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

Somnium Space, the innovative Czech social platform company, has just announced a significant price jump for their high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. This move comes as part of their commitment to maintaining top-tier quality standards.

Last month, Somnium Space revealed some significant changes. They’re narrowing down the options for the Somnium VR1, reducing it to three core variants from several previous ones. With this consolidation, they also hinted at an impending price increase after January 16, 2025, but kept the details under wraps—until now.

As of the latest update, buyers can expect to see a substantial price hike ranging from €500 to €700, though these figures don’t include local taxes:

In a recent blog post, the company elaborated on the reasons for these changes, pointing to the increased costs of production:

"Our dedication to delivering an unparalleled PCVR experience drives these adjustments," they explained. "From high-grade materials to complex designs and stringent quality checks, extra expenses are incurred, including the occasional loss of costly components in our pursuit of excellence. Each VR1 headset aims to be nothing less than a masterpiece, designed to surpass expectations."

Somnium Space initially offered a range of seven consumer versions but has since trimmed it down by eliminating the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions. These changes likely help streamline production expenses.

The now-discontinued Classic Edition was Somnium Space’s entry-level offering, lacking eye-tracking features and priced around €1,900 (~$1,980 USD), with local taxes not included.

The company is also tweaking its delivery schedule. The new timeline for dispatching the Somnium VR1 sets between March and April 2025. They’re working towards a faster turnaround, aiming for just a two-week gap from order to shipment by mid-2025 across most of Europe, the UK, and the US.

For more insights, don’t miss our hands-on review from last July’s Somnium Connect event.

Somnium VR1 Specifications:

• Display: QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD – 2,880 × 2,880 pixel resolution per eye
• Field of View (FOV): 130° horizontally, 105° vertically. It can render up to 140° horizontally, although the exact FOV might vary based on individual facial and eye shapes.
• Refresh Rate: Options at 72 Hz, 90 Hz, with experimental upgrades available to 120 and 144 Hz.
• Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
• Eye Tracking: 120 Hz, uses an open-source algorithm for flexible modifications.
• Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
• IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm

This shift in strategy underlines Somnium Space’s unwavering focus on cultivating a premium user experience, even if it means asking customers to pay a little more for the privilege.