Somnium Launches VR1 PC Headset in the US, Plans Price Increase

Based in Prague, Somnium Space has made a splash in the US with the rollout of its Somnium VR1 headset. This company has decided to simplify its offerings, narrowing it down to just three versions aimed at consumers. However, for those interested in their premium models, it’s time to act fast as prices are set to rise in the near future.

Gone are the Striker, Classic, Specter, and Translucent Editions – all retired as Somnium moves forward with a more streamlined approach. The Classic Edition, which was the most affordable option at €1,900 (around $1,980 USD) and lacked eye-tracking capabilities, isn’t available anymore. In its place, the Visionary Edition steps in as the new entry-level version, priced at €2,499 (approximately $2,600 USD) and featuring eye-tracking. Keep in mind these prices exclude local taxes.

If you’ve already placed an order for one of the phased-out models, don’t fret. Somnium Space assures that your purchase is secure, and states that owning one of these now-discontinued variants lends a touch of exclusivity and uniqueness to your headset.

The reasoning behind this move is straightforward: streamlining means the company can focus on swiftly delivering the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions, all while ensuring top-notch quality.

With prices on the rise for their Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions, the company is keeping the old rates until January 16th, 2025. After that, the revised pricing will kick in. Exactly what these new prices will be remains to be seen.

As of now, here’s how pricing breaks down (again, tax-exclusive):

– Visionary Edition (VR with eye-tracking): €2,499 (~$2,600 USD)
– Titan Edition (VR with eye-tracking and hand-tracking): €2,899 (~$3,020 USD)
– Ultimate Edition (VR with eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough): €3,499 (~$3,659 USD)
– Military Edition details are still under wraps

“We aim to keep Somnium VR1 as affordable as we can without sacrificing quality,” the company explained. “The production complexity for these headsets exceeded our initial expectations, hence the decision to adjust prices.”

If you’re ordering anytime soon, expect your headset to arrive between February and March 2025, with available shipping to most parts of Europe, the UK, and the US.

Looking to the future, Somnium Space plans on expanding its offerings to include spare parts for the VR1, from optical modules and mainboards to various electronics and screens.

Now, let’s delve into what makes the Somnium VR1 tick:

– Display: 2,880 × 2,880 per-eye QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD
– Field of View: 130° horizontal and 105° vertical, with potential for up to 140° horizontally, subject to individual face and eye shapes
– Refresh Rate: Base of 72 Hz and 90 Hz, potentially upgradeable to 120 and 144 Hz with experimental settings
– Local Dimming Zones: 576 for each eye
– Eye Tracking: Operates at 120 Hz, utilizing an open-sourced, modifiable algorithm
– Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
– IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm

For those hungry for a more detailed dive into the Somnium VR1, our hands-on experience from July 2024 is worth a look – it’s packed with insights and first impressions.