Somnium Space, the innovative company based in Czechia, has announced a price increase for its high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. This decision, they explain, is part of their effort to “maintain the highest quality standards.”
In an update shared last month, the company revealed they will be streamlining the versions of the Somnium VR1 they offer. Starting January 16th, 2025, they’ll also be hiking the prices on the remaining three models. However, specifics on the amount were initially withheld.
Recently, Somnium Space unveiled the new pricing details, which do not include local taxes, and represent a substantial increase ranging from €500 to €700 higher than before:
| Edition | Features | Previous Price (EUR excl. taxes) | USD Equivalent | New Price (EUR excl. taxes) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The company further explained in a blog post that this price rise is due to increased production costs. "These changes reflect the complex production processes and our unwavering commitment to delivering the best PCVR experience possible," they noted, emphasizing that high-quality materials, intricate designs, and rigorous quality control contribute to extra manufacturing expenses, sometimes requiring the disposal of costly components that don’t meet their standards. Their focus on uncompromising quality means each VR1 headset is crafted to exceed expectations.
Previously offering seven different variations, Somnium Space has now cut back its line-up by removing the Classic Edition, Striker Edition, Specter Edition, and Translucent Edition—likely to streamline production costs.
Their previous entry-level offering, the Classic Edition, was a more basic PC VR headset without features like eye-tracking. It used to be available for €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), excluding local taxes.
Additionally, Somnium Space shared updates on its delivery schedule for new Somnium VR1 orders. The new delivery timeframe is set for March-April 2025. However, they aim to reduce this to just two weeks from order to shipment by mid-2025, targeting most of Europe, the UK, and the US as key shipping regions.
For those curious about the Somnium VR1, be sure to check out our hands-on experience from the Somnium Connect event this past July.
Somnium VR1 Specifications
- Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD – 2,880 × 2,880 per eye
- Field of view: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical (capable of up to 140° horizontally, though the actual FOV might slightly vary depending on face and eye shape)
- Refresh rate: Options of 72 Hz, 90 Hz, and upgradeable to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental)
- Local dimming zones: 576 per eye
- Eye tracking: 120 Hz, featuring an open-sourced algorithm that can be modified for varying applications
- Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
- IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm
