Somnium Starts U.S. Shipments for VR1 PC VR Headset, Plans Price Increase Soon

In an exciting development, Somnium Space, the innovative company based in Prague, Czechia, has officially kicked off the launch of its Somnium VR1 PC VR headset in the United States. Alongside this launch, they’ve decided to streamline their product lineup, narrowing it down to three main versions aimed at consumers, with a hint that prices for their premium models are set to rise soon.

Somnium Space has made a strategic move to phase out several earlier configurations of the Somnium VR1, such as the Striker Edition, Classic Edition, Specter Edition, and Translucent Edition. The Classic Edition, which previously served as the entry-level model at €1,900 (approximately $1,980 USD) and lacked eye-tracking, has been replaced. Now, the most budget-friendly option is the Visionary Edition, priced at €2,499 (around $2,600 USD) and equipped with eye-tracking technology. It’s important to note that these prices exclude local taxes.

For customers who already purchased models that are being phased out, Somnium Space reassures that their orders are secure and will be fulfilled as expected. The company adds that owning these editions will make the headsets rare and even more unique.

Citing efficiency and quality improvements, the company elaborates on why it’s discontinuing the older editions. This move is intended to help them better focus on delivering the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions more swiftly and with the high standards customers have come to expect.

Additionally, the prices for the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions are anticipated to rise, although the exact figures remain undisclosed. According to Somnium Space, the current prices are locked until January 16th, 2025, when the revised pricing will be announced and take effect.

To provide a snapshot of the existing lineup, here’s the current pricing structure (tax not included):

– Visionary Edition (VR, eye-tracking): €2,499 (~$2,600 USD)
– Titan Edition (VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking): €2,899 (~$3,020 USD)
– Ultimate Edition (VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, MR passthrough): €3,499 (~$3,659 USD)
– Military Edition (VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking, MR passthrough): ???

Acknowledging the complexities involved in their headset production, Somnium Space underscores their commitment to balancing affordability without compromising quality, which is prompting the forthcoming price increases.

Orders placed today are projected for delivery between February and March 2025, covering various regions including most of Europe, the UK, and the US. Looking ahead, Somnium Space intends to offer spare parts for the VR1, catering to components like optical modules, main boards, electronics, cables, and screens.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Somnium VR1 specs:

– Display: QLED Mini-Led Fast LCD with 2,880 × 2,880 pixels per eye
– Field of View: 130° horizontal, 105° vertical, with potential rendering up to 140° horizontally
– Refresh Rate: Standard at 72 Hz, 90 Hz, with options for a 120 and 144 Hz experimental upgrade
– Local Dimming Zones: 576 per eye
– Eye Tracking: 120 Hz, utilizing an open-sourced algorithm
– Connectivity: USB-C, DisplayPort 1.4, 3.5mm audio jack
– IPD Range: 57 to 76 mm

For a more detailed insight into the Somnium VR1, be sure to check out our hands-on review from July 2024, where we share our impressions.