Pimax Offers VR Trade-In Discounts for Sim Racers

If you’re still running an older VR headset for sim racing, Pimax wants to have a word. They’ve launched an upgrade programme that doesn’t require you to actually send your old kit anywhere – just prove you own it and they’ll knock up to £80 off their Crystal Light or throw in £200 worth of extras with the Crystal Super.

Here’s the thing – we’ve all been there. You’ve got a Reverb G2 that’s done you proud for years, but the narrow sweet spot means you’re constantly adjusting it mid-race. Or perhaps you’re on a Quest 2, dealing with compression artefacts every time you glance at your mirrors. Maybe you’re still clinging to that Valve Index, telling yourself the screen door effect adds to the “vintage racing experience.”

What’s Actually on Offer?

The programme is refreshingly straightforward. Show them proof you own an older headset (receipt, order confirmation, or a photo of the serial number), and they’ll send you a discount code within a couple of days. No boxing up your old headset, no shipping faff, just upload and wait.

Crystal Light Discounts

Valve Index or Varjo Aero owners: £80 off (brings it to £519)
HP Reverb G2 or Quest Pro: £60 off (£539)
Quest 2/3, Rift S, Vive Pro: £40 off (£559)

Crystal Super Bonuses

Instead of cash off, Crystal Super buyers get:

DMAS premium audio speakers (£75 value)
HonsVR prescription lens inserts (£125 value)
Total bundle value: £200

Why Sim Racers Are Making the Switch

Let’s be honest about what’s driving these upgrades. The Reverb G2’s narrow sweet spot becomes properly annoying when you’re trying to check your delta whilst hitting Eau Rouge flat. Quest users are tired of compression artefacts making brake markers look like abstract art. And Index owners? Well, that screen door effect was charming in 2019, but five years on, it’s just… there.

The Crystal Light offers 2880×2880 per eye resolution (that’s nearly double the Index) with local dimming for proper blacks. No more grey nights at Le Mans. The Crystal Super takes it further with swappable optics up to 57 PPD – essentially retina-level clarity for spotting those late brakers.

Current Pimax VR Lineup

Here’s what’s available in their ecosystem right now:

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The Process is Actually Simple

Visit the upgrade page
Upload proof of ownership (they accept receipts, order confirmations, or serial number photos)
Wait 1-2 business days for verification
Get your unique discount code via email
Order before December 31, 2025

What I appreciate here is there’s no pretence about this being an environmental programme where they’ll “responsibly recycle” your old headset. You keep your old kit – maybe for a mate to try VR, or as a backup. They just want to lower the barrier to entry for their premium headsets.

Who Should Actually Consider This

Definitely worth it if you’re:

A Reverb G2 owner frustrated with the sweet spot
Running a Quest via Link/Air Link and tired of compression
Still on an Index and ready for modern resolution
Someone who races in VR for 2+ hour stints

Maybe skip if you’re:

Happy with your current setup (if it ain’t broke…)
Mainly racing in 2D with occasional VR sessions
Waiting to see what happens with PSVR2 PC compatibility

The Reality Check

Look, Pimax headsets aren’t plug-and-play like a Quest 3. They require a proper PC (think RTX 4070 minimum for the Crystal Light), some patience with setup, and potentially some troubleshooting. But if you’re serious about sim racing and already have the hardware to push it, the visual upgrade is substantial.

The prescription lens inserts with the Crystal Super are particularly clever – that’s a £125 add-on most glasses wearers end up buying anyway. Combined with the DMAS speakers, you’re getting accessories that actually matter for long racing sessions.

Just remember, these are enthusiast-grade headsets. If you’re the type who enjoys tweaking FFB settings for hours to get them just right, you’ll probably love the Pimax experience. If you want something that just works out of the box, maybe stick with mainstream options.

The offer runs until the end of 2025, so there’s no massive rush. But if you’ve been on the fence about upgrading from older kit, this at least makes the maths a bit more favourable.

Check your eligibility here