Valve announced that reservations for its new Steam Frame virtual‑reality headset are now open. The sign‑up window will run for 72 hours and closes at 1:00 PM ET on September 17. Those who register will be placed on a randomized list, with the first group of customers expected to receive notification starting September 18.
Reservation system and timeline
Valve says the reservation approach mirrors the method used for the Steam Machine launch earlier this year, which it described as helpful for improving the purchase experience and limiting resale by third‑party scalpers. The company hopes the same system will curb the “scalper” problem that has plagued many high‑demand tech releases in the 2020s. While the selection process is partially based on luck, the company confirmed that the first wave of buyers will be contacted beginning September 18, following the close of the sign‑up period.
Hardware specifications and pricing
The Steam Frame is a wireless headset capable of running both VR and non‑VR games from the Steam library. It ships with a pair of Steam Frame controllers, one for each hand, and is designed to stream games from a Steam Machine or any compatible PC. The headset includes the critically acclaimed title Half‑Life: Alyx, but does not come with a power supply; Valve notes that a Steam Deck charger or any USB‑C charger supporting 45 W or higher will work.
Technical specifications listed on the store page include a 4 nm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 ARM64 processor, 16 GB of unified LPDDR5X RAM, and either 256 GB or 1 TB of UFS storage with a microSD card slot. Power is supplied by a rechargeable 21.6 Wh Li‑ion battery. The display features a 2160 × 2160 LCD per eye with a refresh rate ranging from 72 Hz to 144 Hz (the higher rate is experimental). Inside‑out camera‑based tracking, Wi‑Fi 7 (2×2) with a wireless adapter, Bluetooth 5.4, dual speaker drivers per ear, and a dual‑microphone array are also included. The device runs SteamOS 3.
Pricing for the two storage options is as follows, according to Valve’s press release:
- Steam Frame 256 GB – US $1,059; CA $1,529; EU €1,049; UK £889; AU $1,609; PL 4,539 zł
- Steam Frame 1 TB – US $1,299; CA $1,859; EU €1,279; UK £1,089; AU $1,969; PL 5,549 zł
Optional ergonomic accessories kit
Buyers can also add an ergonomic accessories kit for an additional US $59. The kit contains a strap for each controller, a top strap for the headset, and an extended light blocker. Valve describes the kit as designed for comfort during extended play sessions.
Potential owners are encouraged to complete the reservation form before the September 17 deadline. The sign‑up link and full specifications are available on Valve’s store page, and a video preview of the headset in action is provided alongside the announcement. For further information on the launch title Half‑Life: Alyx, readers can consult existing reviews of that game.
Norman Pearlstine is the Executive Editor and Co-Founder at News Raise. With over two decades of experience across financial journalism, corporate governance, and market analysis, Norman leads the editorial direction and ensures strict adherence to journalistic accuracy and ethics.
