Pimax Adopts Software Subscription Model to Offset Costs Amid US-China Trade War

Pimax, a China-based developer of PC VR headsets, recently opened up about how the US-China trade conflict is affecting its operations, with specific focus on their Crystal Super VR headset. US customers will notice a slight price increase, but Pimax has introduced a subscription-based payment model to help cushion the blow.

The Crystal Super, unveiled in April 2024, is set to be Pimax’s next big thing. This flagship PC VR headset features a base 57 PPD version equipped with QLED panels, offering an impressive resolution of 3,840 x 3,840 pixels for each eye and a 120-degree field-of-view. It’s currently available for pre-order, with the company aiming to start shipping shortly.

The US has imposed a hefty 145% tariff on all Chinese-made products, which isn’t good news for XR headset manufacturers, given China’s dominance in the manufacturing sector. Pimax, headquartered in Shanghai, is one of the first to announce pricing revisions in response to these tariffs.

In a recent blog post, Pimax clarified its stance for US customers in the face of these new tariffs. Surprisingly, the situation is not as challenging as one might assume.

They assured customers that any orders for the Crystal Super placed before February 4th, 2025, will be spared from these additional tariff charges. However, those orders could face a 20-day delay because of bulk shipments being sent to US warehouses.

For orders placed between February 4th and April 10th, Pimax has implemented a $75 “Regional Surcharge,” intended to help cover the growing shipping and logistics costs they’re facing.

From April 10th onwards, new US orders will include a $95 surcharge, with deliveries anticipated to start in June. To streamline things, Pimax is also setting up a factory in Delaware for final assembly.

Overall, the Crystal Super’s pricing hasn’t drastically changed. Pimax’s revised pricing structure—thanks to its subscription-based software approach—actually mitigates some tariff-induced costs. The initial price has dropped to $799, with the remainder of $885 payable through Pimax Play with Prime, totaling $1,684 (excluding the $95 US-only surcharge).

Globally, the price shift is nominal. Previously, the headset cost $999 with a $696 Prime subscription, totaling $1,695. The price has been adjusted to reflect a reduced upfront cost.

Pimax continues to offer a 14-day trial period, which could entice users outside the US. With less initial financial commitment required, the Crystal Super might be more appealing—especially since any upfront payment is refundable if returned within the trial period and Prime subscription is necessary for continued use.

Pimax’s strategy of leveraging its pricey but effective subscription model helps them navigate these cost challenges. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option for platform players like Meta, which already subsidizes hardware to boost software attractiveness.

While Meta hasn’t disclosed any price adjustments, they have a history of raising headset prices, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Quest 2’s price temporarily jumped from $300 to $400 in 2022. We’ll have to see how things unfold.

Stay tuned as we closely monitor the ongoing impact of US-China trade tariffs on XR hardware. More updates will follow soon.