Based in China, Play for Dream is making waves with its standalone MR headset, which bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Vision Pro. Although some have labeled it a "Vision Pro copycat," firsthand feedback tells a different story. A former Quest engineer even lauded the headset’s craftsmanship, suggesting there’s more than meets the eye.
At the moment, Play for Dream’s MR headset operates on a custom version of Android. However, the company has expressed its intent to transition to Google’s Android XR platform. Conversations are ongoing, though there’s no specific timeline for when this change might happen. It’s uncertain if the current headset will receive an update post-launch, or if the switch will occur with a future model.
With a hefty price tag of $1,900, the headset is slated for release by month’s end. Realistically, it’s unlikely that Android XR will be in place by then, especially since Google’s own collaboration with Samsung on the Project Moohan headset, the inaugural device expected to feature Android XR, still lacks a launch date.
While Play for Dream is relatively obscure in the US, it holds a firm footing in China. Recent discussions with the company unearthed some intriguing insights into its background.
Founded in 2020 by CEO Huang Feng, Play for Dream has its roots in influential gaming ventures. Huang Feng is also behind Wanyoo Esports, Asia’s largest chain of esports cafés, and Bixin, a major gaming platform in China with over 60 million users.
Joining Feng are Chairman Zong Yuan and CTO Yue Fei. The company boasts a team of over 200 employees and, interestingly, has never sought external investment.
Though many of their headsets have been sold across Asia, Play for Dream is targeting the US XR market with this particular model. Addressing whispers of their device’s likeness to Apple’s Vision Pro, a company spokesperson clarified, "We never aimed to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro. Instead, we took cues from its cutting-edge design while creating a unique Android-based device that mirrors our vision."
Despite notable aesthetic parallels with the Vision Pro, Play for Dream’s device distinguishes itself with support for motion controllers.
The headset first gained momentum through a successful Kickstarter campaign launched in September 2024, raising approximately $300,000 from 215 backers by October. While early backers are already receiving their units, the broader release is expected by the end of March.
Update (March 1st, 2025): An earlier version of this article mistakenly mentioned the headset’s price as $1,200, reflecting its Kickstarter pricing. The corrected current retail price is $1,900.
