Somnium Space, the innovative team behind the social platform from Czechia, recently made waves by announcing a price hike for their high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. According to the company, this decision comes from a need to "maintain the highest quality standards."
Last month, they shared that they would be simplifying the available configurations of the Somnium VR1. They also mentioned that prices for the remaining three versions would increase post-January 16th, 2025, though they didn’t initially disclose the extent of the rise.
The company has now revealed these new prices, excluding local taxes, which show a significant €500 to €700 bump. Here’s the breakdown:
- Visionary Edition: This model includes VR and eye tracking. Previously priced at €2,499 (roughly $2,600), it now costs €2,999 (around $3,090).
- Titan Edition: This variant features VR, eye tracking, and hand tracking. It used to be €2,899 (approximately $3,020) and is now set at €3,399 (about $3,500).
- Ultimate Edition: The most advanced option, incorporating VR, eye tracking, hand tracking, and MR passthrough. Its price has jumped from €3,499 (close to $3,659) to €4,299 (nearly $4,425).
In a blog post, Somnium Space explained that these adjustments stem from increased production costs:
"These changes reflect the complex production processes and our unwavering commitment to delivering the best PCVR experience possible. High-quality materials, intricate designs, and rigorous quality control result in additional production costs, including the inevitable scrap of some expensive components to meet our standards. Our dedication to uncompromising quality ensures that each VR1 headset is a masterpiece, designed to exceed your expectations."
Previously, Somnium Space offered seven consumer variants but has since discontinued models like the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions, likely to cut down on production expenses. The Classic Edition, once their entry-level headset without eye-tracking, was priced at €1,900 (about $1,980), excluding local taxes.
As of now, the company has also adjusted its delivery timelines for the Somnium VR1. New orders are expected to ship between March and April 2025. They’re working towards reducing this delivery timeframe to just two weeks by mid-2025, targeting shipment to most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
For those interested in Somnium VR1, check out our hands-on experience from last July during their annual Somnium Connect event.
Somnium VR1 Specs:
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD, resolution of 2,880 × 2,880 per eye.
- Field of View: 130° horizontal and 105° vertical, with possible rendering up to 140° horizontally, though actual results may vary with different face and eye shapes.
- Refresh Rate: 72 Hz or 90 Hz, upgradeable to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental settings).
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye.
- Eye Tracking: 120 Hz, featuring an open-sourced algorithm available for modifications.
- Connectivity: Includes USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm.
