"We're trying to make it easier": Valve confirm the Steam Frame is just the start of plans to get Steam games working on compatibility-challenged ARM PCs
The Steam Frame , unfortunately RAM shortage-ravaged as it is, is unique among virtual reality headsets for its ability to run Steam games – VR or 'flat' alike – entirely on its own, internal compute hardware. It is, in effect, a SteamOS PC for your face. Yet as I waxed about in our review , this feature’s impact could extend far beyond the Frame itself, as it’s based on new compatibility tech…
Valve has released the Steam Frame 3, a VR headset designed to cater to both VR and non-VR gaming. This device features an onboard Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and up to 1TB of internal storage, allowing users to play standalone games without requiring a PC. The Steam Frame is priced at a premium, with a price tag of over $1,000.
The headset's design is reminiscent of ski goggles, with soft curves and thin plastic to keep it lightweight. Weighing in at 440 grams, it's significantly lighter than the previous Valve Index headset. The device houses four cameras for both headset and controller tracking, as well as an eye-tracking camera. Additionally, a cooling fan is present to prevent overheating during prolonged gaming sessions.
The Steam Frame also includes a USB-C port for charging and an expansion port for potential future features. It offers an IPD adjustment knob ranging from 57.6 to 69.6 mm, an IPD lock switch, and a proximity sensor. The device supports wireless Bluetooth headphones or earbuds and features four speakers for audio.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, the Steam Frame can run standalone games as well as x86 Windows games, thanks to FEX emulation and Proton. The headset comes with two wireless controllers that offer six degrees of freedom and support for haptic feedback motors. The overall cost of the device is $1,299, while a 256GB version is available for $1,059.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Valve Steam Frame 3 Review: Competent as a standalone VR, but wireless streaming remains the focus tomshardware.com
- The Steam Frame launches during one of the slowest periods for VR on Steam, but Valve hopes to 'rekindle the excitement' for PCVR pcgamer.com
- Steam Frame VR: ¿Vale su precio de 699 € en Europa? dev.to
- Valve considered making a new VR game for the Steam Frame, before tackling the "ludicrous" task of getting Half-Life: Alyx running standalone rockpapershotgun.com
- Valve is still figuring out ‘how and when’ to do Steam Deck 2 theverge.com
- The Steam Frame is ready for pre-order, and it costs a pretty penny xda-developers.com
- Steam Frame reviews: Great VR hardware at a tough price techspot.com
- Steam Frame starts at $1059 store.steampowered.com
