Somnium Space, stationed in Prague, is making waves as it rolls out its much-anticipated PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1, stateside. In a strategic move, the company is trimming down its lineup to just three consumer-focused versions, hinting at a price hike for the top-tier models on the horizon.
The company has decided to put an end to several of their previous offerings, phasing out editions like the Striker, Classic, Specter, and Translucent. Previously marking the entry point with the Classic Edition at €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), which was notably missing the eye-tracking feature, the baton is now passed to the Visionary Edition. This new baseline model includes eye-tracking and carries a price tag of €2,499 (~$2,600 USD). These numbers, it should be noted, are before local taxes are factored in.
To ease concerns from existing customers, Somnium Space reassures that those who have already placed orders for the discontinued versions will not be left hanging; their purchases will be honored as planned. In fact, owning one will now come with an extra layer of exclusivity.
Explaining their decision, the team shares that focusing on the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions allows them to enhance efficiency and maintain the high quality their users expect. This streamlining is meant to speed up production and delivery, enabling them to hone in on what truly matters for their audience.
As we look ahead, Somnium Space is prepping for price adjustments across its remaining lineup, including the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions. While exact figures are still under wraps, January 16th, 2025, is the date to watch for updates. Until then, current prices stand: €2,499 for the Visionary Edition, €2,899 for the Titan Edition, and €3,499 for the top-tier Ultimate Edition with all the bells and whistles. The Military Edition remains a wildcard, with details yet to be unveiled.
Acknowledging the complexity of producing such advanced headsets, the company stresses its commitment to quality, which inevitably influences pricing revisions. Orders placed now are anticipated for a February to March 2025 delivery window, servicing most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
Looking further into 2025, Somnium has ambitious plans to offer spare parts for the VR1, ranging from optical modules to main boards and electronic components, a strategy to fortify user support and product longevity.
Somnium VR1 Specs:
- Display: QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD with a crisp 2,880 × 2,880 resolution per eye
- Field of View: Offers a broad view of 130° horizontally and 105° vertically, with the potential to push up to 140° depending on user-specific factors like face and eye shape
- Refresh Rate: Options of 72 Hz and 90 Hz, with experimental modes reaching up to 144 Hz
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye, enhancing picture quality detail
- Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz, with an adaptable open-source algorithm
- Connectivity: Equipped with USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: Adjustable from 57 to 76 mm
For those interested in getting a closer look at the Somnium VR1’s capabilities, be sure to check out our comprehensive hands-on review from July 2024.
