Somnium Space, the innovative company hailing from Czechia, is behind the hike in prices for their high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. This decision, they state, is crucial to "maintain the highest quality standards."
Just last month, Somnium Space had already reduced the number of configurations available for the Somnium VR1. Alongside this simplification came the announcement that, starting January 16, 2025, they’d be upping the prices for their three remaining models. At the time, however, they hadn’t disclosed the exact figures.
The company has now released updated pricing information (excluding local taxes): these increases range between €500 and €700 compared to previous prices:
- Visionary Edition: This comes with VR and eye-tracking features. The price used to be €2,499, approximately $2,600, and is now set to climb to €2,999, about $3,090.
- Titan Edition: Equipped with VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking, this edition moves from €2,899 (~$3,020) to €3,399 (~$3,500).
- Ultimate Edition: Featuring VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough, its price rises from €3,499 (~$3,659) to €4,299 (~$4,425).
In a blog post, the company attributes these price hikes to the increasing costs of production. They explain that the changes reflect the intricate production processes necessary to guarantee a top-notch PCVR experience. Premium materials, complex designs, and thorough quality assurance contribute to the extra costs. This includes occasionally discarding pricey components to meet their standards. Their commitment to high quality ensures that each VR1 headset is crafted to surpass expectations.
Initially, the company offered seven consumer variants, but it has since phased out the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions—likely a move aimed at trimming production costs. The Classic Edition, their entry-level model, didn’t feature eye-tracking and was priced at €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), not accounting for local taxes.
Moreover, Somnium Space is adjusting its delivery estimates for new Somnium VR1 orders, now targeting a March–April 2025 window. They aim to reduce the wait time to just two weeks from order to shipment by mid-2025, covering most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
For those interested in getting an in-depth look at the Somnium VR1, check out our hands-on review from the company’s Somnium Connect event held last July.
Somnium VR1 Specifications
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD – providing 2,880 × 2,880 per eye
- Field of View: 130° horizontally, 105° vertically, with the capability to render up to 140° horizontally—though the actual FOV may vary slightly based on individual facial and eye shapes.
- Refresh Rate: Options available for 72 Hz, 90 Hz, with potential upgrades to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental)
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
- Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz with an open-source algorithm that allows for various modifications and uses
- Connectivity: Includes USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: Adjustable between 57 to 76 mm
If you’re keen on this cutting-edge technology, these updates give a glimpse of what to expect as Somnium Space continues to push the boundaries of VR technology.
