Valve Returns to VR With $1,060 Steam Frame Headset

Valve's new Steam Frame VR headset has been unveiled, with preorders beginning soon. The entry-level model, featuring 256GB of SSD storage, is priced at $1,060, with a 1TB version costing $1,300. This marks Valve's return to the VR gaming space after its previous Index headset. The Steam Frame is designed for wireless operation and boasts native game support for over 130 titles certified as "Great on Steam Frame." Additionally, it can stream VR and 2D games from a PC with low latency.

Acquiring the headset requires a specific process: users must add their name to a waitlist, with priority given to those with a prior purchase history on the Steam store. Emails for purchase reservations will be sent starting September 17, with the first headsets shipping shortly after. The Steam Frame operates on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile chipset and 16GB of RAM, utilizing a Linux-based system with Valve's "Fex" emulation technology to run PC games.

The headset supports fully wireless streaming and native ARM64-compatible titles, alongside PC streaming capabilities. Valve highlights "foveated streaming" as a key feature, enhancing bitrate for viewed elements within its 110-degree field of view to optimize the streaming experience. Optional accessories, like an Ergonomic Accessories Kit and a power brick, are available for purchase separately.