Somnium Space, the imaginative minds behind the Czech-based social platform, recently decided to bump up the price tag on their top-tier PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. With an aim to ensure "the highest quality standards," the company explained that this move was necessary.
Last month, Somnium Space let enthusiasts know they would streamline the number of configurations available for the Somnium VR1. They indicated that come January 16, 2025, prices would go up for the three remaining versions, though they kept mum on the specifics until now.
Today, the firm has spilled the beans on what those new price points will be (before local taxes, of course), revealing a hike of between €500 and €700 from what it used to be:
- Visionary Edition: Equipped with VR and eye-tracking features, the price has moved from €2,499 (around $2,600) to €2,999 (about $3,090).
- Titan Edition: With VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking, the cost shifts from €2,899 (approximately $3,020) to €3,399 (around $3,500).
- Ultimate Edition: Offering VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough, this now commands €4,299 (roughly $4,425), a leap from its former €3,499 (circa $3,659).
Breaking it down in a blog post, the company attributes these adjustments to increased production expenses, stating, "The complex production processes and our steadfast resolve to deliver the ultimate PCVR experience drive additional costs. We use high-grade materials, intricate designs, and stringent quality checks, which occasionally require us to discard pricey components that don’t meet our standards. This dedication to excellence means each VR1 headset is crafted to surpass user expectations."
Initially, the headset was available in seven variants. However, models like the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions have been phased out, likely as a cost optimization measure.
The Classic Edition, previously the entry-level option, was essentially a straightforward PC VR headset without eye-tracking. This model was priced at €1,900 (around $1,980 USD), again excluding local taxes, similar to the aforementioned table.
In terms of shipping, Somnium Space is recalibrating timelines for new Somnium VR1 orders, targeting deliveries during March or April of 2025. However, they are ambitiously working towards reducing shipment times to just a fortnight from order placement by mid-2025, covering most of Europe, the UK, and the US.
Curious to dive deeper into the Somnium VR1? Don’t miss our hands-on insights from last July’s Somnium Connect event.
Here are some key specifications of the Somnium VR1:
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD with a resolution of 2,880 × 2,880 per eye.
- Field of View: 130° horizontally and 105° vertically, capable of rendering up to 140° horizontally depending on individual facial and eye features.
- Refresh Rate: Options of 72 Hz, 90 Hz with potential upgrades to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental versions).
- Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye.
- Eye Tracking: Functioning at 120 Hz, utilizing an open-source algorithm adaptable for different applications.
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
- IPD Range: From 57 to 76 mm.
These updates emphasize Somnium Space’s commitment to pushing the VR envelope, balancing innovation with uncompromised quality.
