Somnium VR 1: The premium PC VR headset is about to get more expensive
Four editions of the new high-end PC VR headset Somnium VR 1 are still available and will soon become more expensive.
Somnium Space provides an update on the current situation and an outlook for the coming year.
As a reminder, sales of the Somnium VR1 started in the summer and the first five batches were delivered to customers in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Finland and many other European countries in 2024.
There have been delays in delivery and customers still have to wait: Those who order today will not receive their orders until February or even March, the company writes. In the US, Somnium Space has received FCC approval and deliveries to US customers will begin in January.
The following editions will no longer be offered
The company offered eight editions of the Somnium VR1 when it launched. In the future, only four will be offered:
Somnium VR1 - Classic Edition | VR only - 1,900 eurosSomnium VR1 - Striker Edition | VR & hand tracking - 2,300 euros- Somnium VR1 - Visionary Edition | VR & eye-tracking - 2,500 euros
- Somnium VR1 - Titan Edition | VR, eye-tracking & hand-tracking - 2,900 euros
Somnium VR1 - Specter Edition | VR, hand tracking & passthrough - 3,100 euros- Somnium VR1 - Ultimate Edition | VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking & passthrough - 3,500 euros
Somnium VR1 - Translucent Limited Edition | Ultimate Edition with a transparent look - 3,900 euros- Somnium VR1 - Military Edition | VR, eye-tracking, hand-tracking & passthrough (TAA-compliant) - price unknown
Somnium Space says that the Visionary, Titan and Ultimate editions have proven to be by far the most popular and sought after editions and will continue to be offered.
"To better align with this demand and optimize our production process, we’ve made the decision to discontinue other variants of the VR1 lineup, including the Striker Edition, Classic Edition, Specter Edition, and Translucent Edition. For those who have already purchased these discontinued editions — don’t worry, your orders are safe, and you will receive them as planned. In fact, owning one of these variants will make your headset even more exclusive and unique," the company writes.
The prices are going up
Prices for these devices will also be increased soon. "The production process for these headsets has turned out to be far more complex than initially anticipated. As a result, we will be increasing prices for the Visionary, Ultimate, and Titan Editions," Somnium Space writes. The new prices will be announced on the same day the price increase goes into effect: January 16, 2025.
The company plans to start selling spare parts and modules later this year. The Somnium VR1 was originally planned as a modular, open-source headset for tinkerers, and the company plans to stay true to those plans. The plan is to sell optical modules, motherboards, electronics, cables, displays and more.
Interested in VR and AR? Then follow us on Facebook or X or share your experience in the comments. For feedback, topic suggestions, or other ideas, please email us at hello@mixed-news.com.
Note: Links to online stores in articles can be so-called affiliate links. If you buy through this link, MIXED receives a commission from the provider. For you the price does not change.
