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

Somnium Space, the innovative social platform company hailing from Czechia, decided to raise the prices of its high-end PC VR headset, the Somnium VR1. This move, the company explains, is all about upholding their “highest quality standards.” Just last month, Somnium Space announced it was trimming down its lineup of Somnium VR1 models, leaving only three options available. Along with this update came the news that, starting January 16th, 2025, prices would be going up—though at that time, they didn’t specify by how much.

Well, the updated prices are now out in the open, excluding local taxes, and they’re seeing an increase of between €500 and €700 compared to previous costs. Here’s a closer look:

• Visionary Edition: Featuring VR and eye-tracking, this model was previously priced at €2,499 (roughly $2,600). Now, it’s bumped up to €2,999 (about $3,090).
• Titan Edition: This version includes VR, eye-tracking, and hand-tracking. It jumped from €2,899 (~$3,020) to €3,399 (~$3,500).
• Ultimate Edition: Packed with VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, and MR passthrough, this top-tier option went from €3,499 (~$3,659) to €4,299 (~$4,425).

In a blog post, the company attributed this price increase to escalating production expenses. They elaborated that these changes mirror the intricate production processes involved in crafting these cutting-edge devices. The need for premium materials, complex designs, and stringent quality control all contribute to higher manufacturing costs. There’s also the expense of discarding certain pricy components that don’t make the cut. At Somnium Space, the goal is to make sure each VR1 headset not only stands out but exceeds user expectations.

Initially, the lineup included seven consumer versions. However, they’ve now eliminated the Classic, Striker, Specter, and Translucent Editions, likely as a measure to manage production costs better. The Classic Edition, which served as their entry-level or ‘barebones’ headset lacking eye-tracking, was originally sold for €1,900 (approx. $1,980). Again, these prices didn’t include local taxes.

In addition, Somnium Space announced an updated delivery timeline for new orders of the Somnium VR1, with shipments scheduled between March and April 2025. The company aims to narrow this delivery period to just two weeks from order to shipment by mid-2025, covering most regions across Europe, the UK, and the US.

Those curious about what Somnium VR1 has to offer should definitely check out our hands-on experience from last July’s Somnium Connect event.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Somnium VR1 Specs: The display sports a QLED Mini-LED Fast LCD at 2,880 × 2,880 per-eye resolution. It offers a 130° horizontal and 105° vertical field of view, with the potential to render up to 140° horizontally, influenced by individual facial and eye structure. The refresh rate is adaptable, beginning at 72 Hz and going up to 90 Hz, with further experimental options of 120 Hz and 144 Hz. Each eye benefits from 576 local dimming zones. Eye tracking operates at 120 Hz, with an open-source algorithm ripe for customization, and connectivity is granted via USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 3.5mm audio jack, with an IPD range spanning from 57 to 76 mm.