Valve, known for its VR endeavors with the Valve Index and Half-Life Alyx, is re-entering the VR hardware market with the all-new Steam Frame, as reported by Ars Technica. This standalone headset, set to debut in early 2026, will support VR and traditional Steam games through SteamOS or wireless streaming from a local PC.
The Steam Frame features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 2160 x 2160 resolution per eye, offering up to 110 degrees field-of-view and up to 144 Hz refresh rate. Comparable to the Meta Quest 3, the Steam Frame will come in 256GB and 1TB storage options with expandable storage via a microSD card slot.
Unlike previous SteamVR headsets, the Steam Frame incorporates inside-out tracking cameras, eliminating the need for external base stations. However, this shift means older SteamVR controllers will not be compatible with the new device. The controllers sport a familiar design for Meta Quest users.
Valve’s re-entry into the VR hardware market signals a renewed focus on immersive gaming experiences and positions the company to compete with established players like Meta. As the tech landscape evolves, the Steam Frame’s features and performance capabilities will likely shape the future of VR gaming.
Source: Ars Technica