Valve opens reservation lottery for Steam Frame VR headset starting at $1,059

Valve has initiated a randomized reservation system for its new standalone VR headset, which features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and SteamOS 3.

Tech4K Staff
Image: GamesIndustry.biz

Valve has officially opened a reservation lottery for the Steam Frame, its long-awaited standalone virtual reality headset. Prospective buyers can sign up for the waiting list through September 17, with the company expecting to distribute the first round of purchase invitations on September 18. This randomized reservation process mirrors the strategy Valve previously employed for the launch of its Steam Machine hardware.

The Steam Frame is available in two storage configurations. The 256GB model is priced at $1,059, while the 1TB version retails for $1,299. Both models are powered by a 4nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor paired with 16GB of unified LPDDR5X RAM. The headset features a 2160 x 2160 LCD display per eye with a refresh rate ranging from 72Hz to 144Hz, the latter of which is currently designated as an experimental feature.

Designed as a wireless system, the Steam Frame includes a Wi-Fi 7 adapter and utilizes inside-out camera-based tracking. The device runs on SteamOS 3 and supports Android APKs, allowing it to leverage existing mobile VR ports similar to those found on other Android-based headsets. Each unit ships with two controllers capable of full 6-DOF and gamepad inputs, along with a copy of Half-Life: Alyx.

Despite the high entry price, the hardware package does not include a power supply, which Valve is selling separately for $29. Additional accessories available at launch include a $59 Ergonomic Accessories Kit and a $49 Accessory Replacement Kit for the face gasket and cushions. The headset also includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion beyond the internal UFS capacity.

Industry reports suggest that the final pricing for the Steam Frame was influenced by broader market conditions, specifically ongoing DRAM and storage shortages. While Valve had reportedly aimed to position the headset at a lower price point than its previous Index VR system, these supply constraints have pushed the cost of the Steam Frame into a higher tier. The device is currently compatible with more than 100 titles that have been verified for the Steam Frame standalone platform.

Sources

  1. GamesIndustry.bizValve opens waiting list for Steam Frame, starting at $1059
  2. TechPowerUp NewsValve's Steam Frame Starts at $1,059, Pre-Orders Now Open
  3. PhoronixValve's Steam Frame Now Available At $1059+ USD
  4. Steam Deck HQThe Steam Frame Officially Launches, Available from $1059
  5. Road to VRValve Announces Steam Frame Price, Release Date, and Accessories – Pre-orders Now Open
  6. Rock Paper ShotgunValve’s Steam Frame VR headset opens for orders, with the cheapest model priced at a lenswatering £889 / $1,059