Valve Launches the Steam Frame VR Headset With a Steep Price Tag
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Valve has opened orders for the Steam Frame wireless VR headset, which starts at $1,059 due to ongoing hardware and RAM shortages.
Valve has officially opened orders for the Steam Frame, completing the hardware trilogy that includes the new Steam Machine and Steam Controller. According to recent coverage from Rock Paper Shotgun, the wireless VR headset is both remarkably versatile and notably expensive. Component cost explosions and ongoing RAM shortages have pushed the starting price to $1,059 for the 256GB model, while the 1TB version climbs to $1,299. Additional accessories like hand straps and replacement gaskets will require even more out-of-pocket investment from players.
To manage high demand and prevent automated scalping bots from clearing out initial inventory, Valve is utilizing a randomized reservation system. Anyone who registers for a headset before the September 17 deadline will be assigned a random spot in the fulfillment queue, shifting to a standard waitlist once the initial window closes. This rollout mirrors the approach used during the recent Steam Machine launch.
When weighed against competitors like the Meta Quest 3, the Frame is a challenging purchase purely on price. However, the headset sets itself apart through advanced features like built-in eye tracking, the ability to run demanding titles like Half-Life: Alyx without a tethered PC, and compatibility with traditional flat games from your existing Steam library. For players looking to step outside the Meta ecosystem and keep their data private, Valve offers a compelling, if costly, alternative.
Tags: VR, Valve, Steam, Hardware, PC Gaming
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun