Somnium Space, the tech innovators out of Czechia, have recently announced a price increase for their high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. This move, according to the company, is to ensure that they continue to uphold their “highest quality standards.”
Last month, Somnium Space revealed they were cutting down their range of VR headsets. Initially, they didn’t specify by how much prices would rise, but they did say these changes would kick in after January 16th, 2025. Now, they’ve shared the updated pricing, excluding local taxes, showing increases ranging between €500 and €700 across their models:
| Edition | Features | Previous Price (EUR excl. taxes) | USD | New Price (EUR excl. taxes) | USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visionary Edition | VR, eye-tracking | €2,499 | ~$2,600 | €2,999 | ~$3,090 |
| Titan Edition | VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking | €2,899 | ~$3,020 | €3,399 | ~$3,500 |
| Ultimate Edition | VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, MR passthrough | €3,499 | ~$3,659 | €4,299 | ~$4,425 |
Somnium attributes this price hike to increased production costs. In their blog post, they explain, “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.”
Once featuring seven different models, Somnium has now trimmed down its offerings, removing the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions, likely to manage production expenses more effectively.
For anyone keeping track, the Classic Edition was Somnium’s entry-level headset, missing features like eye-tracking, and retailed at €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), not including taxes.
On top of the price announcement, Somnium Space shared updates on their delivery schedule. New orders for the Somnium VR1 are expected to ship between March and April 2025. The aim, they say, is to get this timeline down to two weeks by mid-2025, covering shipments across most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
Curious about how it performs? Catch our hands-on experience from the last Somnium Connect event to see the VR1 in action.
Somnium VR1 Specifications:
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD, 2,880 x 2,880 per eye
- Field of View: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical. The VR1 can render up to 140° horizontally, though it might slightly vary based on individual facial and eye structure.
- Refresh Rate: Options for 72 Hz, 90 Hz, and upgradeable to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental).
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye.
- Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz with an open-sourced algorithm adaptable for any use case.
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack.
- IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm.
This strategically streamlined approach and commitment to quality reflect Somnium Space’s ambition to lead in the VR industry while maintaining high standards in every unit they produce.
