Valve Introduces Steam Frame VR Headset, Pricing Set at £889
- Valve’s new Steam Frame VR headset is priced at £889 for the base model.
- The headset aims to simplify the transition between VR and non-VR gaming experiences.
- Reservation sign-ups for the headset are now open, utilizing a random selection process.
Valve has announced that its new Steam Frame VR headset will retail approximately £900 for the basic model and is designed to “expand the market” of virtual reality headsets. This headset is described as lightweight and standalone, addressing longstanding issues with VR usage.
Jeremy Selan, a software engineer at Valve, explained to Eurogamer that until now, VR has often been viewed as an accessory for PCs or, in the case of standalone devices, a choice that users have to make between VR and non-VR gaming experiences. He expressed a desire to eliminate this either-or mindset, allowing users to seamlessly switch between VR and non-VR content.
Selan further remarked that the Steam Frame has been built to encourage gamers to enjoy non-VR applications comfortably, highlighting the lightweight design and ergonomic controllers that appeal to users.
He shared his own experience using the headset, stating that he often engages with both VR and non-VR games without predetermined intentions, allowing for easy exploration of the Steam catalog. “If you’re already in it, the friction is zero,” he noted, emphasizing the increased tendency to engage with both types of gaming content because of the combined experience offered by the headset.
Matt, a reviewer, supported Selan’s points in his analysis, suggesting that the hardware’s physical design contributes to its potential appeal in a broader market. “It’s absolutely our goal to expand the market,” Selan confirmed.
Joy Lyons, a hardware engineer at Valve, added that the Steam Frame headset is not only aimed at existing PC VR users but also at expanding access to a wider range of content for developers and gamers alike, thereby providing a premium VR experience.
Despite its ambitious aims, the base price of £889 for the 256GB model presents a significant challenge, similar to issues faced by Valve’s Steam Machine earlier this year. The ongoing component shortage has delayed the headset’s expected release from early 2026. Selan acknowledged that pricing and volume targets had to be adjusted but maintained that the current price reflects a compelling value for the product.
Lyons emphasized the importance of making accessible hardware, suggesting that affordability is key to enhancing the gaming experience for a wider audience.
Reservation sign-ups for the Steam Frame headset are now open, offering potential buyers a chance to be randomly selected for purchase, a method previously used by Valve to manage high demand and limited supply. Full reviews of the Steam Frame VR are available on Valve’s website.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
