Valve has announced a next-gen virtual reality headset, dubbed Steam Frame.
Steam Frame differs from its predecessor, Valve Index, in that it can be used as a standalone VR headset, and even comes with streaming tech that lets you play games from your PC without the need for cables.
Valve failed to announce a firm release date or a price for Steam Frame, and it doesn’t look like it has any new games to show off the hardware either. Valve released Half-Life: Alyx to showcase Valve Index back in 2020, but in an interview with IGN ahead of today’s reveal, the company said no new software was in the works. Be sure to check out IGN’s Steam Frame hands-on preview to find out what we think of it.
Steam Frame Images
It’s a big day for Valve hardware announcements, with a next-gen Steam Machine and Steam Controller also in the works. Be sure to check out everything announced by Valve today to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Steam Frame features and specs:
Lightweight, modular architecture
185g core440g with included headstrap (facial interface, audio, rear battery)
Specs
4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ARM64 processor16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAMWi-Fi 7, 2x2Dual 5Ghz/6Ghz streaming for simultaneous VR and Wi-Fi256GB / 1TB UFS storage optionsmicroSD card slot for extended storage
Optics
Pancake optics2160 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 tracking2x interior cameras for eye trackingOutward IR illuminator (for dark environments)
Other features
Wireless Adapter includedWi-Fi 6E (6Ghz)Fast, direct, low-latency link between headset & PCFoveated StreamingEye-tracking drives video stream, sending highest resolution to where you’re looking.AudioDual speaker drivers (per ear), integrated into headstrapDual microphone arrayMonochrome camera passthroughUser accessible front expansion port (2x 2.5Gbps camera interface / Gen 4 PCIe)Rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-On BatterySteamOSSleep / wake, cloud saves, Proton
Steam Frame Controllers
Full 6-DOF tracking and IMU supportCapacitive finger sensingMagnetic thumbsticks (TMR) for improved precision, responsiveness and reliabilityHaptic feedbackInput parity with traditional game padReplaceable AA battery (40hr life)Optional straps
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.