Somnium Launches VR1 PC VR Headset in the US, Reveals Upcoming Price Increase

Somnium Space, based in Prague, Czechia, has taken a significant step by bringing its Somnium VR1 headset to the PC VR market in the United States. In the same breath, the company revealed that it is narrowing down the variety of its offerings to just three consumer-focused models and hinted at an upcoming price increase for their more advanced devices.

The company has decided to phase out several previously available versions of the Somnium VR1, including what were known as the Striker, Classic, Specter, and Translucent Editions. Among these, the Classic Edition was the most affordable, initially set at €1,900 (approximately $1,980 USD) without eye-tracking capabilities. Now, if you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, the Visionary Edition, which comes equipped with eye-tracking, is available at €2,499 (around $2,600 USD). Remember, local taxes aren’t included in these prices.

“For those who have already placed orders for the now-discontinued editions, rest assured—your headsets are on their way, and they will be as exclusive and unique as ever,” the company assured in a recent statement. By reducing the number of editions, Somnium Space aims to enhance efficiency and maintain their high standards of quality, focusing on their Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions.

Amidst this restructuring, the company is also planning a price hike for its Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions, though the new pricing details are still under wraps. However, they’ve set a deadline: current prices will linger up to January 15th, 2025, with new rates becoming effective the next day.

As of now, the pricing for the headsets, minus tax, is as follows:
– Visionary Edition: €2,499 (~$2,600 USD)
– Titan Edition: €2,899 (~$3,020 USD)
– Ultimate Edition: €3,499 (~$3,659 USD)
– Military Edition: Specs not fully detailed yet.

“While we are committed to keeping costs as low as possible, ensuring top-notch quality remains our priority. The production complexities have been more challenging than we anticipated, thus necessitating a price increase for the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan models,” the company explained.

According to Somnium Space, any orders made now should arrive between February and March 2025, with shipping available to much of Europe, the UK, and the US. Looking ahead, they also plan to offer spare parts for the Somnium VR1, including components like optical modules, main boards, and other electronics.

For those craving more technical specs on Somnium VR1, here’s a quick breakdown:
– Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD – 2,880 × 2,880 resolution per eye
– Field of View: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical; potential to render up to 140° horizontally
– Refresh Rate: 72 Hz and 90 Hz, with potential upgrades to 120 and 144 Hz (experimental)
– Local Dimming: 576 zones per eye
– Eye Tracking: 120 Hz, open-source algorithm
– Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
– IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm

Curious for more insights into how the Somnium VR1 performs? Dive into our hands-on review from July 2024 to get our detailed opinions!