Somnium Space, the innovative company based in Czechia known for its social platform, has stirred up the VR landscape by upping the price of its high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. This hike, as the company explains, is all about upholding their renowned quality standards.
Just last month, Somnium Space made some strategic moves by cutting down the variants of the Somnium VR1 they offer. They also announced that price increases were on the horizon for the three remaining models, effective after January 16th, 2025, though they kept everyone guessing on the specific numbers—until now.
The new pricing, revealed without accounting for local taxes, shows a noteworthy increase of €500 to €700, depending on the model:
- Visionary Edition: This version now costs €2,999 (approximately $3,090), up from €2,499 (~$2,600).
- Titan Edition: Moving to €3,399 (around $3,500), an increase from the previous €2,899 (~$3,020).
- Ultimate Edition: Priced at €4,299 (~$4,425), rising from €3,499 (~$3,659).
In a recent blog post, Somnium Space attributed this price surge to rising production costs. They emphasized that the intricate manufacturing process, choice of premium materials, and strict quality controls are pricey undertakings. The company is uncompromising in ensuring its VR1 headset exceeds customer expectations, even if it means scrapping costly components to meet their high standards.
Once, the Somnium VR1 was available in seven different consumer options. However, now we see a streamlined offering with the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions being phased out. This move likely aims to cut production costs too.
The Classic Edition was initially introduced as a more affordable ‘barebones’ version sans eye-tracking, priced at €1,900 (about $1,980 USD). Just like the current prices, these figures did not include regional taxes.
On the logistics front, Somnium Space is now revising its delivery schedule for new VR1 orders, projecting shipments to begin between March and April 2025. The team is striving to shorten the wait to roughly two weeks from order to shipment by mid-2025, covering most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
For those intrigued by the Somnium VR1’s potential, the hands-on review from their annual Somnium Connect event last July is worth a read.
Somnium VR1 Specifications
- Display: QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD with 2,880 × 2,880 pixels per eye
- Field of View: 130° horizontally and 105° vertically; can render up to 140° horizontally but may vary based on user-specific face and eye shapes.
- Refresh Rate: Options at 72 Hz and 90 Hz, with upgrades available up to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental).
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
- Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz using an open-source algorithm adaptable for various applications.
- Connectivity: Includes USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: Adjustable from 57 to 76 mm
Whether you’re a VR enthusiast or someone curious about cutting-edge tech, the Somnium VR1 represents a significant step in the evolution of virtual reality experiences.
