Steam Frame costs $1,059, but Android games could give it an edge
- Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, while the 1TB model jumps to $1,299.
- Android games are supported, giving the headset access to existing Android APKs without requiring completely separate ports.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 + 16GB RAM powers the headset, with SteamOS handling native games and compatibility layers.
Valve has finally put a price tag on the Steam Frame, its new wireless VR headset that aims to blur the line between a standalone gaming device and a PC accessory. The catch? It won't be as simple as clicking buy" to get one.
The Steam Frame starts at $1,059 for 256GB, with the 1TB model costing $1,299. Each headset has tracked controllers, and Valve is bundling Half-Life: Alyx with the device, the company announced. It can play supported games locally or stream more demanding titles from a PC.
It'll also support Android games, with developers using the same Android APKs they already use to bring mobile titles to the Meta Quest. This could give the Frame access to a much larger game library without developers needing to build entirely separate versions for Valve's headset.
The Frame also supports wireless PC streaming with the 6GHz dongle that Valve bundles in.
Under the hood, the Frame is packed with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, with native software and compatibility layers handled by SteamOS.
The storage options are also worth a closer look. You can upgrade from 256GB to 1TB for $240, but the Frame also has a microSD slot. So if your main game stream is from a PC, there may be little reason to pay extra for the bigger model.
Valve had originally said it wanted the Steam Frame to cost less than the $999 Index, but the final starting price puts it $60 above that benchmark. Rising memory and component costs have complicated the pricing strategy of Valve's hardware, as seen with the Steam Machine.
Availability will also be controlled by a reservation system, with sign-ups running until September 17 and purchase invitations starting September 18.
The Steam Frame is clearly not aimed at the budget VR crowd at $1,059. Valve is betting its Steam library, Android support, wireless PC streaming, and standalone abilities will justify the premium.