Monday-Morning Surprise: Valve Software Suddenly Launches Its Wireless VR Headset Steam Frame for $1,059
Valve’s new headset adds wireless PC streaming and standalone play, but the 256GB model starts at $1,059 amid rising component costs.
- On Monday, Valve officially released the Steam Frame VR headset, a standalone device powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, starting at $1,059 for the 256GB model.
- Valve developer Jeremy Selan stated the company 'fought hard to get it even to this price,' citing global RAM market pressures and industry-wide increases dubbed 'RAMageddon.'
- The headset features dual 2160x2160 LCD screens with up to 144Hz refresh rates and includes a voucher for Half-Life: Alyx, plus 6GHz wireless PC streaming via bundled dongle.
- To prevent scalper purchases, Valve implemented a lottery system requiring sign-ups by Thursday, September 17, at 10 a.m. PT, with buyers notified via email on September 18.
- Positioned as a premium alternative to Meta's Quest lineup, the $1,059 Steam Frame targets hardcore VR enthusiasts; Valve plans future modular 'Enthusiast Kit' upgrades for enhanced battery and audio.
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The Steam Frame, a standalone VR device introduced by Valve, boasts excellent performance and comfort, but it is assessed that its widespread adoption will be somewhat limited due to its high price exceeding $1,000, battery limitations, and lack of content.
Monday-morning surprise: Valve Software suddenly launches its wireless VR headset Steam Frame for $1,059
Initially revealed in Nov. 2025 as part of the same initiative that brought us the new Steam Machine, the Steam Frame is a new entry into the VR hardware space.
Valve's Steam Frame VR Headset Finally Arrives for $1,059
Valve is using a lottery system for buyers to keep things fair and prevent scalpers. Following a memory-related delay, Valve’s Steam Frame is finally ready to launch. The company will begin taking orders for the VR headset later this week. A 256GB version will be $1,059, and a 1TB model will cost $1,299. Both come with 16GB of Unified LPDDR5X RAM.
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