What you need to know
- Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, while the 1TB model jumps to $1,299.
- Android games are supported, giving the headset access to existing Android APKs without requiring completely separate ports.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + 16GB RAM powers the headset, with SteamOS handling native games and compatibility layers.
Valve has finally put a price tag on the Steam Frame, its new wireless VR headset that aims to blur the line between a standalone gaming device and a PC accessory. The catch? It won’t be as simple as clicking “buy” to get one.
The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, with the 1TB model costing $1,299. Each headset has tracked controllers, and Valve is bundling Half-Life: Alyx with the device, the company announced. It can play supported games locally or stream more demanding titles from a PC.
It’ll also support Android games, with developers using the same Android APKs they already use to bring mobile titles to the Meta Quest. This could give the Frame access to a much larger game library without developers needing to build entirely separate versions for Valve’s headset.
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The Frame also supports wireless PC streaming with the 6GHz dongle that Valve bundles in.
Under the hood, the Frame is packed with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, with native software and compatibility layers handled by SteamOS.
The storage options are also worth a closer look. You can upgrade from 256GB to 1TB for $240, but the Frame also has a microSD slot. So if your main game stream is from a PC, there may be little reason to pay extra for the bigger model.
Valve had originally said it wanted the Steam Frame to cost less than the $999 Index, but the final starting price puts it $60 above that benchmark. Rising memory and component costs have complicated the pricing strategy of Valve’s hardware, as seen with the Steam Machine.
Availability will also be controlled by a reservation system, with sign-ups running until September 17 and purchase invitations starting September 18.
The Steam Frame is clearly not aimed at the budget VR crowd at $1,059. Valve is betting its Steam library, Android support, wireless PC streaming, and standalone abilities will justify the premium.
