SimulaVR, the startup behind its own open-source VR Linux distribution, is working on a VR headset designed to bring the full power of a PC into a standalone format. The company originally planned to launch Kickstarter last month, but recently announced the cancellation of the KickStarter crowdfunding program and the official direct opening of pre-orders.
The company said that after canceling the crowdfunding, by adding the Shopify e-commerce module to the official website, it can save some fees from kickStarter crowdfunding (KickStarter requires a 5% service fee), which is ultimately implemented in the product price, that is, the pricing of each product is reduced by $100. In addition to a $100 reduction per device, it also accepts a half deposit of $1500 to book a headset.
It is important to note that SimulaVR's initial deposits can only be refunded within one week of submission, and they will be non-refundable until the headset is delivered.
At the same time, the official also announced more information:
1. The breakeven target is $2.4 million (excluding marketing expenses), about 892 headsets;
2. At present, there are 4105 subscribers on the official website, that is, potential users;
3. Advantages of opening purchase channels directly on the official website: the pre-sale window period can be up to 4 months, saving marketing costs, and reducing each device by 100 US dollars;
4. New pre-order price (different from the suggested retail price): Simula One is $2699; Simula One premiere limited edition is $4999; Simula One split (for use with PC) version is $1999;
5. Delivery time: It is expected to be shipped no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2022, and the first limited edition is preferred;
6. Early participants in KickStarter will receive 50 $2499 discount places.
It is understood that SimulaVR originally planned to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter last month, which was expected to sell for $2799, and after the event, the retail price could reach up to $3500, and the first person to buy it would be able to snap up a limited number of $2499 headsets. Through the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, SimulaVR hopes to raise $2.5 million.