Valve has unveiled an innovative virtual reality headset, named Steam Frame, marking a significant upgrade in its VR technology lineup.
The Steam Frame sets itself apart from the Valve Index by supporting standalone use, featuring cutting-edge streaming technology that enables wireless gaming from a PC.
Although Valve has not yet provided a specific release date or pricing details for the Steam Frame, it seems there are no new games specifically designed to showcase this advanced hardware. Back in 2020, Valve impressed with Half-Life: Alyx for the Valve Index, but reports suggest no fresh software is currently in development. Be sure to explore the hands-on preview to see our impressions of it.
Valve’s announcement extends beyond just the Steam Frame, with a new Steam Machine and Steam Controller also on the horizon. Check out everything Valve revealed today to ensure you stay updated.
Standout Features of Steam Frame
Lightweight, modular architecture
- 185g core
- 440g with included headstrap (facial interface, audio, rear battery)
Specs
- 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ARM64 processor
- 16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAM
- Wi-Fi 7, 2×2
- Dual 5Ghz/6Ghz streaming for simultaneous VR and Wi-Fi
- 256GB / 1TB UFS storage options
- microSD card slot for extended storage
Optics
- Pancake optics
- 2160 x 2160 LCD (per eye)
- 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental)
- Large FOV (up to 110 degrees)
Tracking
- 4x outward facing monochrome cameras for controller & headset tracking
- 2x interior cameras for eye tracking
- Outward IR illuminator (for dark environments)
Other features
- Wireless Adapter included
- Wi-Fi 6E (6Ghz)
- Fast, direct, low-latency link between headset & PC
- Foveated Streaming
- Eye-tracking drives video stream, sending highest resolution to where you’re looking.
- Audio
- Dual speaker drivers (per ear), integrated into headstrap
- Dual microphone array
- Monochrome camera passthrough
- User accessible front expansion port (2x 2.5Gbps camera interface / Gen 4 PCIe)
- Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-On Battery
- SteamOS
- Sleep / wake, cloud saves, Proton
Innovative Steam Frame Controllers
- Full 6-DOF tracking and IMU support
- Capacitive finger sensing
- Magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) for improved precision, responsiveness and reliability
- Haptic feedback
- Input parity with traditional game pad
- Replaceable AA battery (40hr life)
- Optional straps