Valve is preparing to launch a new virtual reality headset, the Steam Frame, with industry analysts and hardware trackers anticipating an official announcement before June 30. According to the X account Steam Hardware Updates, the company is currently shipping review units of both the Steam Frame and the Steam Machine, with backend code in the Steam client recently updated to include graphics and welcome tour strings for the new headset.
When will the Steam Frame be available?
Valve is expected to open hardware reservations for the Steam Frame by the end of June, following a trend of recent large-scale imports. Data cited by The Verge indicates that 13 tons of Steam Frame hardware arrived at Valve’s facilities on June 10, followed by additional shipments on June 17. The Steam Hardware Updates account reports that an announcement regarding pricing and reservations is likely between June 22 and June 30. This timeline mirrors Valve’s historical approach to hardware, such as the Steam Controller, where unboxing videos and software backend updates preceded an official launch by only a few days.
How much will the Steam Frame cost?
While official pricing remains unconfirmed, industry estimates suggest a retail price between $1,000 and $1,500. This range reflects a shift from Valve’s earlier internal goals. In an interview with Upload VR, the company expressed an initial desire to undercut the $1,000 price point of the Valve Index. However, current market conditions—specifically rising memory costs—have complicated these plans. For context, Meta reportedly sold its Quest 3 at a near-break-even price of $499, with production costs estimated at $430. Valve’s higher estimated price point suggests a focus on premium components rather than subsidizing hardware through software sales.
Comparison: Steam Frame vs. Previous Valve Hardware
| Device | Market Strategy | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valve Index | Premium/High-end | Legacy |
| Steam Frame | Enthusiast/High-end | Upcoming |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Steam Frame launch alongside the Steam Machine?
While it is unclear if both will launch on the exact same day, the X account Steam Hardware Updates notes that a simultaneous or near-simultaneous release is “likely.”
Where can I pre-order the Steam Frame?
Valve has not yet opened pre-orders. When they do, reservations will likely be handled directly through the Steam store interface, similar to previous hardware releases.
Is the Steam Frame a standalone headset?
Valve has not released full technical specifications. However, the integration with SteamOS 3.8 suggests a deep reliance on the Steam ecosystem, similar to the Steam Deck’s software architecture.
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