Valve has reentered the hardware arena successfully through the Steam Deck and its upgraded OLED version, and the firm is now venturing back into virtual reality territory via the Steam Frame. This device represents the much-anticipated VR headset from Valve, which was earlier known internally as 'Deckard.'
In addition, Valve introduced a fresh Steam controller alongside a new PC unit named the Steam Machine. Each of these products is slated to arrive in the first part of 2026. Details on costs and precise launch dates remain undisclosed for the time being. Developers can already access dev kits for the Steam Frame.
According to Valve, the Steam Frame functions as a cordless, priority-streaming VR headset, enabling users to dive straight into gameplay upon wearing it. It accommodates both virtual reality titles and traditional flat-screen experiences. To facilitate this, Valve developed a simple plug-and-play wireless adapter operating at 6GHz that connects to a user's PC or the Steam Machine. The system features a dual-radio design to reduce disruptions, allocating one radio for transmitting video, audio, and other streams to the headset, while the second handles standard Wi-Fi connections.
The Steam Frame does not require a separate computer for gaming. Similar to devices from Meta's Quest series, it operates independently to run applications without additional hardware.
Equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16GB of memory, and storage options reaching 1TB via UFS, the headset also includes a microSD expansion slot. It incorporates Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3 standards. Like the Steam Deck and Steam Machine, it uses SteamOS as its operating system. A verification initiative for the Steam Frame will indicate compatible titles for standalone operation, much like those for the other devices.
Furthermore, the Steam Frame will be compatible with Android-based games. Valve appears to be encouraging creators of Android VR content, including those for Meta's Quest devices, to adapt their work for the Steam platform.
Power for the Steam Frame comes from a 21.6Wh rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A single USB-C 2.0 port on the rear handles both charging and data syncing. Recharging supports speeds of up to 45W, though the exact duration of battery life per charge has not been specified.
The battery integrates into the back of the headstrap, eliminating the need for an external pack connected by cables. Users can replace the default headstrap, which houses the audio components, with alternatives, such as one offering extended battery capacity.
Despite the integrated battery in the headstrap, the overall weight of the Steam Frame stays below one pound, measuring 440 grams. The main front assembly tips the scales at 185 grams or 6.5 ounces, while the headstrap adds 245 grams or 8.6 ounces.
An advanced capability named Foveated Streaming enhances performance on the Steam Frame. This technology employs low-delay eye monitoring via two embedded cameras to sharpen image details based on gaze direction. Valve reports it delivers a tenfold boost in visual fidelity and efficient data usage. The feature applies across all titles in a user's Steam collection.
The display setup includes two LCD screens, each at 2160 x 2160 resolution, capable of refresh rates up to 144Hz, with a viewing angle reaching 110 degrees and an interpupillary distance adjustment from 60mm to 70mm. Valve highlights the use of slim, lightweight custom pancake lenses that ensure clarity across the entire field and accommodate a broad eye relief area. The design supports eyeglasses up to 140mm in width.
For sound, the Steam Frame features paired stereo speakers on both sides, delivering high-resolution audio. The speakers are arranged facing opposite ways to neutralize vibrations that might affect positional tracking.
Regarding tracking, four high-resolution monochrome cameras handle both controller and headset positioning, relying on inside-out methods. External infrared LEDs assist in low-light conditions for reliable performance. The system also provides monochrome video passthrough.
To interact with content, the Steam Frame bundles two dedicated controllers. These support full six-degrees-of-freedom tracking with inertial measurement units for VR interactions. They adopt a divided gamepad layout, including a directional pad, analog sticks, ABXY inputs, triggers, and shoulder buttons. Designed for compatibility with the full Steam catalog, they offer a more user-friendly design compared to PlayStation VR2's controllers.
Instead of Hall effect sensors, the controllers use magnetic analog sticks with capacitive touch detection for fingers. Each unit provides approximately 40 hours of use on a single AA battery. Gamers can opt to pair them with the newly announced Steam Controller for Steam Frame sessions.
The Steam Frame marks not Valve's initial foray into VR hardware. The company launched the Valve Index back in 2019 and collaborated with HTC on the Vive series, which started as consumer-oriented products before HTC pivoted toward enterprise solutions.
Although Valve's earlier PC-centric VR devices did not achieve the widespread adoption of Meta's Quest series or even Sony's PlayStation VR platform—which continues to see activity despite a sparse update schedule from Sony—Valve's influence remains strong through acclaimed titles like Half-Life: Alyx, often hailed as a pinnacle of VR gaming. Given the popularity of SteamOS on the Steam Deck, which has prompted competitors to seek licensing for their own portable devices, the Steam Frame holds potential to challenge Meta's Quest dominance effectively.