Valve’s Steam Frame VR Headset Set to Begin Shipping at £889
- Valve’s standalone VR headset, Steam Frame, launches with a starting price of £889.
- The headset features significant upgrades including improved screens and on-device tracking.
- Purchasing begins via a reservation system from September 14 to 17, with first shipments expected from September 18.
After a lengthy period of speculation and ten months following its official announcement, Valve’s highly anticipated standalone VR headset, the Steam Frame, is set to begin shipping soon, priced at £889.
The Steam Frame marks Valve’s first virtual reality headset since the 2019 Index, offering considerable enhancements across several aspects. Notable improvements include superior display technology, reduced weight, and integrated movement and position tracking that operates on-device rather than relying on external base stations.
While its advancements may not be as pronounced as those found in more recent consumer VR options like the Meta Quest 3, they are still significant. Detailed specifications are available on Valve’s official website. A review of the Steam Frame provides further insights based on two weeks of hands-on experience.
In their recent announcement, Valve emphasized the pricing details. The Frame is available with a 256GB storage option for £889/€1,049/$1,059 USD, roughly £340 more than the 512GB Meta Quest 3 for comparison. The 1TB variant is priced at £1,089/€1,279/$1,299. Both models come with the Steam Frame headset, an attached battery located at the back of the head, two controllers, a spacer, a charging cable, and a dongle for easy streaming of games from a PC.
Additionally, various first- and third-party accessories are available. Valve offers a power supply unit for £29/€39/$29, and an Ergonomic Accessories Kit for £59/€69/$59, which includes a head strap, controller hand straps, light-blocker components, and battery doors. An Accessory Replacement Kit costing £49/€59/$49 is also available, containing a face gasket, head cushion, and light blocker. There are indications of future adventure packs, including enhanced audio solutions and swappable battery packs, although these have yet to be officially confirmed by Valve.
Valve has partnered with Zennioptical to offer snap-in prescription lenses for approximately $67.95 per pair. Furthermore, a colorful camera upgrade by Arcturus is available for those seeking a richer experience than the default monochrome passthrough camera, priced at £129/€157/$149.
For those interested in purchasing the Steam Frame, Valve is implementing a reservation system similar to that used for Steam Machines. Interested buyers can sign up for their desired model from September 14 to 17, with registration closing at 6pm BST/10am Pacific Time. Following this period, a “one-time randomization” will determine the reservation and waitlist order. Notifications regarding whether individuals are on the reservation or waitlist will be sent out on September 17. Late registrants will automatically join the back of the waitlist.
Shipping timelines remain somewhat ambiguous; however, Valve anticipates dispatching the initial wave of purchase confirmation emails starting September 18, with additional units shipped as they become available.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
