Somnium Space, a company based in Czechia, has decided to increase the prices of its high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. The company explained that this decision was made to uphold the "highest quality standards" of its product.
In an announcement last month, Somnium Space shared that they were simplifying the available configurations of their Somnium VR1. Alongside this move, they also mentioned their plans to raise the prices of the three remaining variants starting January 16, 2025. However, at that time, they didn’t specify the exact amount of the increase.
Now, Somnium Space has provided the new pricing details, excluding local taxes. The prices have gone up by €500 to €700 from previous levels:
- Visionary Edition: Was €2,499 (~$2,600), now €2,999 (~$3,090). This model includes VR and eye-tracking capabilities.
- Titan Edition: Was €2,899 (~$3,020), now €3,399 (~$3,500). This model boasts VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking features.
- Ultimate Edition: Was €3,499 (~$3,659), now €4,299 (~$4,425). This version offers VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough.
In a blog post, the company attributed the price increase to higher production costs. They stated, "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."
Originally, Somnium Space offered seven different variants but has now discontinued the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions, likely aiming to reduce production costs.
Previously, the Classic Edition was their entry-level model, offering a basic PC VR headset without eye-tracking, priced at €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), also excluding local taxes.
Additionally, Somnium Space has adjusted the delivery schedule for new orders of the Somnium VR1. The expected delivery window is now set for March to April 2025. The company is working to shorten the time from order to shipment to just two weeks by mid-2025, covering most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
If you’re interested in a more in-depth look at the Somnium VR1, check out our hands-on experience from last July’s Somnium Connect event.
Somnium VR1 Specs
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD – 2,880 × 2,880 per-eye
- Field of view: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical, with potential to render up to 140° horizontally depending on user-specific factors.
- Refresh rate: 72 Hz, 90 Hz, with upgradeable options to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental)
- Local dimming zones: 576 per eye
- Eye tracking: 120 Hz, with an open-source algorithm for customization
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm
