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Valve’s new VR headset has finally been launched following its initial announcement back in November 2025. It’s called the Steam Frame (a trademark that was registered a couple of months before its introduction). The device was previously known under its codename, ‘Deckard’, and is the follow-up to the Valve Index – though it shouldn’t be regarded as a direct sequel.

Steam Frame arrives following two other devices: the Steam Machine and Steam Controller, released in June and May this year, respectively. This triplet of Steam-branded products joins the popular Steam Deck handheld as Valve expands its hardware lineup. Now that Steam Frame pre-orders have been opened up, here’s what you should know about the release date, specs, and price.

Steam Frame release date

The first thing to disclose is that Valve hasn’t specified an exact shipping date for the Steam Frame. However, sign-ups for the reservation queue went live on September 14, and Valve will send out invites for pre-orders via the reservation system on September 17. Reservations are randomized to deter bots and scalpers, but we don’t know when customers will actually get the headset in their hands (or rather, on their heads). This should become more evident as soon as invites are sent out.

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Prices correct as of August 20th, 2026.

Valve’s reservation program, which is also being used for the new Steam Controller and Steam Machine, operates in many regions directly through the official Steam store. The Steam hardware partner for Asia, KOMODO STATION, will operate with a more basic first-come-first-served system in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, hopefully with regular restocking.

Steam Frame specs for headset and controllers

The new Steam Frame VR headset differs from its predecessor, the Index, which had to be wired up to your VR-ready PC. This time around, Steam Frame is much more akin to the Meta Quest, as a standalone headset that offers “wireless, comfortable, lightweight VR for your Steam library”. The headset comes with two controllers, which are also suitable for non-VR games.

Credit: Valve

SpecificationSteam Frame headsetProcessor4 nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ARM64 architectureRAM16GB Unified LPDDR5X RAMStorage256GB / 1TB UFS storage options
microSD card slot for expanded storagePowerRechargeable 21.6 Wh Li-ion battery
1x USB-C 2.0 port in the rear, for charging and data
Charge with USB-C, 45WModular HeadstrapHeadstrap includes integrated dual audio drivers and rechargeable battery on rear
Headstrap weight: 245g
DetachableDisplay2160 x 2160 LCD (per eye)
72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental)OpticsCustom pancake lenses
Glass and non-glass optical elements
Large FOV (up to 110 degrees)IPD target range60mm – 70mmEyeglasses max width140mmTrackingInside-out camera-based trackingCameras4x outward-facing monochrome cameras for controller and headset tracking
2x interior cameras for eye tracking and foveated streamingPassthroughMonochrome passthrough via outward-facing camerasLow-light supportIR illuminators for tracking and passthrough in dark environmentsExpansionUser accessible front expansion port
Dual high-speed camera interface (8 lanes @ 2.5Gbps MIPI) / PCIe Gen 4 interface (1-lane)ConnectivityWi-Fi 7, 2×2, dual radios (concurrent 5GHz Wi-Fi and 6GHz VR streaming), Bluetooth 5.3AudioDual speakers (per ear, in headstrap), Dual microphone arrayDimensions & Weight175mm x 95mm x 110mm
440 g – core module + headstrap
185 g – core moduleOperating System & DesktopSteamOS 3 (Arch-based), KDE Plasma desktop

Credit: Valve

SpecificationSteam Frame controllersMotion controlsFull 6-DOF tracking and IMU supportGamepad controlsA B X Y buttons (right controller)
D-pad (left controller)
Full-size magnetic thumbsticks (TMR) with capacitive touch
L & R analog triggers
L & R bumpers
View / Menu / Steam buttons
Dual stage grip buttonsHapticsHaptic motor in each controllerFinger trackingCapacitive sensing for all input surfaces
Capacitive finger trackingConnectivity2.4ghz link to dedicated headset radioDimensions126mm x 73mm x 87mm per controllerWeightWith battery 130 g per controller
Without battery 107 g per controllerPowerOne replaceable AA battery per controller
40hr battery life

Steam Frame price – kits & accessories

Valve waited until pre-orders opened to finally announce Steam Frame pricing. It was initially expected to launch for cheaper than the Index ($999), but rising hardware costs mean it starts at four figures in some regions, including the United States. Valve admits the headset should have been “much more affordable,” but RAM market prices have taken their toll. It launches with a couple of storage variants and three accessories to consider (including an essential Power Supply Unit).

Steam Frame / accessoryUnited States (USD)Canada (CAD)Europe (EUR)United Kingdom (GBP)Steam Frame 256GB + controllers$1,059C$1,529€1,049£889Steam Frame 1TB + controllers$1,299C$1,859€1,279£1,089Ergonomic Accessories Kit$59C$89€69£59Accessory Replacement Kit$49C$69€59£49Power Supply Unit$29C$49€39£29

Is Steam Frame standalone?

Yes, the Steam Frame can be used as a standalone device. Valve even describes it as a PC, as it runs the Linux-based SteamOS and is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Series processor with 16GB of RAM. Alternatively, it’s great for streaming games. It’s marketed as a “streaming-first” headset and has some neat features to ensure smooth sailing. You hook it up to a gaming PC via a USB receiver.

For streaming, its 6GHz wireless adapter and dual radios are designed to provide a stable wireless connection. One radio transmits audio and visuals, while the other connects to your Wi-Fi. Valve also introduced its ‘Foveated Streaming’ feature. It keeps track of eye movement and optimizes details where you’re focusing. The company says this “typically offers over a 10x improvement in image quality and effective bandwidth”.

Is Steam Frame OLED?

No, the Steam Frame does not feature OLED panel technology. Instead, it is fitted with 2160 x 2160 LCDs (per eye) and offers between 72Hz and 144Hz.

A few examples that do use OLED include the Apple Vision Pro, Samsung Galaxy XR, and PlayStation VR 2, which benefit from OLED to help deliver high contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. The Vision Pro and Galaxy XR use micro-OLED screens, in particular. A comparable LCD headset to the Steam Frame would be the Meta Quest 3.