Portal: Pimax Unveils Part Handheld Gaming Console, Part VR Headset
Even though Pimax still hasn’t announced a release date for the Reality 12K where the Crystal (two very high-end VR headsets), the Chinese manufacturer announces an even more improbable device, the Portal. Currently in Kickstarter fundingthe Portal is a hybrid device, both a portable game console and a VR headset dedicated to gaming. Equipped with a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 1 (like the Pico 4 or the Meta Quest 2), 128 to 256 GB of storage depending on the version and a 4K LCD or QLED/MINILED HDR screen (again two versions available).
The controllers can detach from the screen, like a Switch, or fit into a dedicated accessory to serve as a VR controller. The 8.8-inch 4K panel can in turn be inserted into a VR headset docking station and offer a 4K and 144 Hz display. The headset part incorporates a 6000 mAh battery on the strap at the back, which is therefore added to the 4000 mAh battery under the slab). Here we find the principle of VR Cardboard headsets, but with much more premium components than those of a simple smartphone. The Portal can also be used as a PCVR headset thanks to WiGiG 60Hz wireless connection technology.
To add to the “big technological grub” aspect, the Portal will in future be available in a Social Portal version with a sensor for the face tracking and in a Portal Horizon version with 140° FoV lenses to promote immersion. Pimax says the base Portal console model with 128GB of storage will be available for $300, the 256GB model for $400, and the model with an HDR QLED display for $550, ultra-competitive pricing on the paper. The set with the VR headset accessory will cost $450 for the standard LCD model or $600 for the QLED+Mini LED model. A charging dock for headphones and controllers will also be available. No release date has yet been specified (apart from the year, 2023). Finally, it should be noted that the participatory financing of the Portal has already achieved its objectives, with no less than 269,000 euros collected out of a target of 193,000 euros.
