Somnium Space, known for its innovative social platform in Czechia, has announced a price increase for their high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. The company attributes this decision to a need to uphold "the highest quality standards." About a month ago, they shared their intention to consolidate the Somnium VR1 configurations and, starting January 16, 2025, increase prices across the board for their three remaining configurations, though they didn’t specify the new prices until now.
The updated prices, excluding local taxes, show an increase ranging from €500 to €700 compared to previous rates:
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Visionary Edition: Previously €2,499 (around $2,600) now raised to €2,999 (approximately $3,090), featuring VR and eye-tracking.
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Titan Edition: Previously €2,899 (around $3,020) now increased to €3,399 (about $3,500), includes VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking.
- Ultimate Edition: Formerly €3,499 (around $3,659) now priced at €4,299 (around $4,425), featuring VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough.
In a recent blog post, the company cited the price jump is a result of increased production costs, emphasizing their dedication to quality. They explained that the sophisticated production processes, alongside high-grade materials and meticulous designs, significantly raise expenses. The rigorous quality assurance might even lead to the scrapping of some costly components to maintain their quality standards. Their aim remains to ensure each VR1 headset surpasses user expectations.
Originally, Somnium Space offered seven different consumer models; however, they have discontinued the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions, likely trimming these options as part of cost management. The Classic Edition was the entry-level option, a no-frills PC VR headset lacking eye-tracking, priced at €1,900 (about $1,980). Similar to the other prices mentioned, this too was before taxes.
The company has also updated its delivery schedule for new Somnium VR1 orders, promising a delivery window from March to April 2025. They are determined to trim this time down to only two weeks from order to shipment by mid-2025, covering major areas including Europe, the UK, and the US.
For those curious to delve deeper into what Somnium VR1 has to offer, our detailed hands-on review from the Somnium Connect event last July is a great resource.
Somnium VR1 Specs:
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD with a resolution of 2,880 × 2,880 per eye.
- Field of View: 130° horizontally and 105° vertically. The headset can potentially achieve up to 140° horizontal, though actual measurements might vary slightly depending on the user’s face and eye shape.
- Refresh Rate: Starts at 72 Hz with options to upgrade to 90 Hz, 120 Hz, and even 144 Hz in experimental settings.
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 zones for each eye ensure enhanced display precision.
- Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz and features an open-source algorithm open to user modification.
- Connectivity Options: Includes USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- IPD Range: Adjustable from 57 to 76 mm.
