Versatile gaming: Steam Frame supports standalone VR, wireless PC VR, and standard Steam games on a virtual display.
Premium pricing: The headset starts at USD 1,059 for 256GB, while the 1TB model costs USD 1,299.
Expandable hardware: Optional accessories include color passthrough, improved comfort features, extra battery capacity, and upgraded audio.
Valve has put Steam Frame with an entry price of USD 1,059. The new headset does more than handle virtual reality. It can run supported games on its own, connect to a PC without a cable, and play standard Steam titles on a large virtual screen. That gives the device a wider role than the older Valve Index.
Valve set the US price at USD 1,059 for the 256GB model and USD 1,299 for the 1TB model. The 256GB version costs EUR 1,049 in Europe and GBP 889 in the UK. The 1TB version costs EUR 1,279 and GBP 1,089.
Steam Frame went on sale on September 14, 2026. Valve uses a limited reservation process for the first supply. Registration closes on September 17 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Valve plans the first purchase invites for September 18. Each selected buyer gets 72 hours to place the order.
Steam Frame uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory. SteamOS controls the device, so supported software can run on the headset itself, while demanding PC titles can use a wireless link to a computer.
The PC link forms a key part of the product. A desktop PC can render a demanding title and then stream the result to Steam Frame over a wireless network. The setup removes the usual headset cable and keeps most graphics work on the computer.
The headset also supports standard, non-VR Steam games on a large virtual display. This gives Steam Frame a wider role.
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Steam Frame has a 2160 × 2160 LCD panel for each eye. The normal refresh rate reaches 72Hz, with higher modes and an experimental rate of up to 144Hz. The field of view reaches about 110 degrees.
Inside-out sensors remove the need for external base stations. Cameras follow the headset and controllers within the play space. Eye sensors also form part of the hardware.
Passthrough has one notable limit. The standard headset does not offer full-color passthrough. Its built-in view uses a monochrome image instead. The Arcturus Vision Camera adds color passthrough.
Steam Frame comes in 256GB and 1TB versions. A microSD card can add more storage for users who keep many PC titles on a desktop.
The Ergonomic Accessories Kit costs USD 59 and adds two controller hand straps, a top head strap, and an extended light blocker. The Accessory Replacement Kit costs USD 49 and adds a face gasket, head cushion, and standard light blocker.
The official power supply costs USD 29 and comes as a separate purchase. The Arcturus Vision Camera costs USD 149. It adds color passthrough, spatial video capture, and 5K/60 video with 10-bit HDR stereo images.
Valve includes Half-Life: Alyx with Steam Frame. The company also prepared a native version for the headset, which gives the hardware a clear standalone test.
A future Enthusiast Kit will add more options. Valve has described a new head strap, extra battery capacity, premium off-ear speakers based on the Valve Index design, and more eye-distance choices. The extra battery can attach through a magnetic connection. Valve has not set a final price or release date for that kit.
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Steam Frame combines four roles in one device: a standalone VR headset, a wireless PC VR headset, a SteamOS computer, and a large virtual screen for normal games. Its Snapdragon chip handles local tasks, while a desktop PC can provide far more graphics power through the wireless PC link.
The 256GB model starts at USD 1,059, yet the power supply costs extra. The 1TB model adds USD 240 for four times the storage. The optional camera adds another USD 149, while the ergonomic kit costs USD 59.
Steam Frame arrives as a broad Steam device rather than a simple VR headset. Its main appeal comes from the choice between local software, wireless PC play, and standard Steam games on one screen. The hardware also leaves room for upgrades as Valve expands the platform.
1. How much does Steam Frame cost?
The 256GB model starts at USD 1,059, while the 1TB version costs USD 1,299 in the US.
2. Can Steam Frame run games without a PC?
Yes. Steam Frame uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and SteamOS to run supported software directly on the headset.
3. Can Steam Frame connect to a PC wirelessly?
Yes. It can use a wireless connection to a desktop PC for demanding PC VR games without requiring a headset cable.
4. Does Steam Frame support color passthrough?
The standard headset uses monochrome passthrough. Valve’s optional USD 149 Arcturus Vision Camera adds color passthrough and spatial video capabilities.
5. What comes with Steam Frame?
Every unit includes Half-Life: Alyx. Valve also offers optional accessories, while a future Enthusiast Kit will add further hardware upgrades.