Somnium Space Unveils New VR1 Pricing, Setting Entry-Level Headset Above $3,000

Somnium Space, the innovative virtual reality platform company from Czechia, has announced a price increase for its high-performance PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. The company cites the need to "maintain the highest quality standards" as the primary reason for the hike.

Last month, Somnium Space shared plans to streamline their product line by reducing the number of Somnium VR1 configurations available. They also hinted at an impending price increase for the remaining three models, set to take effect after January 16, 2025. However, they didn’t immediately disclose the extent of the price rise.

Recently, detailed pricing information has been released, revealing a significant bump ranging from €500 to €700, depending on the edition (these prices exclude local taxes):

• Visionary Edition: Equipped with VR and eye-tracking, this edition’s price rises from €2,499 (~$2,600) to €2,999 (~$3,090).
• Titan Edition: Featuring VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking, its cost goes from €2,899 (~$3,020) to €3,399 (~$3,500).
• Ultimate Edition: Offering VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough, the price jumps from €3,499 (~$3,659) to €4,299 (~$4,425).

In a recent blog post, Somnium Space attributed the price changes to increased production costs associated with the headset’s advanced manufacturing process. They emphasized their dedication to quality, mentioning that "complex production processes and uncompromised standards" necessitate meticulous quality control and occasionally lead to scrapping expensive components. This rigorous attention to detail ensures that each VR1 headset "is a masterpiece, designed to exceed your expectations."

Originally, the VR1 lineup included seven different consumer variants. However, the company has since withdrawn the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent editions, likely in an effort to curb production expenses. The entry-level Classic Edition, priced at €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), was a more basic offering that lacked features like eye-tracking.

Alongside the price increase, Somnium Space has updated its delivery schedule for new orders, with shipments expected between March and April 2025. They are working towards reducing this delivery timeframe to "just two weeks from order to shipment by mid-2025," covering most of Europe, the UK, and the US.

For an in-depth look at Somnium VR1, be sure to check out our hands-on review from the annual Somnium Connect event held last July.

Somnium VR1 Specifications:

• Display: QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD, offering a resolution of 2,880 x 2,880 per eye
• Field of View: 130° horizontally and 105° vertically; potentially expandable to 140° horizontally, though this can vary based on individual facial and eye structures
• Refresh Rate: Options of 72 Hz and 90 Hz, with potential upgrades to 120 Hz and 144 Hz (experimental)
• Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
• Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz, with an open-source algorithm available for customization
• Connectivity: Equipped with USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack
• IPD Range: From 57 to 76 mm