Valve has unveiled the Steam Frame, a new standalone VR headset that offers both local gaming capabilities and the ability to stream games from a PC, marking a significant evolution from its predecessor, the Index.
Overview of the Steam Frame
The Steam Frame is designed to cater to a wide array of gaming preferences, allowing users to enjoy both local and streamed content seamlessly. Unlike the Valve Index, which required a physical connection to a gaming computer, the Steam Frame operates wirelessly, thanks in part to a dedicated wireless dongle that connects to the PC. This dongle facilitates low-latency streaming of both flat and VR games, enhancing user experience significantly. During a hands-on session at Valve’s headquarters, I tested the streaming capabilities while playing Half-Life: Alyx, and I was pleased to find that there was no noticeable lag, a crucial factor for immersive gaming.
Key Specifications
To better understand how the Steam Frame stacks up against its competitors, a detailed comparison of specifications is essential. Below is a table that outlines the key features of the Steam Frame alongside other popular VR headsets currently available in the market.
| Category | Steam Frame | Meta Quest 3 | Apple Vision Pro | Samsung Galaxy XR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | White | Silver | Silver |
| Weight (grams) | 185g (core unit), 440g (with head strap that adds audio and rear battery) | 515g | 750–800g (depending on light seal and headband configuration) | 545g, though weight may vary if you wear the light shield or not |
| OS | SteamOS | Meta Horizon OS | visionOS | Android XR |
| Lenses | Pancake | Pancake | Pancake | Pancake |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD | micro-OLED | micro-OLED |
| Resolution | 2160 x 2160 per eye | 2064 x 2208 per eye | 3660 x 3200 per eye | 4K per eye |
| Refresh rate | 72-144Hz refresh rate (144Hz experimental) | 72Hz, 90Hz, 120Hz | 90Hz, 96Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz | 60Hz, 72Hz (default), up to 90Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 | Apple M5 chip | Snapdragon XR2 Plus Gen 2 |
| FOV | Up to 110 degrees | Up to 100 degrees horizontal and 96 degrees vertical | Estimated to be about 100 degrees | 109 degrees horizontal and 100 degrees vertical |
| RAM | 16GB unified LPDDR5 RAM | 8GB | 16GB, reportedly | 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 1TB UFS storage options, microSD card slot | 512GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, includes dedicated Wi-Fi 6E adapter for low-latency streaming games | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Tracking, passthrough, and sensors | 4 outward-facing monochrome cameras for controller and headset tracking, 2 interior cameras for eye tracking, outward IR illuminator | 2 RGB cameras with 18 PPD for full-color passthrough | 2 high-resolution main cameras, 6 world-facing tracking cameras, 4 eye-tracking cameras, TrueDepth camera, LiDAR Scanner, 4 inertial measurement units (IMUs), flicker sensor, ambient light sensor | 2 high-resolution passthrough cameras, 6 world-facing tracking cameras, 4 eye-tracking cameras, 5 Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), depth sensor, flicker sensor |
| Eye tracking | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Battery capacity | 21.6Wh | 19.44Wh | Up to 2.5 hours of “general use” | Up to 2 hours of “general usage” |
| Starting price | TBA | $499.99 | $3,499.00 | $1,799.99 |
| Availability | Early 2026 | October 2023 | October 2025 | October 2025 |
Local Gaming Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Steam Frame is its ability to run games locally. Valve has successfully adapted SteamOS to function on an Arm architecture, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. This allows the headset to not only stream games but also play them directly without needing a constant connection to a PC. This is a significant advantage for users who may not always have access to a powerful gaming rig.
Unlike other VR headsets that are limited to games specifically developed for their platforms, the Steam Frame can run a wide variety of titles from the Steam library. This is made possible by its capability to execute Windows x86 code and recompile it in real time using an emulator. However, Valve has cautioned that users should not expect to run high-end games locally on the Frame. According to Valve designer Lawrence Yang, developers should aim for lower performance targets than they would for titles on the Steam Deck. During my testing of Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades II, I did experience some stuttering, which Valve attributes to a bug that they plan to address before and after the headset’s launch.
Comparison with Competitors
The Steam Frame enters a competitive landscape populated by several high-profile VR headsets, each with its unique features and pricing structures. The Meta Quest 3, Samsung Galaxy XR, and Apple Vision Pro are notable competitors, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Meta Quest 3
Launched at a starting price of $499.99, the Meta Quest 3 is a well-rounded headset that has gained popularity for its balance of performance and affordability. It features a resolution of 2064 x 2208 per eye and supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz. However, it lacks the advanced eye-tracking capabilities found in the Steam Frame and other high-end models. This makes it a solid choice for casual gamers but may not satisfy those seeking cutting-edge technology.
Apple Vision Pro
On the other end of the spectrum, the Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,499, making it one of the most expensive options available. It boasts a high-resolution micro-OLED display with a resolution of 3660 x 3200 per eye and advanced sensors for color passthrough. While it offers a premium experience, its high price point may deter many potential users, especially when compared to the Steam Frame’s anticipated lower cost.
Samsung Galaxy XR
The Samsung Galaxy XR, priced at $1,799.99, also features micro-OLED displays and a robust set of sensors. It offers a resolution of 4K per eye, which is impressive, but like the Apple Vision Pro, it comes with a hefty price tag. The Galaxy XR is designed for users who prioritize high-resolution displays and advanced tracking capabilities, but it may not be the best option for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative.
Valve’s Pricing Strategy
While Valve has not yet disclosed the exact pricing for the Steam Frame, hardware engineer Gabe Rowe indicated that the company aims to keep the cost below that of the Index, which retailed for $999 with necessary controllers and base stations. This pricing strategy could position the Steam Frame as an attractive option for gamers looking for a feature-rich headset without breaking the bank.
Given the competitive landscape, the Steam Frame’s pricing will be crucial in determining its success. If it can deliver a compelling feature set at a lower price than its competitors, it may carve out a significant niche in the VR market.
Availability and Future Outlook
The Steam Frame is set to be released in early 2026, a timeline that gives Valve ample opportunity to refine the product based on user feedback and performance testing. As the VR landscape continues to evolve, the company will need to stay ahead of trends and technological advancements to ensure the Steam Frame remains competitive.
In conclusion, the Steam Frame represents a significant step forward for Valve in the VR space. With its unique combination of local and streamed gaming capabilities, advanced technology, and a potentially competitive price point, it has the potential to attract a wide range of users. As the release date approaches, many in the gaming community will be watching closely to see how the Steam Frame performs against its rivals and whether it can deliver on its promises.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: November 13, 2025 at 6:39 am
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