Play For Dream MR: The High-End standalone Headset That Stole the Show at CES 2025
The Play For Dream MR, a high-end standalone headset from China, emerged as the unexpected star of CES 2025. while its hardware and software design draws heavy inspiration from the Apple Vision Pro, this device is far from a mere imitation. packed with cutting-edge technology, including the powerful Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chipset and 4K micro-OLED displays, the Play For Dream MR has set a new benchmark for XR hardware.
A Crossover of Innovation
Described as a crossover between the Vision Pro and Quest Pro, the Play For Dream MR combines the sleek, glossy black exterior of Apple’s design with the practical rear battery of Meta’s Quest Pro. This unique blend ensures a balanced weight distribution, making the headset comfortable for extended use.
During a hands-on demo, the device impressed with its automatic IPD adjustment and edge-to-edge clarity. Streaming Half-Life: Alyx from a gaming PC, the visuals were crisp, vibrant, and free of distortion—even in the periphery.”Textures popped and appeared crisp with colors that were vibrant, giving me a visual experience that was better than any headset I currently own,” shared the tester.
Tracking and Functionality
Both head and controller tracking performed admirably, though minor hiccups were noted, likely due to the crowded CES environment. unfortunately, controller-free hand tracking was disabled during the demo to avoid interference from the bustling show floor. This feature remains a key area for future testing once review units become available.
kickstarter Success and Future plans
The Play For Dream MR was backed on kickstarter by 215 supporters, who collectively raised $291,773. According to Lejong Chua, headsets are expected to ship to backers in March 2025, with retail sales following shortly after at a price point just under $2,000.
Currently, the device runs a custom fork of Android, heavily inspired by apple’s visionOS. However, the company aims to transition to Google’s Android XR via an over-the-air update, pending an agreement with Google.
A Glimpse into the Future
The Play For Dream MR’s mixed reality passthrough and image quality,streamed from a PC,were described as the clearest and sharpest ever seen in a VR headset. While the CES demo showcased its potential, the true test will come when the device is evaluated outside the chaotic trade show environment.
Stay tuned for in-depth coverage once the hardware is available for review.
| Key Features of Play for Dream MR |
|—————————————|
| Chipset | Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 |
| Display | 4K micro-OLED |
| Design | Apple Vision Pro-inspired shell with Quest Pro-style rear battery |
| Price | Just under $2,000 |
| Release | March 2025 (Kickstarter backers) |
the Play For Dream MR is not just another headset—it’s a bold statement in the XR space, blending inspiration with innovation to deliver a truly immersive experience.
