might expect.

The company assures that all US orders of the Crystal Super placed before February 4th, 2025, won’t incur these additional tariff costs. However, they do mention a potential delay of about 20 days due to bulk shipments heading to U.S. warehouses.

For orders placed between February 4th and April 10th, a $75 ‘Regional Surcharge’ will be added, which Pimax states will help cover increased shipping and logistics expenses.

From April 10th onwards, new orders in the US will include a $95 surcharge, with shipments slated to start in June. Interestingly, Pimax is also setting up a factory in Delaware to facilitate final assembly.

Despite these changes, the overall cost of the Crystal Super isn’t shooting up drastically. Pimax has modified its pricing strategy, and while the subscription-based pricing might seem complex, it actually helps mitigate the effects of the tariffs.

Currently, the introductory price for the Pimax Crystal Super is set at $799, with the balance of $885 payable later through Pimax Play with Prime, bringing the total to $1,684 (excluding the US-specific $95 surcharge).

For international customers, the changes are nominal. Previously, the Crystal Super was listed at $999, with the Prime subscription amounting to $696, totaling $1,695. Now, local pricing reflects a lower initial cost.

Pimax continues to offer a 14-day trial period. For overseas customers, this offer makes the Crystal Super even more appealing, as it involves a smaller upfront payment, fully refundable if returned within the trial period, assuming Prime is used afterward.

Thus, Pimax finds itself in a unique position to adjust its costs thanks to its premium yet highly functional subscription model. Unlike them, companies like Meta, which already subsidize hardware to boost software sales, may not have this flexibility.

Meta hasn’t made announcements regarding price increases yet, but they have adjusted headset prices before. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Quest 2’s price temporarily jumped from $300 to $400 in 2022, so it’s a waiting game for any future changes from their side.

We’ll be closely monitoring the impact of US-China trade tariffs on XR hardware. Stay tuned for the latest updates.